Fight HIV not people with HIV
Russia! I can feel your indifference.
Thirty years have gone by since HIV was identified. Over many years, this disease has taken the lives of millions of people across the world. Human life has become cheap in the face of the epidemic. The only way to return the value to people’s lives is to show respect, tolerance, solidarity, compassion, care, and love for one another. The whole world has united to end death and pain for these people. To help those who are the first to encounter this disease, those whose lives are at risk. To do everything so we can say: “We put an end to it!”
Globally, we’ve already done much. In many countries racial and cultural prejudices have faded. Sexual orientation has become a personal matter. Preventative measures have given us ways to avoid infection in the most complicated situations. Key social groups are more able to take part in the decisions that have life and death importance for them. Doctors and patients are joining together. And finally, there are therapies to deal with HIV/AIDS.
This is largely due to factors that seem simple at first glance, but in practice have proved to be slow and complicated.
I’m talking about needle exchange programs, methadone and buprenorphine substitution therapy, harm reduction programs, the decriminalization of drugs, observing human rights and the WHO protocols.
Unfortunately, these changes have taken many years and cost many lives.
To my despair, I live in a country where the means don’t justify the ends. Where it’s easier to save the lives of healthy people by destroying those who are sick. Where ethics and humanity have given way to contempt and cruelty. Where they evaluate prevention not in terms of possibilities and outcomes but dollars and popularity. Where lies and repression have replaced science and practice.
I express my deepest gratitude to all of you who share my protest. On this day I remember and mourn for all those who are no longer with us, and I share our common pain and hopes.
There’s one more thing I’d like to say. For me, World AIDS Day does not exist in Russia. For me World AIDS Day in Russia means white carnations and condolence cards.
I’m alive today thanks to your help and your faith in our united strength. I wish us resilient spirits, and that love fills all of our homes. I’m with you today”.
Alexei Kurmanaevskii
