Newspaper Review 01

Date of Article: Dec 1 2008
Title: HIV numbers likely to hit record high
The Straits Times Section: Home. B1.

Thoughts about the article:

As reported in the article,the number of people found infected with HIV has been increasing over the year.It seems that the reason for the rise in the numbers is the uptake of HIV testing and increased awareness of people.However,higher testing rates doesn't mean there is high social acceptance of people with HIV.

I felt disappointed after reading this article.In such a modern country we are living in,there is still some conservative mindset in us,creating a wall between the HIV-infected and us.People still regard these infected people as aliens,avoiding them and worried that they will transmit the virus to them.I think one of the reasons of Singaporeans not accepting the infected HIV people into our society may be because they have a very deep misunderstandings over the infected HIV patients.They may have thought HIV disease can be transmitted easily to another person just by having physical contact with them(like shaking hands) or that the food they cook or bake has virus and AIDS in it.Even worse, some Singaporeans think that by being near them,they will die like them.It's no wonder why Singaporeans are still being called "kiasi" .

In my opinion,the way to make the society to accept the infected is to educate them more about the virus and make them understand that these people are just like normal living person.Government,schools and parents also have a part to play in.These parties have to educate the young and prevent them having a misconception about the HIV-infected people.Parents should not just keep the children away from them without explaining to the children about the disease.The high level of rejections by the society do no justice to the people being infected.

I think that the HIV-infected people should not suffer discrimination among the society anymore.Even though some may say that this disease is the consequence of the infected living a high-risk lifestyle and that they deserve it,it is still unfair for them as they already have their punishment,being infected with this deadly virus.Moreover,some infected people are innocent as their partners did not tell them they got the disease.Therefore,what they need right now is the support from their families and care from the society.

Now more and more clinics have also offer anonymous testing for people who suspect
themselves being infected by HIV.It is good sign.As of an analysis in the article,it found out that 17 per cent of the HIV-positive people were diagnosed through voluntary screening.An early detection will also prevent developing full-blown Aids so soon.Also, these people who know their HIV status will stop having sex ,preventing a cycle that will lead to more victims being infected.
I do hope that people understand that HIV is a no-cure disease.Till now,they are still many who are infected but undetected as they do not go for HIV testing.
Singaporeans! It's time to open your heart and accept them!


Meiyu