AEGiS-IFRC: HIV/AIDS - speak out, silence kills

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

HIV/AIDS - speak out, silence kills

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies - 8 November 2001

Even her own death just weeks ago, did not prevent 40 year-old Red Cross volunteer, Masambo Mundega, from addressing an emotion-charged session of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS. On video, she summed up her life and struggle as a pioneer on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS since she joined the Zimbabwean Red Cross in 1992. "I thought it was much better to help other people who are ill patients. We went in the village, seeing .... those who were very ill. It was very serious, because there were no people who wanted to treat people with HIV. They are so many. I had three children, they all passed away."

The moving footage of this physically weakened but mentally strong advocate on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS was introduced by her friend and colleague, Bongai Mundeta, Federation HIV/AIDS coordinator for Southern Africa, who said the disease concerned us all and that about 140,000 Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers are themselves infected based on present global statistics. "What are we doing as a Movement to face and respond to this overwhelming question?" she asked.

Flanked by HIV-positive Red Cross volunteers, International Federation President Astrid Heiberg asked "Are we brave enough to respond? Have we the courage as an organisation and as individuals to speak out where it may be taboo? Are we committed to working with other organisations that may be different from us? Is there any real choice for the Red Cross/Red Crescent?"

Danish Red Cross President Freddie Pederson underscored the Red Cross/Red Crescent's obligation to speak out to combat stigma and discrimination. "Silence is not an option. Silence kills. Discrimination kills. Let's be honest - what makes HIV different is the way it is transmitted. We have to discuss things that are not talked about openly: sex, blood, death, promiscuity, sex workers, drug abuse, homosexuality."

Four Red Cross volunteers, David Mukasa, Patinya Thakaeng, Ramon Acevedo and Josephine Chituramani, who have been breaking the silence on HIV/AIDS for the last few years through their work with the Red Cross, also addressed the session. The volunteers, all of whom are living with the virus, spoke to the Assembly about their lives, work and attitude and received a standing ovation

"I would like to tell everybody that we have more than 100% strength, patience and intelligence to fight AIDS and to do many things in our community. Please give us the chance to stand with you. I know we can walk comfortably together when you know who I am," said Patinya Thakaeng of the Thai Red Cross.

Josephine Chiturumani of the Zimbabwe Red Cross told the Assembly; "What one person can do is help a few, what one national society can do is help many. What we can all do, if we make a real commitment, is to help hundreds of thousands. We must work together in prevention and care, we must fight stigma, we must pass on the truth about HIV and AIDS."

The Federation is forging new partnerships in the fight against HIV/AIDS, one of its priority programmes. These include UNAIDS and the World Bank and the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, an organisation active in 90 countries around the world. "I can't wait to begin working with you," said Stu Flavell, head of GNP+.

Calle Almedal of UNAIDS said he recognised the Federation as potentially one of the most effective players in this fight. "With your global network and the most powerful emblem in the world you guys can and will make a difference".

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