We are poor but we must remain healthy

Well, well guys!
I thought it important to write about the health facilities in the third world this time, in the event that health is one of the critical issues that require urgent attention.

I have not written this time to solicit for donor funding or to castigate my government and fellow country men. For us who have seen poverty and not known the luxury of flying around the world, what is important is to live healthy despite the poverty.

We shall not continue talking about third world underdevelopment, imperialism, world order, balance of power, war on Terror, yet the only important thing for the third world countries affecting children, women and youth remains row. In the 21st century, the third world countries have experienced the greatest enemy of all their times- perhaps greater than the colonial powers and imperialistic tendencies of the current super powers. This is poor health services with the attack of HID/AIDS scourge high.

After it was discovered that HIV/AIDS has no cure, many governments in the third worldcountries were struck with panic- the disease could weep out whole populations before the medicine is discovered. However, some courageous countries like Uganda took the bull by the horns. These countries are not winning the battle against AIDS because of huge donations but the will of the population to change their behavior particularly in relationship to sex.

The current period is the most important in the lives of the people in the third world countries. This is the time to talk about free trade not aid, a time of not leaning on the west or east for support. It is a period for re-organizing our perception about Health and responding to complex enemies like HIV/AIDS.

The myths about HIV/AIDS have been demystified. Sensitization of communities about HIV/AIDS has been done extensively, the communities have been cooperative, and the youth have learnt to change their behavior on sex. Despite the fact that our (read third world) scientists have not been able to find a cure for the disease, our ability to mobilize our own selves has been great. It is important to note that our leaders have political conflicts but have been good in fighting HIV/AIDS. Every leader whenever he/she goes at least talks about the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

The talk about HIV/AIDS has been done extensively. It is like the words have been permanently written in our hearts. We shall not be distracted with new concepts in our war against HIV/AIDS. We expect challenges though. Our continued approach on the fight against HIV/AIDS requires precision, determination, courage, resilience and focus.

We have been able to fight HIV/AIDS on two grounds. Firstly, we knew that the disease had no cure and once it attacks that is the end. We also knew that it can be contained as it is not contiguous like tuberculosis. If one was faithful to his/her partner, abstained from sex or avoided sharing sharp objects, there was no way one could get it. “Love carefully”, was the message.

If it was not because of this simple message, many of our people would have died. The other approach was to look at the disease carefully and squarely. Our people considered certain words (SEX, ETC) taboo to talk about but we found ways to convince them. Uganda for example mainstreamed in all it is developmental programmes a component of fighting HIV/AIDS. In fact, the country set up an AIDS commission.

Many have asked, how are poor countries able fight HIV/AIDS? The answers are simple. We have considered HIV/aids not as a medical problem but a social one. The African countries this time have shown much resolve in the fight against HIV/AIDS more than their predecessors did in resisting colonialism.

Now having shown that, third world countries can fight for their survival given the limited expertise, technology and finance, we should try to aim further. We should embark on research to find the true challenges facing our continent.

We should also note that, there are pharmaceutical industries out there struggling to retain their share of the market price for their so-called HIV/AIDS drugs. We should also note that, as we do our research, there are many who believe nothing good can come out of Africa. We need to fight back (our challenges not with standing) and demonstrate something good can spring out of Africa.

Cheer guys!!!