–Compiled by Indira Perera

The 14th International Conference on AIDS held in Barcelona, Spain recently, revealed a universal problem, that needed an immediate solution. The concept of controlling this deadly disease has drawn the attention of remarkable figures such as Nelson Mandella (former Prime Minister of South Africa) and former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Many millions of Africans have died of this disease with the number of women victims far exceed that of men. The disease is now also fast spreading in Asian countries such as India, Thailand and even our country Sri Lanka which has been once named as ‘Paradise Isle.’will sooner or later be called a 'hell of and Island'.

One of the main causes for the spreading of AIDS is the wrong altitude to it.

The many causes that have contributed to the spread of the disease can be categorized as primary and secondary. The primary causes are:

A) Advertisements.

b) The lack of knowledge of sexual activities.

c) The prohibition of basic associates.

d) Cloths that arouse sexual desires.

e) Visual images such as blue films.

Secondary causes which also act as catalyst to the above are:

a) Drugs.

b) Alcohol

c) The wrong attitude and concepts promoted by literature on the subject, including misinterpretation.

Stereo-typed attitudes have led the younger generation to change their out look on women as a commodity and a symbol of sex.

Today’s youth are free with sex, and readily sell their bodies disregarding the risk.

A few rupees to buy their drugs, a dress or even a glass of liquor.

One of the most obvious reasons for their indulgence in risky activities is their lack of knowledge on the disease.

Condom

Condoms are safe according to medical advice as a preventive measure but, it is agreed that it is not 100% dependable.

Alcohol and drugs are two catalysts that play a major role in spreading AIDS.

Raping of children

A rapist tempts victims of any age. Through a network of pimps and prostitutes seduction of unsuspecting youth takes place.

Measures of controlling the disease

Stringent laws to punish rapist is a must.

Religious dignitaries too have to a major role to play in guiding the youth and inculcating within the values that will help build a decent society.

According to a reliable medical source female victims of AIDS in South Africa exceeds men. Obviously their offsprings would double their number of victims when the AIDS virus is transmitted from the mother to the foetus. Though Asia has only recently been exposed to the disease compared to African countries AIDS spreading rapidly. This will prove in the Asian continent a burden to society if controlling measures are not taken to stop the spreading of the disease.

An AIDS victim carries a burden while living, and after death - a social stigma.

Donors of blood could carry the virus without their knowledge. How? If the virus enters the blood stream one or two days before the donation of blood medical tests through done correctly may not show signs of the anti bodies present in the blood. These antibodies lay dormant up to three weeks, within this period if blood is donated the donor will donate the blood as well as the antibodies to the receiver.

Therefore medical authorities say one cannot depend on the results of the report shown as hundred percent negative.

Sometimes the antibodies may become active even after 12-15 years in the donors blood — then it is too late.

Another mode of prevention is to stick to one partner for sexual purposes.

Information with regards to prevention of this deadly disease is freely available at the following centres.

(1) Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka.

(2) Community Development Services (NGO).

(3) Alliance Lanka.

It is useless trying to detect the donor once it has been proved that you are a positive case — remember after you have contracted it you are ruined for ever.-IP