A collective battle against demons


By: Pedro Norat

Havana, Cuba. - Almost two decades ago, a group of US physicians started a battle against the symptoms of an illness that would be known one year later as the Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome. It was eventually regarded as the worst pandemic of the XX century.

Global statistics have been distressing ever since. Millions of people suffer this terrible disease, in spite of all the propaganda in the struggle to prevent infection.

The number of infected people keeps growing. Meanwhile, humanity lacks an antidote capable of countering a pandemic that takes the lives of women and men everywhere in the Planet.

Only one resource has proved effective to fight such an awesome enemy: a responsible sexual attitude.

Cuba is likely to succeed in its endeavors to promote safe and protected sexuality, in spite of the scant resources available. Appropriate behaviors are encouraged by the popular “Vans for Life” and activities that take place in the whole Island.

Havana Province carries out systematic actions to prevent AIDS, including the delivery of the “Hope” Prizes. These prizes seek to commend the work of local institutions, which also encompasses the insertion of infected people in society.

It should be kept in mind that one day actions, no matter how intense the movement, are not enough to vanquish this redoubtable opponent.

However, it is encouraging that a special moment like this exists. Protected sexual practices ought to be encouraged because it is the only way to deal with this scourge.

Translated by:Pedro A. Fanego

( 03.12.2009 4:42 PM )