Lets get this Ebola story straight. Ebola is some serious shit. 13,500 have been diagnosed with the disease, most of those will die from it. An estimated (and much larger number of humans, mostly in west Africa) are believed to be infected, but not included in the counts. This is partially because of misinformation and culture differences in west African nations. For instance, UNICEF found that in Sierra Leone, 20% of people believe spiritual healers can cure the disease. 42% believe hot salt water baths can tackle the virus. People who share these beliefs and become infected will likely die. And, they will spread the disease and contaminate others. Other humans, including aid workers and NGO employees and volunteers. If this virus starts spreading, its going to cause major damage to an already fragile and disease stricken, war torn part of the world. Comparing the US media coverage of HIV/AIDS to the media coverage of Ebola is not an apples to apples comparison. If HIV/AIDS would have started in another country and killed thousands before it arrived here, the media frenzy would have been much bigger, I believe. But thats not what happened. Instead, we had to work to show the media the math. And, no doubt, because it was originally believed to be a gay disease, that definitely made it a bigger challenge to sell the story. When you compare the two epidemics, its important to know what youre talking about. Im no expert, but I am involved with a group of volunteers on the ground in west Africa who are helping to translate medical instructions for the at risk population. Its a huge challenge. Its dangerous work. And, many people are dying from the disease. So, lets not confuse the issue. If Ebola makes its way here in a bigger way, Im wagering youre going to see a healthcare crisis beyond what you might imagine. Lets hope thats not the case and that we find a way to tackle this virus and make the world safe from it. But regardless of what happens in the US, lets not try to put HIV/AIDS against Ebola. Its not a valid comparison and it does absolutely nothing useful to help anyone suffering from (or at risk of catching) the virus. What would make me proud is for the HIV/AIDS activists to stop flashing back to the past and instead, work on our present, with the knowledge and experience we gained fighting the AIDS pandemic. Lets help others and show the world our true colors.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 05:49:52 +0000
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