Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - November 11, 2001
South Africa is finally waking up to the fact that our future is in jeopardy. And it's the younger generation - our country's future money-earners and spenders - that is most at threat.
At the current rate of HIV infection among SA teenagers, half - about six million people - will be HIV-positive and could die in the next five to 10 years. We also have the highest rate of HIV infection among 15-20-year-olds of any country in the world; not a record to be proud of.
Talking about Aids is the first step in realising that protecting yourself from HIV is your responsibility. Talking about it not only helps break down stigmas, but helps people to be honest about their status and live without discrimination.
Aids is going to be a part of our lives for a very long time and we all have to change our lifestyle with this in mind. It doesn't mean the end to good sex; merely a new, healthy and more responsible lifestyle.
That's the message of this year's World Aids Day: to be more positive about love, life and the future. There is hope and it starts with us.
011111
ST011102
Copyright © 2001 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .