On November 29,1983, a New York Times article written by Lawrence K. Altman ran with theheadline “AIDS Now Seen As Worldwide Health Problem.” Mr. Altman reportedthat AIDS cases were found in “33 countries and all inhabited continents.” In2008, the number of worldwide AIDS cases was estimated at over 31 million. Thevast majority of people living with AIDS are in sub-Saharan Africa.
I was 6 weeksold when Mr. Altman’s article appeared in the New York Times; most of my staffand all of the college students involved with Think Impact weren’t even born.For the past several years, my non-profit organization, ThinkImpact (formerlyStudent Movement for Real Change) has focused its work on health and educationinitiatives in Kenya and South Africa, specifically in rural villages. We havewitnessed the AIDS epidemic first hand. And what have we done about it?
We have heldnumerous Health Days and HIV/AIDS workshops in South Africa to educatecommunity members about the causes, prevention and risks associated with thedisease.
AIDS educationis included in every community health workshop we provide in rural Kenyanvillages. We held a “Train the Trainers” program in Kenya for 130 communitymembers on HIV/AIDS and other health issues, so they can educate others in theirvillages. We have petitioned for condoms that don’t break for our communitiesin South Africa, and we have distributed thousands of condoms to the people ofManyeleti, South Africa. And we have trained thousands of American collegestudents on issues associated with HIV/AIDS.
Two of our four2010 Global Development Fellows who will return to Africa next summer to liveand work for a year have created original projects that recognize the HIV/AIDSproblems in Kenya and South Africa. Alexandra Crosson, a 22-year-old from Michigan,will open a Women’s Action Center with several sexual health educationcomponents. Mary Templeton, a 24-year-old from Ohio, will open a communitycenter with specific outreach to children who have been orphaned by the AIDSepidemic.
Looking backover the years and knowing that our work has positively affected the lives ofso many who are living at risk in African nations, I am proud of what we have done.But have we done enough? Has anyone done enough?
Are enoughcondoms being distributed in African nations? Have enough doctors offered to work in rural clinics to help prolong the life of the mothers, fathers and children whoare dying from this disease? Will the new initiatives announced by President Zuma reduce infant mortality and mother-to-child infection rates?
The battle hasbeen waged against HIV/AIDS. It is our personal and global responsibility to doour part and work against HIV/AIDS in Africa and around the globe.