Human
Immunodeficiency Virus Infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
is a disease of the human immune system leaving the victim powerless against
infection, (Junior World Encyclopedia,
1995). HIV is transmitted primarily via unprotected sexual intercourse
(including anal and even oral sex), hypodermic needles, and from mother to
child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
HIV/AIDS is a
worldwide problem which needs immediate control of its spread and a good
response to its detection and treatment because of its alarming and increasing
number of infected persons. If not addressed in no time, more HIV/AIDS victims
will crave for medical assistance and will experience excruciating pain not
only physically but also psychologically.
Having such
life-threatening sickness is like coming to a dead end. Life holds no meaning
anymore. The one all-time high self-esteem, coupled with high level of
self-confidence and high bright future expectations now dangerously touch the
zero level because of the dreadful disease. These are some of the negative
effects which need to be hurdled in order to have a positive outlook in life
despite the unhealthy condition that one suffers specifically the HIV/AIDS
patients.
It is a fact that a
victim or a patient of having HIV/AIDS experiences numbing fear and anxiety but
we can do something in order to counterbalance, eradicate or diminish the
agonizing feeling of that person. We should give them hope, encourage them to
be involved in fruitful activities like spiritual healing, advise them to be
responsible by not contaminating others, and lead them to love God because He
has plans for us in this world.
I will inspire the
victim with the following Bible lines and I quote “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I
will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous
right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). These lines from the Bible serve as a guiding
power to inspire someone who suffers from intolerable dilemma which may end up
to a tragedy if not properly guided. We should try to boost their morale in
order to become optimistic and spend the rest of their lives with meaning and
significance. We should not discriminate them because they can live normally and
freely with strict and proper supervision of medical practitioner who is an
expert to the said ailment and the loved ones who can devote their precious
time in taking care of them.
On the other hand,
there are ways to protect ourselves from HIV, so that life would not be like a
slow death march. To protect oneself from HIV, one should avoid premarital sex
(if single), be faithful to your husband or wife (if married), aim for safe sex
(using condom), don’t use used needles, and internalize the words of God so
that we’ll always seek for restoration of our spiritual health through
spiritual healing. After all, prevention and protection are better than cure.
Therefore, we should
protect ourselves from contagious diseases. Likewise, we should not
discriminate persons who have HIV/AIDS, we should instead inspire them and
advise them that their health problem is just a stepping stone to make them
stronger and more persevering persons who are determined to cross over bridge
of pain toward a beautiful life.
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