Fear of Knowing the Truth AIDS is an extraordinary type of crisis that represents both an emergency and a long-term development problem. Despite increased funding, political commitment, and progress in expanding treatments, the AIDS epidemic continues to outpace the global response. No region of the world was spared. The epidemic remains extremely dynamic, growing and changing character as the virus exploits new transmission opportunities. The UNAIDS/WHO Global Overview of the AIDS/HIV Epidemic reported that nearly five million people contracted the HIV virus in 2003, the highest number in a year since the epidemic began. Globally, the number of people living with HIV continues to grow. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In 2001 the number increased from 35 million to 38 million in 2003. That same year nearly 3 million people died of AIDS; over 20 million have died since the first cases of AIDS were identified in 1981 (5). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 850,000 and 950,000 people in the United States are living with HIV/AIDS, a quarter of whom are unaware of it. of their infection (par.6). Based on these statistics it is clear that this is a growing problem that continues to worsen year after year. The AIDS epidemic has been recognized not only as a national problem, but also as an international problem. In 2003, young people (15-24 years) accounted for nearly half of all new HIV infections worldwide; every day more than 6,000 people were infected (par.3). I am very dismayed to find that most people infected with this terminal disease are at an age where many at this age go out into the world to make a life for themselves. But, due to lack of responsible actions, they have to live with this disease for the rest of their lives. Although there are many types of treatments for people infected with this disease and with treatment AIDS/HIV patients can live much longer than 20 years ago, when the first cases of AIDS were identified, the fact remains that it is an incurable disease. The most important factor that will have to come into play to make a significant difference in slowing or possibly stopping this epidemic is prevention. But, despite the severity of this problem, many factors come into play that discourage prevention initiatives. In my opinion, the two main barriers to preventing further infections, adequate care and support, and treatments to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS are shame and fear of discrimination. These two obstacles can be triggered by many factors. Many of which include lack of understanding of the disease, myths about how the disease spreads, prejudices and social fears. Thoughts of mortification and fear of discrimination can discourage many people from getting tested, contribute to infecting others, and prevent infected people from receiving adequate care and treatment. People's position in society may have a tendency to fuel shame, discrimination and risky behavior. It seems that many times it is thought that members of a community who are considered to live a good life cannot be infected with HIV/AIDS. Only those who have no morals and are promiscuous go out and get infected. When the thought of being seen only as one who lives an adequate life is instilled in an individual's head, it easily becomes linked to the apprehensive thought of being discriminated against. Individuals who become infected with HIV/AIDS may be as fearful as other peoplethey will react to the news and may be afraid to look at it differently now. For this reason people are afraid to find out if they do not have this disease, mainly afraid of the reactions of others. According to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, it was found that a third of Americans were worried that people would think less of them if they found out they had been tested for HIV (para. 7). Another important factor that could reduce the impact of possible HIV/AIDS prevention is that many people think they are not at risk of contracting this disease. For example, people who come from a small community might see that most people who get this disease are found in more urban populations. Because of these thoughts they may feel that the HIV/AIDS epidemic does not affect them or their community. According to a new national survey, 8 in 10 heterosexual adults (80%) say the main reason they don't get tested is that they don't consider themselves at risk of contracting HIV, indicating that more HIV education is needed. HIV/AIDS prevention is necessary for heterosexuals (par.4). A possible solution to these many factors hindering the prevention of this epidemic could be greater access to VCT (voluntary counseling and testing) which could lead to openness about HIV/AIDS and reduce fears of stigma and discrimination. If people could actually see people living with HIV/AIDS talk openly about their infection, it could encourage others to come forward to get tested. If people who got tested and found out they had HIV/AIDS spoke out before they became seriously ill, it could change the image of HIV/AIDS disease from suffering and death to living successfully with the disease. Involvement of HIV-positive individuals in activities that contribute to the reduction of the two main prevention barriers; shame and fear of discrimination could be vital. People talking openly about living with HIV and how they are learning to cope with it could be one of many steps they can take to address these barriers. This can make people realize that HIV is part of their community and not just someone else's problem. The role of an HIV-negative individual in their community should not be underestimated. Friends and family who show support for an HIV-positive person could have a huge influence on others to show broader support for those who are infected. It is not possible to take a single action to overcome all these barriers related to the prevention of this epidemic. But there are many things that could be done to overcome them. The fear of prejudice that underlies HIV discrimination must be addressed at both the community and national levels. There is a need to create a more compliant community so that there can be greater acceptance of HIV positive individuals and they can be seen as a normal situation. part of society. Some may disagree with this; others might suggest that if HIV-positive individuals were seen as a normal part of society this might lead people to think that it is acceptable to have HIV/AIDS and that they might not take extra precautions to protect themselves from it. I would suggest that every individual wants acceptance, but it depends on the situation the person is in, this would dictate how much acceptance could easily be given. In other words, it is difficult to be accepted into society when acceptance is difficult. as it is, and there is clear discrimination related to having this disease. The fear of being discriminated against is.