tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60346347329311544052024-03-22T03:21:57.610+02:00Positively AliveLiving with HIV and AIDS: A Path to Inner HealingAlan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-53377882698300585762020-03-26T14:06:00.000+02:002020-03-26T14:08:26.422+02:0010 steps learnt from dealing with an HIV diagnosis that individuals can apply during the COVID 19 global health crisis to remain positive: <div class="MsoNormal">
In this time of stress, anxiety and uncertainty what did being
diagnosed with HIV back in 1997 teach me? What skills do I have that I can apply
to help me remain a survivor?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am in no way trying to compare HIV to our current
situation or even suggest that the HIV epidemic is the same as COVID 19. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Last night I could not sleep as my mind took over and I began
to contemplate all that was happening in the world as the COVID 19 epidemic
takes hold of our every thought. I began to question and delve back in time to
what worked and what did not to stay positive and the tools I gained to become
a survivor of the HIV epidemic when the narrative back then was all doom and
gloom. At the time I was diagnosed HIV positive in January 1997 the only
possible outcome was death, according to the medical fraternity and everything
I knew back then. Yet, somehow I overcame this reality and today at 61 I am
still alive, healthy and blessed. How did I manage this? What are the lessons I
learned that I can apply to the situation we are all facing right now?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have no doubt in my mind that this could be considered worse
on so many levels compared to HIV. But here is the first ray of light. With HIV
due to stigma and discrimination most people dealt with it in isolation, alone,
afraid with nobody to talk to. Today we can stand together, we are all in the
situation and it will affect us all in a number of ways, be it health-wise,
economically or emotionally this is a burden we all have to endure. Even as I
type this I have received two bits of news that would be enough to force me
into the depth of despair. My one daughter who works as a social worker at a
retirement village is classified as an essential service and has to face the
danger of going to work throughout the lockdown placing her and her young
family at additional risk. My other daughter works in the hospitality industry
and has been informed that all staff will be placed on unpaid leave starting
from 1 April to 16 April, even if they have over 21 days leave available they
will be unpaid for this period. Economically as a small business the impact on
me personally too is a reality. Every one of us can share similar stories as we
all face this together. With HIV I
felt isolated, alone believing I could not share this with anyone. It would
have been so easy to just give in and give up but I never did! So allow me to
share some of my thoughts on what helped me overcome the despair and in my
heart of hearts I trust this might help us all to use these tools as we need
them more now than ever before.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY9nhKjFwE31h_iKDz7aGclfCbNVTNpaSHu1BoEbmCoezfR7-voPDW77pLxr6BNDYpfXdxRKb3qUvu9wrE6aFQ1mAA3bcqrP75ZEAevz-26wz0jpo1joxpqnf7G7NCXcUt7O1BOJ5w3k/s1600/ffb6cc37574d0b4b54dbe51a3f96f7b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY9nhKjFwE31h_iKDz7aGclfCbNVTNpaSHu1BoEbmCoezfR7-voPDW77pLxr6BNDYpfXdxRKb3qUvu9wrE6aFQ1mAA3bcqrP75ZEAevz-26wz0jpo1joxpqnf7G7NCXcUt7O1BOJ5w3k/s320/ffb6cc37574d0b4b54dbe51a3f96f7b3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Have your own narrative – Focus on positive
thoughts.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Focus on every possible action that keeps your mind in a positive state
of well-being. When doctors said I would
be dead within a few years, all I could focus on was well I am not dead yet. I
am alive. I have today. This moment is all I know. What is in front of me now
and how can I deal with it positively. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I had to adopt an attitude of I cannot change what is not in my
control, but I can focus on what I have control of. I had my mind and at times that
was all I had, it was my choice not to focus on the doom and gloom but the opportunities
and possibilities. The question must be
BUT HOW? How do you do this when all around you the messages are negative and frightening?
Here are 10 steps discovered back then and continue to apply in my life:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Step 1: Focus on factual
information and weed out anything that is false or unknown. </b>Question
everything, read and research what is fact and discard from your mind anything
you don’t have evidence to be true. Become knowledgeable as the unknown leaves one
vulnerable and at risk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Step 2: Be gentle, loving,
patient and kind with yourself. </b>You
are only human and it is easy to be caught up in moments of doubt and anxiety. It’s
easy to embrace the negativity and fear based information and false news going
around on social media. Admitting you have bought into wrong information and
changing your mind is your right. It does not mean you are weak or over-sensitive,
you’re just human.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keep questioning your thinking. Do research and find sources of
accurate information.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was easy for me to listen to all the negative dialogue in South
Africa about ARV’s and the then Health Minsters believe that ARV’s were toxic
and would kill you. We all know now that was utter rubbish. In this time of
COVID 19 the same will happen but be vigilant and seek facts not fiction.
Remember you cannot learn everything at once, so be gentle, loving and kind
with your thoughts as you give yourself time to adjust to all that is
happening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Step 3: Focus on what you can do
and don’t dwell on what is not in your control. </b>Back then ARV’s cost R18 000
a month and were unavailable through the health systems and medical aids and
like millions of others had no choice but to do other things that we could do.
I could look after my health by focusing on healthy eating, treating
opportunistic infections and seeking the services of a support group. What can
you do right now to mitigate the impact of COVID 19? Take action to reduce your
risk of contracting the virus. Wash your hands, practice social distancing,
ensure you have your chronic medication available, eat healthy to keep your
immune system healthy, speak to family and loved ones and those with a positive
mind-set. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Step 4: Have a WAWA attitude: </b>I had a manager that taught me this
approach to problems. I have called him by his nickname not his real name, so
that for those who know who he is, please don’t disclose as I don’t have his
permission to do that. I was going through a bad time at work and it seemed I
would be getting notice from a number of my clients as a result of the previous
manager’s lack of competence and service delivery and although in no way it was
my fault, I took it personally. In a chat to WAWA I kept saying what if, and he
would reply “and then what’s the worse that can happen”. I tried to explain the
worse I could think of and he simply replied “ok if that happens what is the
worst that can happen” no matter what I threw at him he just kept saying and so
what’s the worse that can happen. Eventually after exhausting all my possible
end-of-world scenarios, I was exhausted and had to laugh. He had exhausted my
negativity and I was able to see that no matter what this too will pass and
tomorrow remains filled with abundance and possibility. So in the same way I
could say to HIV I choose to live and I am alive right now so I can say the
same to COVID 19 right now I choose to live and I am alive. And then what –
What’s the worse that can happen? It’s
not in my control so let me return to what is in my control.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Step 5: Remain in a state of
gratitude: </b>Focus on what you have to be grateful for. Even if it’s seems to
be just a small insignificant thing to be grateful for. Right now as I am typing
this my two Scotties are lying snoring in my office oblivious to what I am
dealing with. I can say thank you for them and for their ability to unknowingly
keeping me in a state of gratitude. Think of family, loved ones, having a home
or shelter, or the fact that right now you are well. The more you do find the
things to be grateful for the more you will discover things to be grateful about
and you will attract gratitude into your heart and mind. So here is a thought, for HIV there remains
no cure. I remain grateful that I have treatment for HIV that enables me to
live a healthy normal life. With COVID 19 most people do recover. Yes many will
die but far more who are infected will get better. The prospects of a vaccine is
hence far more possible for COVID 19 as we will have recovered patients with
antibodies the scientists and medical researchers will be able to work with to
develop a vaccine. Our government has
numerous programmes to mitigate the economic burden. We have a leadership
determined to take action. I am grateful for this and even while it might not
help me directly I am grateful that it might help many others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Step 6: Use positive affirmations
to dispel negative beliefs and thinking. </b>I watch the panic buying and I
think the sh1#4&t seems to be hitting the proverbial fan according to the
toilet paper hoarders. I walk into the local supermarket and see someone
wearing a mask and am tempted to ask if they are infected or are sick! Back
when HIV started people gave into these fear messages in the same way and
withdrew their life insurances, gave up their jobs and lost all ambition. For me that was simply not a choice, I was
not prepared to go sit in the sand and say; oh woe is me I am going to
die. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Use affirmations as a tool to re-programme your reality. Affirmations
are like seeds planted in the mind, if you keep saying them over and over and
begin to use your imagination to feel the emotions of what that reality will
feel like, they will germinate and grew. Back in the time of HIV I used
affirmation such as the following:</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">I am well; my body restores itself to full
health.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">All is well in my world</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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What is your
affirmation at this time?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let me share a story of a friend called Abraham; one morning he awoke
to the realisation that he was unable to move his limbs. He was later diagnosed
with an immune disease that was attacking his body and organs. His degeneration
was so fast he ended up in ICU within just a few days with no body function.
Unable to even talk he was kept alive on machines. He could hear what was going
on around him but he could not respond at all. It was at an HIV support group
that Abraham arrived in a wheelchair to share his story. He was on the road to
recovery. What hit me hardest was him telling us that when you have nothing
left but you still have your brain you can begin to rebuild your life. He told
us how as he heard the doctors saying he would be a vegetable and would never
recover. His mind just continued to say, “I will walk again”, “I will heal”,
and “I will get better”. Many days when my body was weak and I had nothing left
I still had my brain and with that I just kept my belief and re-affirmed through
my brain that I will recover. My body restores itself to full health. Sitting
in his wheelchair his mind had against all odds achieved in his body what his
brain told it to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Step 7: Have a purpose for the
future. </b>Now is the time to dream and plan the future. What will tomorrow
bring, what do I still want to achieve? Make a mind map of your goals and
aspirations. Jot them down and refer back to them if you are filled with doubt.
Without a purpose you are like drift wood in the ocean tossed about and thrown
this way and that as the waves please. Having a purpose keeps you focused and
gives you meaning. I recall thinking I want to walk my daughter down the aisle
on her wedding day. I dreamt of having a grandchild on my knee. I dreamt of
working for myself and being successful at it. I made sure these dreams were
possible, tangible and achievable. These
goals became my anchor and they kept me focused and able to remain positive
through the dark days of despair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Step 8: Surround yourself with positive
friends and loved ones and remove those who bring you down and don’t serve your
purpose and aspirations. </b>I found a
support network for HIV+ people and they helped me to learn, keep a positive
mind set and remain focused.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I stopped watching everything on social network platforms that did not
uplift or align to my goals. You can remain informed without buying into every
bit of garbage on the internet. Restricting negative messaging, by being
selective about the resources and where the information is coming from. By interrogating everything and stepping back from
false news you will be able to not let these message influence your thinking. I
know bad news sells so I consciously refrained from believing everything as
true and hence making it my reality. I trained my mind to clear out what did
not serve me while remaining knowledgeable and informed. I listened to my inner ding (gut feelings)
about what I needed to know and what had no purpose. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Step 9: What you think and say becomes
your reality: </b>Being mindful of your self-talk is a key step to
reprogramming your mind and your words as they shape your reality and future.
Laughter they say is the best medicine, spending time in nature helps, enjoying
your garden, reading something motivational. Guard your thinking, your emotions
and your feelings as they shape your future. There is researched evidence that
what you think and say is sent out into the universe and returns to you and
manifests itself in your life. The brain is more powerful than we can ever
know. I heard someone say the world will never be the same ever again after
this. Well, that might just be the most positive thing if the change is
positive and nature and balance are replaced with all that was before this
epidemic occurred. What does your future look like? It’s in your hands and more
importantly in your mind you can create it if you wish to. Just because someone else says it so, it does
not have to be your reality. The need to buy and hoard toilet paper does not
have to be your reality, you can choose to wash your butt rather and you won’t
need toilet paper. The use of water in Muslim countries is due in part to
Islamic toilet etiquette which encourages washing after all instances of
defecation. See no need for toilet paper after all. Define your own reality.
Think out of the box and be unique. If you don’t have sanitizer, wash your
hands with soap and water.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Step 10: Take action and take
control</b>: I have heard a saying that when life gives you lemons make
lemonade. Choose to be different. Plan your future. Look after yourself and
those that you care for. Remember we are all in this together. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You don’t have to follow others. If everyone says lets jump off a cliff
do you choose to just blindly follow?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take actions to prevent contracting COVID 19 now for your health which
include:</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Wash your hands</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">When you cough, put the crease of your elbow
against your mouth—and if you see someone coughing in a public space, ask them
to do it, too. Don't cough over your hands, because your hands end up touching
things. That’s general practice—that’s not just for avoiding COVID-19.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">In addition, keeping a cool head is the best
option. Don’t panic. Don’t freak out on all the things that are being portrayed
in the media right now.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Manage your other health conditions: Stay on
your meds, keep your immune system healthy, keep working out.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Keep exercising at home to stay fit and healthy</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">And, one last time: Wash your hands.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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And in the words of my eldest daughter “This too shall pass”. My
question to you is will you come out the other side renewed and a better person
or not? The choice is yours, what are you going to make of this all, it’s in
your hands or more accurately in your mind. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Stay safe, stay strong, with love and light.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Alan Brand<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Positively
Alive<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/">www.positivelyalive.co.za</a></span>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-32334024301160990432019-03-26T12:29:00.000+02:002019-03-26T12:29:50.740+02:00ALAN BRAND'S... 9 STEPS TO LIVING A LIFE OF PURPOSE & WITHOUT REGRET<br />
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Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-27806852855861748902018-10-16T16:15:00.000+02:002018-10-16T16:21:26.413+02:00Wall panel at the SA Voices HIV Museum In Durban - Alan + Johan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOl5EPaOjgVrc28ex7_jULif1PRHbSCnDNxAyAeNwR1Opb5LT0F7L5CCX7mCDk7gS48Cnj-eQ2w5RYH8u6RbFbvY4FFYY_ythmhClAtkCr7GC3sSUbWdbdJtkgVM49pdOAWeAqde4XXw/s1600/Alan+%252B+Johan+Panel+SA+HIV+Museum.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1060" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOl5EPaOjgVrc28ex7_jULif1PRHbSCnDNxAyAeNwR1Opb5LT0F7L5CCX7mCDk7gS48Cnj-eQ2w5RYH8u6RbFbvY4FFYY_ythmhClAtkCr7GC3sSUbWdbdJtkgVM49pdOAWeAqde4XXw/s400/Alan+%252B+Johan+Panel+SA+HIV+Museum.bmp" width="275" /></a></div>
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Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0Durban, South Africa-29.85868039999999 31.021840399999974-30.079036899999991 30.699116899999975 -29.638323899999989 31.344563899999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-80413069914269735692015-11-17T10:37:00.000+02:002015-11-17T10:37:08.606+02:00Are the ambitious UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets for 2020 realistic and achievable, considering the end goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030? <div class="MsoNormal">
<b>By Alan Brand - 18
August 2015<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Background<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ending the AIDS epidemic is more than a historic obligation to the 39 million
people who have died of the disease. It also represents a momentous opportunity
to lay the foundation for a healthier, more just and equitable world for future
generations. Ending the AIDS epidemic will inspire broader global health and
development efforts, demonstrating what can be achieved through global
solidarity, evidence-based action and multi-sectoral partnerships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Although many strategies
will be needed to close the book on the AIDS epidemic, one thing is certain. It
will be impossible to end the epidemic without bringing HIV treatment to all
who need it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">As the world contemplates
the way forward following the 2015 deadline for the targets and commitments in
the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS, a final target is needed to
drive progress towards the concluding chapter of the AIDS epidemic, promote
accountability and unite diverse stakeholders in a common effort. Whereas previous
AIDS targets sought to achieve incremental progress in the response, the aim in
the post-2015 era is nothing less than the end of the AIDS epidemic by 2030.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In December 2013, the
UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board called on UNAIDS to support country- and
region-led efforts to establish new targets for HIV treatment scale-up beyond
2015. In response, stakeholder consultations on new targets have been held in all
regions of the world. At the global level, stakeholders assembled in a variety
of thematic consultations focused on civil society, laboratory medicine, paediatric
HIV treatment, adolescents and other key issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Powerful momentum is now
building towards a new narrative on HIV treatment and a new, final, ambitious,
but achievable target: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">By
2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status.</span></b></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">By</span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral
therapy.</span></b></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">By
2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.</span></b></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>A personal researched perspective on the 90-90-90
UNAIDS targets.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Benefits of Knowing
Your Status<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Knowing ones HIV status is no longer a death sentence and as such like
many other health conditions testing and screening is the first step to living
a healthy life. Knowing your status is empowering oneself through the gaining of knowledge while
engaging with medical practitioners who specialise in HIV treatment and care so
that regular monitoring of the effects of the HI virus on one’s immune system will
ensure that you can initiate treatment at the most effective time. It also
ensures that one has the ability to find psychological support through support
networks and support groups and hence one is fully able to take responsibility
for one’s life. Not knowing ones status denies one the ability to make these
important choices and is simply foolishness. Some of the benefits of knowing
your status include:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Knowing your HIV status will help
you to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Knowing your HIV status can
alleviate the stress and anxiety of thinking that you may be infected but not
knowing your actual HIV status.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">If you test negative for HIV, you
can make decisions and take steps that will help you remain HIV negative.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">If you test positive for HIV, you
can seek medical treatment earlier. Early medical treatment can slow the
progress of HIV and delay the onset of AIDS. Pregnant women who test positive
for </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">HIV can take action to prevent their baby from becoming infected with HIV</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Point-of-care Testing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">HIV-related point-of-care testing (POCT) technologies have become widely
available, and they serve as a catalyst to attaining the UNAIDS-led 90-90-90
HIV treatment targets by improving access to diagnostics in resource-limited
countries. The treatment targets aim to accomplish specific goals by 2020 – the
first 90-target being that 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status.
Increasing access and maintaining the high-quality of POCT is essential to
better patient outcomes and achieving an AIDS-free generation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In its continued efforts to
improve the quality of POCT, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)
recently partnered with the World Health Organization (SEARO and WPRO regional
offices), PEPFAR, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and
other global partners, to organise a regional consultation in Phnom Penh,
Cambodia, aimed at improving the quality of HIV and syphilis POCT. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">A new 'Phnom Penh
Statement' gives momentum to the global conversation aimed at improving access
and increasing the quality of HIV testing. The Statement endorses the UNAIDS
90-90-90 HIV treatment targets and captures the principle of the rapid test
quality improvement initiatives under way in Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The benefits of early and sustained
antiretroviral therapy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Definition:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Viral suppression is defined as, literally, suppressing or reducing the
function and replication of a virus. When discussing antiretroviral therapy for
HIV, a regimen is considered to be highly successful if it reduces a person's
viral load to undetectable levels. The term "viral load" refers to
the number of copies of HIV per mL of blood, i.e. the amount of virus in the
blood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In general, people with HIV need to use a combined antiretroviral
therapy (cART - also known as highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART) to
achieve long term viral suppression - where the level of circulating virus in
the blood remain quite low or undetectable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Benefits: - Prevention of
transmission:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection provides lasting
protection against the sexual transmission of the virus from infected men and
women to their HIV-uninfected sexual partners, investigators from the HIV
Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) have reported at the 8th International AIDS
Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in
Vancouver, Canada in July 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Benefits: - Improved health for
the HIV infected individual:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">People, who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately after HIV
diagnosis, while their CD4 cell count is still high, rather than waiting until
it falls below 350 cells/mm3 have a significantly lower risk of illness and
death, according to long-awaited findings from the START trial. The final study
results were presented on Monday at the Eighth International AIDS Society
Conference (IAS 2015) in Vancouver, Canada, and published simultaneously in the
July 20 advance edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">These findings suggest that HIV causes persistent immune system damage
soon after infection, and "clearly indicate that ART should be provided
for everyone regardless of CD4 count,"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It is well known that starting ART before CD4 cell counts fall to low
levels dramatically reduces the frequency of opportunistic illness and improves
survival. A growing body of evidence shows that earlier treatment is associated
with decreased disease progression and death, as well as minimising the risk of
onward transmission of HIV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Viral suppression a key to
the success of the UNAIDS targets?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To be successful, HIV test-and-treat programs in South Africa need to
focus more on getting patients to return for ongoing treatment. <span style="background: white; color: #353535;">Fewer than half of patients who tested
HIV-positive at a Johannesburg, South Africa, clinic returned to complete
eligibility testing for antiretroviral therapy (ART), according to a new study.
The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, tracked 380 patients who had
tested positive for HIV. Researchers found no evidence that 142 of them
returned for a blood draw—a CD4 count measuring levels of infection-fighting
white-blood cells—that would determine eligibility for ART treatment. Of the
remaining 238, only about 39 percent completed eligibility testing for ART
within three months. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Of those who had blood tests showing they were eligible for ART
treatment, 88 percent initiated ART within six months. Among the 185 patients
in that ART cohort, 22 transferred out and were excluded from further analysis.
Of the remaining 163, 81 percent were retained in care through two years of treatment.
About 9 percent of the patients who either never had a blood draw or never
returned to the clinic were known to have died.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Factors contributing to dropping out from and returning to HIV treatment<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Dropping out was associated
with drug/alcohol use, unstable housing/homelessness, psychiatric disorders,
incarceration, problems with HIV medications, inability to accept the
diagnosis, relocation, stigma, problems with the clinic, and forgetfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Returning to obtain
assistance and treatment was associated with health concerns, substance abuse
treatment/recovery, stable housing, and incarceration/release, positive
feelings about the clinic, spirituality, and assistance from family/relocation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Patients aged between 15
and 24 years are significantly more likely to drop out of HIV care compared to
individuals in other age groups. The research was conducted in four sub-Saharan
African countries and involved patients newly entered HIV care or initiating
antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 2005 and 2010. Patients in the 15- to
24-years age group were significantly more likely to be lost to follow-up
compared to both younger and older age groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This study provides
important insights on program outcomes previously not sufficiently described.
In addition to confirming attrition 1 year after starting ART the study found
that youth were substantially more likely than young adolescents and older
adults to die or be lost to follow-up before initiating ART.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">These findings suggest that test-and-treat programs must focus on
retention, particularly in the pre-ART period, in order to reduce morbidity,
mortality, and transmission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Conclusion:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The tools and
strategies now exist to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. However, getting there
requires unprecedented action now to scale up early antiretroviral therapy, as
delay will merely allow the epidemic to continue to outpace the response. While
new thinking and new ways of operating will be needed to achieve these
ambitious targets, the partnerships that have enabled the AIDS response to make
history provide a firm foundation on which to embark on a worldwide effort to
end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Hence the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets for 2020 are
key to achieving this goal and although ambitious can be achieved. </span></div>
Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-64633631834738301512015-11-17T10:29:00.000+02:002015-11-17T10:29:01.693+02:00First reactions – (On being Diagnosed HIV+) – Living positively with HIV.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
By Alan Brand, 01 December 2015 (Article for World AIDS Day 2015)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYbwWE5J2_gXBc05jXke81DuG4ighHmF5DH-Y38vMhsbI8UAfZ8yZ9aRnfM7MXdvKinuPQtljQYHFZxuypFzR8dSOiWu4pTr3iM8iwaKzmtP20-wLDPuQek7RhaSjARsvZI52R4pqg7g/s1600/NEWLYDIAGNOSED.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYbwWE5J2_gXBc05jXke81DuG4ighHmF5DH-Y38vMhsbI8UAfZ8yZ9aRnfM7MXdvKinuPQtljQYHFZxuypFzR8dSOiWu4pTr3iM8iwaKzmtP20-wLDPuQek7RhaSjARsvZI52R4pqg7g/s320/NEWLYDIAGNOSED.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
People react in many different ways when they hear that they have HIV.
You might carry on as if nothing has happened, you may search out lots of information,
or you might find it difficult to accept the news.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
You may blame yourself. But HIV does not infect people because they
‘deserve it’ – having HIV does not mean you are a wicked, immoral or stupid
person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Most people get HIV from a sexual partner. You might not have known
about HIV at the time, or not thought you were at risk, or you might have
decided not to worry about it for once. All these are very normal, human things
to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
You may blame someone else. If you think you know who passed HIV on to
you, you may understandably feel angry with them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
But they may not realise that they have HIV. Very often, HIV is passed
on by people who have only had it for a few months themselves, usually without
knowing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Or they may have known and not told you. Perhaps things would be better
if they had done. But many people are afraid of telling others, because they
feel ashamed, or are worried about being rejected. It’s not easy to tell. We’ll
look at how to tell other people later. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Keeping an eye on
your health<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
You can’t tell from someone’s physical appearance, if they have HIV or
not. And you can’t always know how good their health is. But blood tests can
show how HIV is affecting your health. Whether or not you are taking treatment,
it’s important to have some tests done regularly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
One important test is called a CD4 count and is a measure of the
strength of your immune system. A low CD4 count means that HIV is damaging your
immune system. A higher CD4 count shows that your immune system is stronger. Another
test is called a viral load. It’s a measure of the amount of HIV in a sample of
blood. If you are taking treatment, the viral load test shows how well your
treatment is working – the lower it is the better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Have these tests done every 4 to 5 months. They will help you and your
doctor make decisions about your health and treatment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Quick guide to
test results:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>CD4 counts </b>(An important
monitor to determine when to embark on treatment as it measures the strength of
your immune health)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Between 500 and 1200 = usual for people who do not
have HIV<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Above 350 = HIV treatment is not usually
recommended<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Below 350 = HIV treatment is recommended<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Below 200 = There is a higher risk of illness and
infections, so HIV treatment is recommended<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Your doctor may
give your CD4 results as a percentage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Above 29% = similar to CD4 count of above 500<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Below 14% = similar to a CD4 count of below 200<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Viral Load</b> (An important
monitor to determine how well your ARV treatment is working as it measures the
amount of HIV in a sample of blood)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Between 100,000 and 1 million = High<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Between 10,000 = for people with HIV not on
treatment, this is low<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Below 50 = known as an “undetectable” viral load.
The aim of HIV treatment is to have an undetectable viral load also known as
viral suppression.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>IMPORTANT
POINTS:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->CD4 and Viral load tests give essential
information about the effects HIV is having on your immune health and hence
your bodies response to infections and illness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The aim of HIV treatment is to have a very low
(or undetectable) viral load and a high CD4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->When the CD4 count is low, the viral load is
usually high. This situation is not good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->When the CD4 count is high, the viral load is
usually low. This is much better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If your CD4 count has dropped to 350 or below,
it is recommended that you start ARV treatment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The result of treatment should be that the CD4
is going up, and the viral load is going right down to undetectable levels. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>HIV
treatment<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
HIV treatment involves taking tablets (ARV’s) once
or twice a day. ARV treatment stops the virus from reproducing and reduces the
amount of HIV inside your body. If there is less HIV, there is less damage to
your immune system, and you are less likely to get ill.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
And if there is less HIV in your body fluids, you
are less likely to pass on HIV (for example to a sexual partner, or to your
unborn child during pregnancy).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
The aim of HIV treatment is to have an
‘undetectable’ viral load – this means there is only a tiny amount of HIV in
the body. ARV treatment is not a cure – they cannot totally wipe out HIV from
your body. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
HIV treatment helps you stay well by reducing the
amount of HIV in the body. All ant-HIV drugs (ARV) try to prevent HIV infecting
new cells. But different types of drugs do this in different ways. A
combination of two to three different types of drugs provides a powerful attack
on HIV. The aim of treatment is an “undetectable viral load” – very low levels
of HIV in the blood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Should I
take HIV treatment?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Not everybody with HIV chooses to take anti-HIV
drugs straightaway. Treatment will usually be recommended:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->if your CD4 count is below 350,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->if HIV is making you ill,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->if you have another health condition such as
hepatitis or TB,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->if you are pregnant, or<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->if you want to take it in order to reduce the
risk of passing HIV on to a sexual partner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
N.B: By knowing your status early you will give
yourself enough time to find out about your options and make the right
decisions in time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Taking drugs
on time <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
HIV treatment only works well if it is taken
exactly as prescribed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
This is often called ‘adherence’, and it means
taking the drugs:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->at the right times,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->at the right dose, and<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->following any advice about food and drink.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
The nurses, pharmacists and doctors at your clinic
can help you with this. You may need to develop a routine that helps you
remember to take the drugs at the same time each day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
If you sometimes forget to take your pills, the
drugs you are taking may stop working properly. If this happens you would need
to change your treatment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>KEY POINTS
ON ADHERANCE:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->It is essential to take all your doses of HIV
treatment at the right times and in the right amounts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Taking anti-HIV (ARV’s) drugs regularly will
mean that there is always enough of the drug in your body. This will keep HIV
under control.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Not taking ARV’s as prescribed can result in HIV
becoming resistant to the drug treatment choice you are on and can result in
HIV being harder to treat in the future. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Looking
after your health<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
As for anyone else, taking care of your health
involves more than popping pills.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
It will also help if you can:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Getting sufficient rest and sleep is important
so that you can wind down and strengthen your immune system.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Eating a balanced diet to maintain a healthy
weight gives you energy and ensures that you get the nutrients your body needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Get some exercise, which is good for the heart,
lungs, circulation and mobility.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Give up smoking, if you are a smoker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Talk to people and seek support (isolation and
stress are bad for your health too).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
As well as improving your physical health, all these
things are good for your feelings and emotional wellbeing. For example,
exercise can make you feel more relaxed and energised.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
During difficult times, you may find that you use
more alcohol or drugs. They may help you to forget, or to stop thinking about
things. While they may offer temporary relief, relying on them is likely to
make your feelings harder to deal with in the long run. Too much drink or drug
use usually brings its own problems.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Seven ways
to look after your health:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Eat
a balanced healthy diet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Get
some exercise<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->If
you are a smoker consider giving up smoking<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Get
enough rest and sleep<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Talk
to people and get a support for example: join a support group.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Attending
your clinic appointments and have regular blood tests.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Take
anti-HIV (ARV) drugs, if your blood tests show that you need to. <o:p></o:p></div>
Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-88153709221865059682015-08-09T09:45:00.000+02:002015-08-09T09:50:07.383+02:00Why are women at higher risk of contracting HIV?<w:sdt calendar="t" calendartype="Gregorian" date="2015-01-01T00:00:00Z" dateformat="yyyy" docpart="498C1B5570674171BBC08A5741016CB8" id="77761609" lang="EN-US" maptodatetime="t" prefixmappings="xmlns:ns0='http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2006/coverPageProps'" storeitemid="X_55AF091B-3C7A-41E3-B477-F2FDAA23CFDA" title="Year" xpath="/ns0:CoverPageProperties[1]/ns0:PublishDate[1]">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>By Alan Brand - Positively Alive - 09 August 2015</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this fact sheet we review specific biological factors
in women that make it more or less likely that HIV can be sexually transmitted.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fast
Facts</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">It is estimated that 12.2% of the South
African population (6.4 million persons) are HIV positive. This is 1.2 million
more People Living with HIV than in 2008 (10.6%, or 5.2 million). The main
route of HIV transmission is through heterosexual sex.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">HIV prevalence in young women 20 - 24 is at
17.4% which is three times higher than in men of the same age, 5.1%. Within the
25 - 29 year age group HIV prevalence amongst women is 28.4% whilst in men of
the same age group it is 17.3%.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Only 43.5 per cent of male youth (aged 15-24
years) and 40.6 per cent of females of the same age group can correctly
identify ways to prevent sexual transmission of HIV and reject major
misconceptions about HIV transmission.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Women (especially young women and girls) face
increased risks of HIV infection, these calls for more effective enabling
interventions. Risk-enhancing factors include alcohol abuse, violence against
women and socioeconomic insecurity there are many people accessing ARVs which
has a huge impact on available domestic resources.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Before we explore why genetically women are more at risk
of HIV transmission, lets first look at some important basic information on HIV
transmission in general. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; page-break-after: avoid;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; page-break-after: avoid;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How does HIV infection occur?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For infection to occur two things must
happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The virus must find a way to enter
your bloodstream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The virus must “take a hold” (find a
T/cell with a CD4 and CCR5 receptor which the virus needs to enter the body’s
cells) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; page-break-after: avoid;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; page-break-after: avoid;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Think of it with the word <b>SAD</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> = Sufficient quantities of the virus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> = Access into the body<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">D</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> = Duration<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There must be sufficient quantity of
the virus to infect you, and it must enter your body in an efficient manner,
and their needs to be enough time for this to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-outline-level: 2; page-break-after: avoid;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are only three ways in which this can happen:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unprotected sexual acts with an
infected person<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Through infected blood e.g. in
sharing needles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prenatally from mother to child
during pregnancy or at birth, and through breast milk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; page-break-after: avoid;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Body fluids!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Body fluids can
be divided into those, <u>which contain sufficient quantities</u> of the virus
to be infectious. </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blood</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (100% if HIV Viral load present)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Semen</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (75% if HIV Viral load present)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vaginal
secretions</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (50% if HIV Viral load present)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Breast milk</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Low but still possible with prolonged breast feeding if
HIV Viral load present)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For transmission of HIV to happen,
body fluids infected with the virus must pass from the already infected person
into the bloodstream of another. HIV can do this through contact with the thin
linings of various openings in the body and openings in the skin. These linings
contain concentrations of the cells to which HIV attaches to enter the body.
The sexual organs of both men and women have such linings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is why unprotected sexual acts
are the most common route for HIV transmission. The chance of transmission is
greatly increased if the lining or skin is inflamed or damaged, for example
when another sexually transmitted disease is present.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the other
hand there are other body fluids, <u>which do not</u> contain sufficient
quantities of the virus to be infectious.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> These are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saliva<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sweat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tears<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Urine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt; page-break-after: avoid;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
do you get HIV?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Infection through sexual practices.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Semen / vaginal fluid coming into contact with the
thin linings of various openings in the body and openings in the skin. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Infection through blood. (Blood products)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Intravenous drug users.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blood transfusions. (Since 1985 all blood is tested
for HIV) <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Needles, ear piercing, razor blades, dental tools,
(unsterilized)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Infection from mother to child.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Across the placenta: - during pregnancy.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During birth: damaged
lining/skin<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Breast milk:</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So
why are women at greater risk of HIV?</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The risk of transmitting HIV from men to women is much
higher than from women to men. This is in part because of the much larger
surface area of the vagina and cervix compared to the areas of the penis where
transmission can happen (foreskin, urethra and small tears on the head of the
penis).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Women are exposed to considerable amounts of seminal
fluid during sex, if ejaculation occurs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The vagina is particularly vulnerable to invasion by
bacteria, viruses and other germs. It is an ideal place for bacteria to grow,
as it is warm and moist. It also provides an easy entrance into the body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Women with low levels of the hormone oestrogen may be at
increased risk for transmission of HIV because low oestrogen levels directly
affect the vaginal wall, making it thinner so HIV can more easily pass through
the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How
does HIV get into the body through the female genital tract?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The vagina has various defence mechanisms against
infection. These help to protect a potential foetus developing in the uterus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The walls of the vagina are made up of mucous membrane
that is thicker than the mucous membrane in other places where HIV transmission
often happens, such as the rectum or cervix.
The walls of the vagina have ten to twelve overlapping layers of
epithelial cells, which create a strong barrier against germs such as viruses
and bacteria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The vagina is also home to a number of “friendly”
bacteria species (for example, Lactobacilli) which are thought to give some
protection against less friendly bacteria (for example, Gardnerella vaginalis)
as well as viruses that might infect the body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It used to be thought that HIV can only get through the
walls of the vagina through small tears or sores in the mucous membrane. Recent
research suggests that HIV can pass between or through healthy cells. This
means that HIV can still infect women even if the vaginal mucous membranes are
healthy and intact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unlike the vagina, the mucous membranes lining the cervix
and uterine walls have only a very thin layer of cells (often just one layer
thick) and so it is much easier for viruses like HIV to cross into the body
through the cervix and possibly the uterus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Because the cervix acts as a barrier to protect a
potential foetus, it is home to a large number of immune cells. Many of those
immune cells are CD4+ cells, which are the cells that HIV is most able to
infect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
about sexually transmitted infections?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Women are at more risk for sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) than men. In addition, women often have fewer obvious
symptoms, and therefore don’t get treatment until the infection has been
present for a long time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Having an STI increases the risk of HIV transmission
in several ways:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">All STIs cause inflammation of the mucous
membrane. Inflammation is the body’s immune response to an infection or
irritation. When the mucous membrane is inflamed, a large number of immune
cells come to the area to fight the infection.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Many of those immune cells will be CD4+ cells
or other immune cells that are involved in HIV transmission. In addition, when
cells are fighting off an infection, they become activated. Activated CD4+
cells are more easily infected by HIV.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Some STIs also cause open lesions or sores,
which offer an easy way for the virus to get into the body and cause an
infection.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why
are women at higher risk of being affected by HIV?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some women may be unaware of their male
partner’s risk factors for HIV (such as injection drug use or having sex with
other men) and may not use condoms.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> The risk of getting HIV during vaginal sex
without a condom or other protection such as PrEP is much higher for women than
it is for men, and anal sex without a condom or PrEP is riskier for women than
vaginal sex without a condom or PrEP.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Women may be afraid that their partner will
leave them or even physically abuse them if they try to talk about condom use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></div>
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<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),
such as gonorrhoea and syphilis, greatly increase the likelihood of getting or
spreading HIV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Women who have been sexually abused may be
more likely than women with no abuse history to engage in sexual behaviours
like exchanging sex for drugs, having multiple partners, or having sex with a
partner who is physically abusive when asked to use a condom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></div>
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<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Some HIV infections among women are due to
injection drug and other substance use—either directly (sharing drug injection
equipment contaminated with HIV) or indirectly (engaging in high-risk behaviours
while under the influence of drugs or alcohol).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
is “SAFER SEX”?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Safer Sex” Means: - Sexual practices, which involve the
use of condoms for penetrative anal or vaginal sex, and the use of many
different forms of experiencing sexual pleasure without placing people at risk
of HIV transmission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Always talk to your regular or potential sexual partner
about safe sex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Alan
Brand<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Employee Wellness Consultant and Specialist
HIV and Employee Wellness Training Provider<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">www.positivelyalive.co.za</span></a></span>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-34844556131549446532015-03-02T11:34:00.000+02:002015-03-02T11:34:37.772+02:00Rights to Confidentiality and Privacy – The Law<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHac09bzD3gd8qje1BHiV2E5PF3FPM5iiR64eSjzrBSzvZowYDg3U2lywBUvAELBmSDfi8Q1Jf2NuiUKZ9GIJjMRcBE4w97A0TW8aX-9oGdpMN3NKhAeT2KqQPduRrY9BGTxWu7Lk4us/s1600/q.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHac09bzD3gd8qje1BHiV2E5PF3FPM5iiR64eSjzrBSzvZowYDg3U2lywBUvAELBmSDfi8Q1Jf2NuiUKZ9GIJjMRcBE4w97A0TW8aX-9oGdpMN3NKhAeT2KqQPduRrY9BGTxWu7Lk4us/s1600/q.gif" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Dear Alan,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Please accept
my apology for missing the group, I really wanted to attend but sometimes the
best planned events still get hijacked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I need some
advice that you might be able to help me with.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’m separated
at the moment from my spouse and divorce proceedings are about to start (I’m
all fine with that) but my lovely husband has been making gentle and other very
clear statements that he will disclose my + status to all my clients and ruin
my life if I do anything to upset him. He is a registered </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Dr with the AHPCSA
but when I contacted them to ask about Dr/patient confidentiality I was told
that it doesn’t extend to spouses and that the law becomes very grey in this
matter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Today he
stated that if he finds out I’m having sex he will inform the person that I’m
HIV+ and trying to kill them knowingly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’m not stupid
and know that most of his claims are tactics to keep control over me but we
both know that should he go ahead, even if I can prove the contrary, the damage
would have been done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He told his
sister about my status as she sent me a SMS today to say she will make it
public knowledge should I go against her brother in any way, so the ship has
sailed as far as him disclosing my status goes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I can lose my business
and everything if he discloses my status in this way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Is there any
legal protection to stop him...no point in legal action afterwards, I need
something that will stop him from disclosing to anyone else.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sorry for the
long message but I think you get the idea of what I mean and need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you know of
anything or could direct me to a link or anything I will be forever grateful to
you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kind regards,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
P<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Dear P, I look
forward to seeing you at one of the support meetings again soon. It is totally against the law and our
constitution to disclose the HIV status of another person without their
consent. The Allied Health Professions
Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) is incorrect it is not a grey matter as the
rights of people with HIV are clearly defined by the South African
constitution, as well as their own guidelines. It is very clear based on the
law that even a threat to disclose another person’s status is illegal for the
purposes that your ex-partner is threatening to do so. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I recommend
you contact the AIDS Legal Network on 0214478435 or visit their website for
more details on www.aln.org.za also the AIDS Law project now called + Section
27 would be able to assist you. Visit www.section27.org.za contact details are
011 356-4100.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Also you can contact
the Section27 advice centre on 011 356-4117<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
By doing this
now they could assist you to notify your ex that if he continues to threaten
you or breaches your right to privacy he will and can face litigation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To better
understand your rights let’s look at what the Laws in South Africa have to say
about HIV and confidentiality/privacy;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>The South African Constitution<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The
Constitution of South Africa protects the rights of people living with HIV. It
doesn't allow discrimination and protects people’s right to privacy and
confidentiality. In South Africa, there aren't any laws that force people to
tell others about their HIV status. People who do test positive should tell
their partner, so that they can be protected and also have an HIV test. People
with HIV/AIDS in South Africa are protected by the Bill of Rights and have the
same rights which protect all citizens.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">There can
be no discrimination against anyone who has HIV/AIDS.</b></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Test
results cannot be shown to anyone else without the permission of the person who
had the test.</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>The Basic Rights of people living with
HIV/AIDS</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">People living with HIV infection and AIDS should
have the same basic rights and responsibilities as those which apply to all
citizens of the country.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">People with HIV infection or AIDS are entitled
to make their own decisions about matters that affect their marriage and having
children. Counselling about the consequences of their decisions should be
provided.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">People
with HIV and AIDS have the right to confidentiality and privacy about their health
and HIV status.</b></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Information
about a person’s HIV status may not be disclosed to anybody without that
person’s fully informed consent.</b></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">After
death, the HIV status of the deceased person may not be disclosed to anybody
without the consent of his or her family or partner – except when required by
law.</b></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Medical schemes may not discriminate against any
person on the basis of his or her state of health.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">People
have a moral and legal obligation to tell their sex partners if they are HIV
positive.</b></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Insurance companies may not unfairly refuse to
provide an insurance policy to any person solely on the basis of HIV/AIDS
status.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">All people have the right to proper education
and full information about HIV and AIDS and how to prevent it.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><u>The Basic Rights of people
living with HIV/AIDS at Workplace</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Employers may not discriminate against
HIV-positive employees or victimise them in any way.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">No person may unfairly discriminate against an
employee in any employment policy or practice (e.g. recruitment, appointment,
remuneration, training and development, promotion, transfer and dismissal) on
the grounds of his or her HIV status.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">No
HIV-positive employee has to disclose his/her HIV status to his/her employer.</b></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Information and education on HIV and AIDS, as
well as access to counselling and referral, should be provided in the
workplace.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>HPCSA guidelines on patients’ HIV status</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sharing
information within the healthcare team about a patient’s HIV status is only
permissible if the patient has given consent or if it is clinically indicated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Ethics, the South African Constitution (Act 108
of 1996) and the law recognise the importance of maintaining the
confidentiality of the HIV status of a patient.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">The test
results of HIV positive patients should be treated with the highest possible level
of confidentiality.</b></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Confidentiality
regarding a patient’s HIV status extends to other health care practitioners.
Other health care professionals may not be informed of a patient’s HIV status
without that patient’s consent unless the disclosure is clinically indicated.
For treatment and care to be in the best interests of the patient, the need for
disclosure of clinical data (including HIV and related test results), to health
care practitioners directly involved in the care of the patient, should be
discussed with the patient.</b></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">The
decision to divulge information relating to the HIV status of a patient must
always be done in consultation with the patient.</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The HPCSA
states: “In the management of an HIV positive patient it is important that the
health care practitioner gives due consideration to other health care
professionals who are also involved in the management of the same patient (eg
where necessary, and with the patient’s consent, informing them of the HIV
status of the patient).”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>HPCSA - Disclosure in the public
interest</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The National Health Act makes an exception to
the rule of confidentiality if non-disclosure of a patient’s personal health
information would pose a serious threat to public health.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">HPCSA guidance states that, for disclosure to be
justified, the risk of harm to others must be serious enough to outweigh the
patient’s right to confidentiality. If you judge that this is the case, you
should attempt (if it is safe and appropriate) to obtain the patient’s consent
first, but should go ahead with disclosure to the appropriate authorities if
this is not forthcoming.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Carefully document the reasoning beside your
decision to disclose, together with details about any discussions you may have
had with colleagues in the course of your decision-making</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is hence
clear from all of the above that your ex-partner may not disclose or breach
your rights to confidentiality and hence disclose your HIV status to 3<sup>rd</sup>
parties, even if he is a medical practitioner, when the intent or purpose of so
doing has but one aim aimed and that is to destroy your rights to privacy and
confidentiality. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He may not disclose your HIV status to persons he suspects you
might be engaging with even if the relationship is of a sexual nature unless he
has proof that you are engaging sexually without having taken precaution to
protect the person from exposure and/or based on the <b>assumption</b> that you are placing the person at risk. He can only do
so from a medical practitioner’s responsibility to protect 3<sup>rd</sup>
parties point of view, if he knows for a fact and has evidence that you are not
protecting the 3<sup>rd</sup> party (sexual partner). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He still can only do that
after having discussed the matter with you first and attempted to provide you
with counselling aimed at correcting your behaviour and only after providing
such counselling, if you still refuse to protect 3<sup>rd</sup> parties, may he
warn you that he has an obligation to breach protect 3<sup>rd</sup> parties and
hence is considering disclosing your HIV status to the 3<sup>rd</sup> party that
he knows, for a fact you are placing at risk. Clearly this is not his intent
and hence he is simply doing this, not in his medical capacity, but as an
avenging ex-lover/partner. And this is against the law. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is also
important to always remember that one’s right to privacy does not give one the
right to place others at risk and hence, keep secrets or tell lies. Informing
your sexual partners of your HIV status is your responsibility and you should
always insist on taking precautions not to transmit HIV to your sexual partners. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Love and light<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Alan Brand<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Employee
Wellness Consultant and Specialist HIV and Employee Wellness Training Provider<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/"><b>www.positivelyalive.co.za</b></a></span>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-52554730317942659092015-03-02T11:21:00.001+02:002015-03-02T11:21:14.232+02:00A question about PrEP<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
is PrEP?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>PrEP</b> stands
for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. The word “prophylaxis” means to prevent or
control the spread of an infection or disease. The goal of <b>PrEP </b>is to prevent HIV infection from taking hold if you are
exposed to the virus. This is done by taking one pill every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These are some
of the same medicines used to keep the virus under control in people who are
already living with HIV (called Anti-retrovirals).<b> PrEP</b> is meant to be used consistently, as a pill taken every day,
and to be used with other prevention options such as condoms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In several studies of <b>PrEP</b>, the risk of getting HIV infection
was much lower—up to 92% lower—for those who took the medicines consistently
than for those who didn’t take the medicines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCSBRnXNLelzQlF28QigKenevKkMWgNRp8KkyWjq4wcCkKgA91b2DdW74xU7byePHEp9syvnk6EeLIK90DtdnhZTrU5wy5wuaKIakHw75pk__u7p03_6j47_-xy9XTC4TuT07jBKfU-E/s1600/q.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCSBRnXNLelzQlF28QigKenevKkMWgNRp8KkyWjq4wcCkKgA91b2DdW74xU7byePHEp9syvnk6EeLIK90DtdnhZTrU5wy5wuaKIakHw75pk__u7p03_6j47_-xy9XTC4TuT07jBKfU-E/s1600/q.gif" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dear Alan. Right now, I’m
still battling to get my head around the whole I am positive idea... I started
seeing a guy a few weeks back, had amazing time together and connected
amazingly... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, it seems
there are still many people who are not educated about HIV, therefore when we
eventually had the discussion around HIV... He ran miles... He does not know
about it at all, nor what it means to be undetectable etc...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have stayed in touch as
friends subsequently and I have slowly but surely tried to educate him and talk
to him about it and shared a few links with him through your support network
however, he is still very scared and sticks to the "stigma" of the
past...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I tried to explain to him
around using PrEP as well, explaining the significantly reduced risks. But he
is now so scared because and his words "I would never have thought you
were HIV Positive"... And says he doesn’t want to be with anyone because
he doesn’t know anymore. Hopefully in time I can educate him and in general people
around the world will become a little bit more educated about HIV and the risks
and how to mitigate these risks. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
questions he asked me, for someone who is 31, were quite scary and clearly
showing how little information and knowledge about HIV he has. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But, hopefully when I meet
someone special one day and if they are Negative I will be able to have the
skills to be better able to discuss the same issues any guidance would be
greatly appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNpxXLB_pQSxTGsGgPye5on8kVUehV4FKwAnk8gdxJd88f1CrTWjCNZO8TI8Jp6qtJQMwn-_EjBsDo30tD8pAFIBu4aP3EnEy1NYbpBW9znMhvwwaRVfOPbJ2FBuu-hY0Hl-ZgntTJx8/s1600/a.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNpxXLB_pQSxTGsGgPye5on8kVUehV4FKwAnk8gdxJd88f1CrTWjCNZO8TI8Jp6qtJQMwn-_EjBsDo30tD8pAFIBu4aP3EnEy1NYbpBW9znMhvwwaRVfOPbJ2FBuu-hY0Hl-ZgntTJx8/s1600/a.gif" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dear M, thanks for your
comments and indeed it is so sad that for over 34 years HIV continues to been an
issue of humanity and although we have had to deal this yet still so much
ignorance, shame, stigma and denial continues to exist. But before I was
diagnosed HIV+ back in 1997 (18 years ago) I too was caught up in ignorance,
intolerance and denial. Hence I will continue to remind myself of my own
ignorance and denial not to mention my feelings of stigma and lack of knowledge
towards those infected back then. This always helps me to remember that people
only are interested in education about something when they feel the issue is of
benefit to them or will affect them in some way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sadly many simply remain like
ostriches with their heads so deep in the sand and notion; "It is not my
problem" that one can but only be compassionate and sympathetic at their
attitude. It is a protection mechanism of sorts, “what I don't know about I
don't have to deal with” mentality. Silly as it might sound perhaps but that
the biggest barrier to HIV awareness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I commend you on taking the
stand to make a difference and if only all HIV+ individuals could do that we
would be much further down the road to making a real change and getting people
to realise that it can happen to anyone and nobody is immune to the HIV virus.
If anything the very stance of "It cannot happen to me" is what
places most people at highest risk. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fear is a very real
experience and unfortunately for far too long fear has been the only way HIV
awareness has been used to no effect. It is simply human nature when presented
with fear and no other alternatives but fear to shut down and fall into the
trap of ignorance and denial. In 2015 we now have such a better position with
so much more at our disposal. We can speak about real ways to prevent
transmission such as PreP, and all other treatment as prevention methods
(TaSP), condoms, water based lube, undetectable viral loads etc etc etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m assuming that somebody
is going to take the lead in getting the PrEP conversation started. Here are
some steps to kicking it off and keeping it moving forward: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Start
with a reminder:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> I love you. When you’re having a
conversation about your relationship, start with reconfirming your foundation.
After all, you’re together because you love each other. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">State
your intention:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> This isn’t the time to be a wimp about why
you’re starting this conversation. But that also doesn’t mean you’re here to
lay down the law. So how about making it clear that this is a decision for you
and your partner to make together? You might say something like: “I’ve been
thinking about PrEP and what it might mean for us. I want to talk to you about
your thoughts. Is that OK?” If your partner isn’t ready to have the discussion,
you may need to drop it for now and bring it up again when he/she is ready. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let
your partner talk first:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> You might already be aware of your
partner’s feelings about PrEP, or maybe not. Either way, give your partner a
chance to express their opinion first. This approach can help your partner to
feel like this really is a conversation and not only an opportunity for you to
express your opinion or state the decision you have already made on your own.
“I’m really interested to know what you think about PrEP.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Listen:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Early and often. Conversations are an interchange between two people. You take
turns talking and listening. So when your partner talks, really listen to what
they’re saying — instead of thinking about what you want to say next and
waiting for them to take a breath so you can jump in. If you aren’t feeling
listened to, gently ask your partner to do the same. It might help to state
what you just heard your partner say, in your own words, to make sure you
understand: “So you are saying ______.” Listening is one of the best ways to
honour another person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Offer
to team up on getting informed:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Make this an opportunity to
look for information together. Share what you learn. Make a list of questions
to get more information on. You might also want to meet as a couple with your
doctor to talk about PrEP. To kick off the information-gathering: “How about if
we get on the Internet and do some research? Where do you want to start?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Get
to the why question:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> OK, here goes what might be the hard part.
At some point in the discussion, you’re going to need to clearly state why you
want to consider going on PrEP, why you want your partner to, or why you won’t.
Since you kicked off the conversation, your partner will at some point ask you
the “why” question. Again, this is no time for talking around the issue.
“Here’s why I think PrEP would be a good idea for me/you/us.” Or, “here’s why I
don’t think it’s a good idea.” And then state why. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep
listening:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The conversation may go smoothly. Your partner may also
have been thinking about PrEP and welcome the opportunity to talk about it. On
the other hand, some elephants may have been wandering around your living room
(one of them named “Trust”) that needs to be identified and discussed. This
could get uncomfortable. If so, listen with an open mind. Try to understand
your partner’s concerns without being defensive: “I really want to know how you
are feeling about this.” Again, it might help to restate what you think you
just heard: “So what I think you are saying is _________.” Keep your head in
the game even when you’d rather tune out.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Get
clear on life with PrEP:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> PrEP may not make much of a difference
at all beyond providing an additional barrier against HIV exposure. But it may
also mean renegotiating some boundaries, or at least being up-front about
boundaries that you have kind of been avoiding talking about. As the saying
goes, put your cards on the table. Get specific with each other about what your
relationship would be like with PrEP. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider
this conversation a work in progress:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> You may need to consider
the PrEP decision from a variety of angles before you come to a decision that
you can both be comfortable with. Remember: Patience is a virtue. Give your
partner time and space to work through his/her concerns on their own as well as
with you. Keep the conversation going. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This may be one of the most
important conversations you and your partner have had so far. Approach the PrEP
conversation with honesty and with an open mind. Hear each other out. Share
information. Try to understand each other’s concerns and expectations. Be
patient and kind. Keep talking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On
a personal level let’s consider the HIV partners role in all of this discussion
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do not lose hope as what I
have found is the more I became willing to be open about my status, coming to a
slow acceptance of the reality myself, I found myself surrounded by love and
acceptance from others. Daily I dedicated my life to making a difference in the
attitudes and experiences of others towards the realities of HIV and AIDS. On
this path for the one or two people that I discovered that rejected me or
turned away in fear many more came towards me with love, embracing the ability
to gain knowledge and hence have become part of the solution rather than
through ignorance continuing to contribute to the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Learning to again love
myself and accept the virus through the tools I gained I found others embracing
these tools too for issues in their own lives. For me the major lesson I had to
learn and continue to learn afresh every day was that <b>"Forgiveness is the path to self-love, and self-love is the key to
inner healing"</b>. Forgiving myself for getting infected, forgiving the
person that passed the virus on to me (I was not raped I went and through my
own decisions and actions I got infected, so I take responsibility fully for
that decision but that acceptance has given me the ability to forgive myself),
forgiving the virus for entering my life as I never invited it into my body in
the first place. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All of this has released within me the ability to look myself
in the mirror and I am able to say to myself, "Alan I forgive you and I
love you, you are not a bad person". So I have learnt to love myself
again. Through that love and my own acceptance of myself I was able to reach
out and ask for help and guidance and have learnt from so many wonderful
teachers along the path. As my light of acceptance and love shone bright I
believe that it too has attracted others in pain and denial to me. What a
blessing! And I do not give HIV the credit for any of this it was the teachers
and myself that decided to rise up and be different. I did not sit on a pile of
sand and say, “oh poor me, I am going to die”. I chose life and every day I am
grateful just for today, for today I have the choice to make this day the best
it can ever be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I wish you too the ability
to continue to shine as you already do and I know through your path you too
will find the love and acceptance from a person like I have. I met my life
partner in November of 1997 and disclosed my status to him, yes he needed his
own time to learn and come to acceptance of the situation. Together we have
walked different paths at times but always hand in hand. What a blessing that
has been. My daughters and family too have had to deal with my status in their
own time and in their own way and I am blessed again with love and acceptance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Start with your own journey
of acceptance and learn again to embrace yourself as a unique, special and
wonderful person and without a doubt people will be drawn to you and the love
you have to share and give. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nobody ever said this path is easy but my word, has
it been a wonderful experience, I wish the same for you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alan
Brand<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Employee
Wellness Consultant and Specialist HIV and Employee Wellness Training Provider<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.positivelyalive.co.za</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-53270499654976558782014-01-21T14:20:00.001+02:002014-01-21T14:34:01.469+02:00Alan Brand Living Positively with HIV An Inspirational Story - Interview for Doctors Orders SABC TV3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-85887681664850472782013-11-30T14:36:00.002+02:002013-11-30T14:38:59.254+02:00Stigma and Discrimination - Obstacles to an Effective HIV and AIDS Response - World AIDS Day Message 2013<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835252"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">By Alan Brand </span></b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835252"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835252"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Introduction</span></b></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc338681149"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">“Getting to
Zero", I am of the opinion that Stigma is the final battle front in the
war on HIV and AIDS. We have made unbelievable strides in care and treatment.
Treatment as prevention (TASP) is in our hands, used correctly we can achieve
the objective of "Zero New Infections" and soon "Zero AIDS
Related Deaths" will become a reality, it is not impossible to have a
vision of an AIDS free future! However, all these efforts will fail if we do
not overcome stigma and discrimination. Getting to an 'AIDS Free Future' will
require strong political will, effort and commitment from all if we wish to
succeed and reach the target of "Getting to Zero Stigma and
Discrimination". This final frontier must be overcome now! We cannot
afford not to! Without wiping out stigma ....HIV and AIDS will continue to
spread and the AIDS related deaths will continue unabated! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"> <span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Let us first reflect back on the past. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). I first heard those words more than 25 years
ago. But it wasn't until eight years later; when I heard the following words
from my doctor “your HIV test has come back positive”, that the reality of what
it meant really hit me. By that time more than 4million South African’s had
contracted HIV, and many thousands had died of AIDS. The disease had become
real for me and for my colleagues in virtually every corner of the country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">So much
about HIV/AIDS and the epidemic has changed since then. Yet one thing has not
changed nearly enough -- HIV is now, as it was in 1980’s, the most stigmatised
disease in South African society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">In the
1980’s, the stigma attached to HIV, while undeserved, was at least a little
more understandable. We knew very little about the disease then. Fears of being
infected from kissing, holding hands or sharing a cup with someone with HIV was
still common. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Doctors and
patients were scrambling to stir up scientific research programs that in many
ways had been slow to respond. Despite a rapidly expanding caseload, there was
very little reliable medical or scientific information about the virus, how it
was transmitted, or what could be done to treat it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">In fact,
effective HIV treatments were virtually non-existent at that time. The few
medicines that were being used were no match for the virus, treatments quickly became ineffective as
resistance to these drugs occured. The treatment regimens often involved so
many pills and such severe side effects that many people felt that taking their
medicines every day was as difficult as the disease itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Too often,
being HIV positive meant having to cope on your own. It wasn't uncommon for
doctors and other healthcare workers to refuse to see patients who they knew
were HIV positive. Social workers, lay counsellors and activists around the
country responded at that time, and services for many people began, gradually,
to improve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">The
situation today is very different. We now know how HIV is transmitted, and we
know how to prevent infection. Scientists have learned how HIV attacks the
body's immune system, what its weaknesses are and how to exploit them. They've
even mapped out the virus's genetic structure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">HIV
treatments have also improved dramatically in recent years. With the
introduction of powerful new drugs in the mid-1990s, HIV/AIDS death rates began
to drop for the first time since the start of the epidemic. More recently,
treatments that require fewer pills and cause fewer side effects have begun to
help people with HIV/AIDS live longer, healthier and fulfilled lives. Thanks to
these advances in care, HIV is well established as a chronic but medically
manageable condition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Support
services for people with HIV have also improved. In practically every city
across the country you will find community organisations and groups dedicated
to helping ensure that HIV positive individuals get the care and support they
need and deserve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Yet,
despite all this progress, the terrible stigma associated with HIV and AIDS continues
unabated. Isolation, fear and shame continue to cloud this diagnosis of an HIV
status for many. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">What's
worse is that the stigma surrounding HIV actually helps to perpetuate the
epidemic. Most of the over six million South African’s estimated to be infected
with HIV don't even know they have the virus. The cause of this reality is not
ignorance as much as it is fear of rejection and discrimination. Each year,
thousands of people who have contracted HIV do not get tested out of fear that
an HIV positive diagnosis will mean a life of isolation and discrimination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Misinformation
accelerates the spread of HIV in communities across the Southern Africa,
particularly among minority and poorer populations that already suffer more
than their share of prejudice and discrimination. Despite progress in so many
other areas, HIV infection rates continue to grow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We can't
afford to let another 20 years go by before we separate the myths surrounding
HIV and AIDS from the reality. It's time we started seeing the disease for what
it is: a serious communicable disease that is both avoidable and although still
incurable has become very treatable and </span><span style="line-height: 14px;">manageable</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">. We need more open and frank
education and more community leadership to address this epidemic. We must also
target resources to address the changing demographics of the disease, so that
information and education programs can be tailored to the audiences that need
them most. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Finally,
people living with HIV/AIDS must have access to the medical care, prevention
and treatment information they need. Research advances have meant that more and
more people with HIV are living full, normal lives. It's time that the human
progress in how we handle HIV/AIDS in our community begins to match the
advances being made in the research lab.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Give the following questions some thought:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835254"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Question 1:</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Has the message about HIV/AIDS over the past 30 years helped
or increased stigma and discrimination around HIV/AIDS? Consider the following:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Today, people with HIV are
still stigmatised and continue to face many forms of discrimination.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Some people are refused
employment or membership of employee benefit schemes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Some people are refused
proper health care and equal membership of medical schemes, or their children
are victimised at schools. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Many people are tested for
HIV in our hospitals without giving informed consent, or are told about their
HIV status without receiving proper counselling.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Breaches (breaking of) of
confidentiality and privacy happen almost every day.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835255"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835255"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Questions 2:</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Why does stigma and discrimination help spread HIV? Consider
the following: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Is it who and what you are
that puts you at high risk of contracting HIV, or </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Is it behaviour that puts
you at greater risk</span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835256"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Questions 3:</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">How do we stop discrimination? Consider the following:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Can the law help?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Does having a constitution
help?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Does having knowledge help?</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Today, we
know that stigma and discrimination has helped the spread of HIV.
Discrimination has made it easy for people to blame others without protecting
themselves. Instead of campaigns that educate everyone in our society, people
have been taught to believe that HIV infection only happens to gay people,
prostitutes and ‘people who sleep around’. If you are not gay, a prostitute, or
promiscuous you are ‘safe’. This is not true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835257"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835257"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Key points:</span></b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Types of behaviour, not
groups of people, put you at risk of HIV infection. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">For as long as people with
HIV continue to face discrimination, people will be afraid to volunteer for an
HIV test,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">This means that it will be more likely that they will unknowingly
pass HIV on to other people.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">Unless people are encourages
to come forward freely to tell others about their HIV status, ignorance and
misunderstanding about HIV and who is affected by it will continue.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Discrimination is
prejudice in action!</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">The
non-legal definition of prejudice is “Preconceived judgments or decision;
unreasonable predilection or objection; esp. an opinion or leaning adverse to
anything without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Now that is
a bit complicated so I am going to simplify it down to “illogical reaction to
fears of anything outside ourselves”.
And, yes, people often have prejudices even when they have been
presented with the facts that point to the fears being groundless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">The list of
prejudices dreamed up by the public and especially public figures, educators,
clerics, generals, and politicians is almost endless. Just about any complaint
that has been thought of has soon had its associated prejudice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">In the
First and Second World War hatred of Germans was considered national pride,
even though a great percentage of the people who founded the United States were
German. In fact, In the USA, English as
the national language won over German by just a few votes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">In the
Second World War hatred of Japanese was even more irrational. Driven by movies and the press, that hatred
came to a fever pitch during the WW11.
Those of Japanese descent and Japanese on American soil were rounded up,
thrown into concentration camps, and deprived of their land and
possessions. Amazingly enough, this did
not happen to those of German descent!
Talk about irrational.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Now people
in the United States can’t get enough of Japanese cars, computers, electronics,
etc. And they admire the German people
for their cars, military, clean living, etc.
Talk about irrational. But there
it is: once the threat is past, all the bad things we perceived about the
“enemy” are forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc338681152"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136836246"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835987"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835594"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6034634732931154405" name="_Toc136835259"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Prejudice and fear?</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">The best
example of how prejudices, fuelled by fear creates myths and illogical
reactions is the story of “Juliana’s cloth disease” of Tanzania. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">The story
goes as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">A handsome
Ugandan trader arrived selling cloth for women’s kangas with a sort after patterned
named Juliana. A village girl with no money traded sex for a kanga, as did
several other women who converted the beautiful Juliana patterned cloth into a
wrap or kanga. Some months later the first girl became sick: she had no
appetite, could hold down no food, and had constant diarrhoea, which filled her
with shame. In a few weeks she wasted away, grey and weak, and had to be
carried everywhere. Before she died, two other women, also adorned in Juliana’s
cloth, came down with the same strange disease. The people of Lukunya decided
that the Ugandan was a witch, and that the Juliana cloth had evil powers. To
conquer Juliana’s disease, traditional healers toiled to lift the stranger’s
curse. But the curse was too powerful and the death toll continued to rise.
Within a year the curse had spread to the neighbouring villages. Rumours of
widespread witchcraft spread through the Kagera region, and traditional healers
felt compelled to solve the Juliana mystery. (Garrett, 1995:334-335)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">In 1995 doctors identified that the reported
cases of wasting disease (“Juliana’s disease”) in Kagera, Tanzania as AIDS
cases, based on comparisons with published symptoms in the medical journals in
the U.S.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">However the
story does illustrate how people can experience the world in a unique and very
specific way that is different from the way in which others experience it.
Understanding these beliefs and not simply laughing them off as silly
prejudices that result from ignorance is critical to our ability to address HIV
and AIDS prevention messages in Africa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" />
</div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;">
Below is an exert taken from
Alan’s recently published book called, “Positively Alive” published by Jacana,
2005 which is available at Exclusive Books.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotationLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Positively Alive<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="BlockQuotationLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">I remember the first
World AIDS Day celebration that I attended in 1998. A number of HIV/AIDS
organisation rallied together to commemorate the event at Zoo Lake in
Johannesburg. It was only a small gathering of people but the event made a huge
impact on me at the time. Beautiful, haunting music was being played from a car
radio. The event was more a memorial ceremony than a celebration. As the sun
set, a prayer was said and everyone was given the opportunity to light floating
candles. These were then placed on the lake in memory of loved ones that had
died of AIDS. As I watched, I was struck by an overwhelming sense of the
hopelessness and loss that each candle represented. To make matters worse a
gentle breeze was blowing and as each candle was placed on the water it would
simply flicker and die. Hands reach out to try and keep them protected from the
breeze. A few managed to be re-lit only to quickly fade and sink beneath the
water. The entire event reflected the hopelessness and lack of ability to do
anything for those infected at that point in time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BlockQuotationLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">In this time of despair,
I was forced to consider the purpose of my life. As I began to examine my
belief structures I entered into a holistic approach to health through the
crisis of this terminal illness. I have learnt so much and become a far more
spiritually mature person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BlockQuotationLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">So much has changed
since 1998. HIV is now classified as a chronic manageable disease with
continuing improvements in the availability of medical treatment. Much more is
known about the effects of balanced nutrition in relation to maintaining a
healthy immune system. The effect that stress has on the individuals’ ability
to heal is well documented. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BlockQuotationLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">The HI virus,
however, continues to affect millions of people throughout the world. The
traumas experienced by so many people infected by HIV and AIDS indicates that
health is generated by a balance of the emotional, psychological and spiritual
aspects that form the core of who we are.
In the same way that my being HIV-positive has brought a crisis into my
family so the planetary family is facing the same crisis of HIV. We will never
be able to overcome this epidemic by individual responses. By begin to think of
ourselves as united in our efforts – firstly healing ourselves – and then our
relationship to each other; we can embrace the reality of healing our planet.
If it is true that, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“AIDS is, indeed
a virus that thrives on “victim” consciousness, fear responses and isolation” -
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-no-proof: yes;">Caroline M. Myss</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">then surely love with
compassion and acceptance will go along way in helping those affected by HIV
and AIDS to remain </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘Positively Alive’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contact Alan Brand from Positively Alive should you wish to inquire about a quotation to host the accredited workplace
related employee wellness and training modules at your workplace, these courses
are facilitated by Alan Brand from Positively Alive, and include
amongst others the highly successful: “Mitigation of HIV and AIDS related stigma
& discrimination in the workplace – Training Module”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-no-proof: yes;">Alan Brand</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-no-proof: yes;">POSITIVELY
ALIVE <sup>cc</sup><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-no-proof: yes;">Employee
Wellness Consultant and Specialist Trainer</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Website: </span><a href="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/" title="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-no-proof: yes;">www.positivelyalive.co.za</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-21539912567518106252013-02-08T14:17:00.000+02:002013-02-08T14:21:23.002+02:00Love Hurts, Love Scars, Love Wounds and Marks …!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Valentine's Message 14 Feb 2013 - STI and Condom Awareness Week 10 - 16 February 2013</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-byAmAEZc4h1wK2c9b0DshdzDEo3oL8BliZ2PIzZR_q7G0qDjsVJPWJr-vfGLVHLHXVX7WtaVVwh7cJZTsX2qoMKhrngSu-iQnSvXp_aSrNiw_uRE1UtzF_xQg5GPUGrlIEgplB1-1Q/s1600/poster_sticondom_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-byAmAEZc4h1wK2c9b0DshdzDEo3oL8BliZ2PIzZR_q7G0qDjsVJPWJr-vfGLVHLHXVX7WtaVVwh7cJZTsX2qoMKhrngSu-iQnSvXp_aSrNiw_uRE1UtzF_xQg5GPUGrlIEgplB1-1Q/s200/poster_sticondom_1.jpg" width="141" /></a><b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Love hurts,
love scars<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Love wounds,
and marks<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Any heart,
not tough<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Or strong
enough<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">To take a
lot of pain<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Take a lot
of pain<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Love is like
a cloud<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Holds a lot
of rain….<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">The above
lyrics come from the famous song <b><i>“Love Hurts"</i></b>, written and
composed by Boudleaux Bryant and first recorded by “The Everly Brothers” in
July 1960. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Love is that
intense feeling of deep affection for someone and expressed through a deep
romantic or sexual attachment. <b>So does
love hurt?</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Alicia Keys
reminds that <b><i>“Love is blind”</i></b>. So many songs have been written about the
emotions, feelings and realities of being in love. <b>Is
love blind?</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">A simple
quick answer would not be sufficient to satisfy all that the mystery of love
brings with it. This article by no means aims to do that. <b><i>“When love comes knocking at your
door, just open up and let it in”</i></b> …. Oh my, I am in a singing mood as I
contemplate the topic of love. When love enters the front door of ones heart it
seems that all common sense departs through the back door of our minds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">All caution
to the wind. Yet a key issue as one begins to fall in love and before one is
overcome by a deep desire to be intimate, one should contemplate firstly with
wisdom, mutual respect and understanding the risks involved. Using those
wonderful days of intense love to build a foundation of trust and respect based
on honesty and the ability to communicate about all things, not only the
wonderful matters of the heart, are key to developing a loving relationship
which will be able to prevent and protect one from the harm. This is the first
step towards a love that will stand the test of time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Sexually
transmitted infections (also known as STIs or STDs for "sexually
transmitted diseases") are infectious diseases that spread from person to
person through intimate contact. STIs can affect guys and girls of all ages and
backgrounds who are having sex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Unfortunately,
STIs have become very common among teens. Because teens become sexually active
earlier than before they too are at risk for getting some STIs, hence it is
important that they learn what they can do to protect themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">STIs are
more than just an embarrassment. They are a serious health problem. When an STI
is untreated, some can cause permanent damage, such as infertility (the
inability to have a baby) and even death (in the case of HIV/AIDS).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">One reason
STIs spread is because people think they can only be infected if they have
sexual intercourse. That is wrong. A person can get some STIs, like herpes or
genital warts, through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or sore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Another myth
about STIs is that you cannot get them if you have oral or anal sex. That is also
wrong because the viruses or bacteria that cause STIs can enter the body
through tiny cuts or a tear in the mouth and anus, as well as the genitals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">STIs also
spread easily because you cannot tell whether someone has an infection if the
infection is in the asymptomatic stage. In fact, some people with STIs don't
even know that they have them (being asymptomatic). These people are in danger
of passing an infection on to their sex partners without even realising it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Some of the
things that increase a person's chances of getting an STI are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Sexual activity at a young age. The younger
a person starts having sex, the greater his or her chances of becoming
infected with an STI.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Lots of sex partners. People who have
sexual contact, not just intercourse, but any form of intimate activity,
with many different partners are more at risk than those who stay with the
same partner.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Unprotected sex. Latex condoms are the only
form of birth control that reduce your risk of getting an STI, and must be
used every time. Spermicides, diaphragms, and other birth control methods
may help prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect a person against STIs.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Preventing and Treating STIs<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiKxRmKLjy8Cu-oDz5EciljxpNWk_VpjnBW8Fy_byzwwn8DltTVcu6JXk525znD4-TZSFQQduXDh1Uip5ecr_d2VAavIs9a3h9amF5ovwjKQ3T2NaR72KyUQAgtSh4WK8ZjjTL4Kates/s1600/poster_sticondom_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiKxRmKLjy8Cu-oDz5EciljxpNWk_VpjnBW8Fy_byzwwn8DltTVcu6JXk525znD4-TZSFQQduXDh1Uip5ecr_d2VAavIs9a3h9amF5ovwjKQ3T2NaR72KyUQAgtSh4WK8ZjjTL4Kates/s200/poster_sticondom_3.jpg" width="141" /></a><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">As with many
other diseases, prevention of STIs is the key. It is much easier to prevent
STIs than to treat them. The only way to completely prevent STIs is to abstain
from all types of sexual contact. If someone is going to have sex, the best way
to reduce the chance of getting an STI is by using a condom every time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">People who
are considering having sex should get regular gynaecological or male genital
examinations. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, these exams give doctors
a chance to teach people about STIs and protecting themselves. And secondly,
regular exams give doctors more opportunities to check for STIs while they are
still in their earliest, most treatable stage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">In order for
these exams and visits to the doctor to be helpful, people need to tell their
doctors if they are thinking about having sex or if they have already started
having sex. This is true for all types of sex; oral, vaginal, and anal. Let the
doctor know if you have ever had any type of sexual contact, even if it was in
the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Do not let
embarrassment at the thought of having an STI keep you from seeking medical
attention. Waiting to see a doctor may allow a disease to progress and cause
more damage. If you think you may have an STI, or if you have had a partner who
may have an STI, you should see a doctor right away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">If you do
not have a doctor or prefer not to see your family doctor, you may be able to
find a local clinic in your area where you can get an exam confidentially. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Not all
infections in the genitals are caused by STIs. Sometimes people can get
symptoms that seem very like those of STIs, even though they have never had
sex. For girls, a yeast infection can easily be confused with an STI. Guys may
worry about bumps on the penis that turn out to be pimples or irritated hair
follicles. That is why it is important to see a doctor if you ever have
questions about your sexual health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Talking about Condoms and Safe Sex<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">It is much smarter
to talk about condoms before having sex, but that doesn't make it easy. Some
people, even those who are already having sex, are embarrassed by the topic of
condoms. But not talking about condoms affects a person's safety. Using condoms
properly every time is the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases
(STIs), even if you are using another form of birth control like the Pill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">So how can
you overcome your embarrassment about talking about condoms? Well, for starters
it can help to know what a condom looks like, how it works, and what it's like
to handle one. Buy a box of condoms so you can familiarise yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">The next
thing to get comfortable with is bringing up the topic of condoms with a
partner. Practice opening lines. If you think your partner will object, work
out your response ahead of time. Here are some possibilities:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Your partner says: "It's uncomfortable."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">You might
answer this by suggesting a different brand or size. Wearing a condom may also take some getting used to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Your partner says: "It puts me right out of the mood."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Say that
having unsafe sex puts you right out of the mood. Permanently!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Your partner says: "If we really love each other, we should trust
each other."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Say that
it's because you love each other so much that you want to be sure you're both
safe and protect each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Your partner says: "Are you nervous about catching something?"<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">The natural
response: "Sometimes people don't even know when they have infections, so
it is better to be safe."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Your partner says: "I won't enjoy sex if we use a condom."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Say you
can't enjoy sex unless it's safe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-left: -3.0pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-left: -3.0pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Conclusion:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-left: -3.0pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Let me
continue to use the theme of love songs; is it possible to be “safe in the arms
of love”? Only by knowing ones risks and engaging in a loving and responsible
relationship with someone that you can feel safe and comfortable with. Loving
someone with whom you are able to communicate effectively and openly with. Being able to initiate discussions that are related
to all issues of health and safe sexual practices without fear or judgement
will enable you and your partner to develop a trusting and the intimate
relationship and it will protect you both. Do not play the blame game, rather
be responsible and have clearly defined actions in the event of one of the partners
testing positive with a STI. Getting tested together and ensure that both
receive treatment in the event of an STI is also important to effective
treatment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-left: -3.0pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Yes it is
possible to be, “safe in the arms of your love”.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-left: -3.0pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowiZAucQ3TtfAp6z835mbd6u4S066kDUmGXuhV7fskT5Ov6VZ93yMvYPic28NrmulFN4CdwzrQ8tNJFaqqEivB89Qd_yM5Z4v3Na19rcf9Q-NNMwAY4c4IbaArE2cEpkRGXLiHEM0Vd4/s1600/poster_sticondom_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowiZAucQ3TtfAp6z835mbd6u4S066kDUmGXuhV7fskT5Ov6VZ93yMvYPic28NrmulFN4CdwzrQ8tNJFaqqEivB89Qd_yM5Z4v3Na19rcf9Q-NNMwAY4c4IbaArE2cEpkRGXLiHEM0Vd4/s200/poster_sticondom_2.jpg" width="141" /></a><b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">I
need somebody who really cares<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-left: -3.0pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">So
tired of livin' solitaire<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-left: -3.0pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Someday
I'm gonna be<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-left: -3.0pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Safe
in the arms of love…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-left: -3.0pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Sung by
Martina McBride<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Alan Brand <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">POSITIVELY ALIVE <sup>cc</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Employee Wellness Consultant and Specialist Trainer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">E-mail: </span><a href="mailto:albrand@iafrica.com" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" title="mailto:albrand@iafrica.com">albrand@iafrica.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Website: <a href="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/" title="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/">www.positivelyalive.co.za</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Images from <a href="http://zwangaingraphics.co.za/pages/posters.html" target="_blank">Zwagain Graphics</a> http://zwangaingraphics.co.za/pages/posters.html</div>
Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-4398085768802180842012-11-14T15:39:00.001+02:002013-02-08T14:24:25.522+02:001 December 2012 - WORLD AIDS DAY<br />
<h1 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">GETTING TO
ZERO<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<h1 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Working
Together for an AIDS-Free Generation<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 20pt;">12 Million South Africans have tested and
know their HIV status!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span>
<br />
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too can be a part of the solution and contribute towards <b><span style="color: red;">GETTING TO ZERO…</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: red;">Zero AIDS Related Deaths</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Alan Brand</span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Specialist Trainer</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Line: +27 (11) 482-5605<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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mail: 086 245 6833<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Website: <a href="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/">www.positivelyalive.co.za</a></span></span></div>
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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</span>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-56243689127805439902012-09-09T20:23:00.001+02:002012-09-09T20:38:37.837+02:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Circle of Life - Lessons from: </span></span></strong><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">The Lion King</span></strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/HeO4J-tt4SYJ5WQuJ9rzydQuEl0P4dJBJ5U*ebxqgWZyklAZ2I22MMJymomaSh5Ls7Sw4Ca8cE1Hg1K0f0-yIE*zKSgmS1v1/Timone.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" height="64" src="http://api.ning.com/files/HeO4J-tt4SYJ5WQuJ9rzydQuEl0P4dJBJ5U*ebxqgWZyklAZ2I22MMJymomaSh5Ls7Sw4Ca8cE1Hg1K0f0-yIE*zKSgmS1v1/Timone.png?width=152" style="border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 5px 8px; max-width: 486px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: middle;" width="68" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/qPiNtClrHMTjoBWPor5O3f6xKaIOGES8d9AnhyDwmwMA4mMvaB1coGJQW968cEfE4AZsW6Py9C1PmRJ5GxN1cjGHqokSOcRa/Pumba.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6b5114; margin: 0px auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com/files/qPiNtClrHMTjoBWPor5O3f6xKaIOGES8d9AnhyDwmwMA4mMvaB1coGJQW968cEfE4AZsW6Py9C1PmRJ5GxN1cjGHqokSOcRa/Pumba.png?width=70" style="border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: left !important; height: auto; margin: 5px 8px; max-width: 486px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="70" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumba<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12px;">There is a particular scene in the Lion King movie where Rafiki, who is the wise</span></div>
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old monkey, finds Simba who has run away after being blamed for his father’s</div>
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death and is living with his new friends, Pumba and Timon. Simba turns to the</div>
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monkey and says:</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Simba:</strong> Creepy little monkey. Will you stop following me? Who are you?</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rafiki:</strong> The question is; Whooo…are you?</div>
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Rafiki continues to try to persuade Simba that he must return to “Pride Rock”</div>
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and take his rightful place in the circle of life as the lion king. But Simba says:</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Simba:</strong> I know what I have to do. But going back means I’ll have to face my past. I’ve been running from it for so long.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/0prx8CjTEOldnUSz4edSq*M6cBsH5P9o4EsuKwEi1nH1bDdgSMRlDyVfj7WeUy7DmGWS2DAuZJHsFPWEnmRbrZX1dhvXLqqI/SimbaandLala.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6b5114; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" height="72" src="http://api.ning.com/files/0prx8CjTEOldnUSz4edSq*M6cBsH5P9o4EsuKwEi1nH1bDdgSMRlDyVfj7WeUy7DmGWS2DAuZJHsFPWEnmRbrZX1dhvXLqqI/SimbaandLala.png" style="border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 5px 8px; max-width: 486px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: middle;" width="104" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simba and Lala</td></tr>
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Rafiki whacks Simba on his head.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Simba:</strong> Oww! Jeez…what was that for? </div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rafiki:</strong> It doesn’t matter; it’s in the past </div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Simba:</strong> (rubbing his head) Yeah, but it still hurts.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rafiki:</strong> Oh yes, the past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
or learn from it.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/WLjWtmQ9kab3D6yDzhS8efLox3ojdWz2PdBurCFuIlmuJ17zCDaBCbUUWSywyCVXqpQ4Y4oUxAJTlo3L2dgX3*FR3d3HRF3m/543648_521607177865109_201374954_n.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6b5114; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="206" src="http://api.ning.com/files/WLjWtmQ9kab3D6yDzhS8efLox3ojdWz2PdBurCFuIlmuJ17zCDaBCbUUWSywyCVXqpQ4Y4oUxAJTlo3L2dgX3*FR3d3HRF3m/543648_521607177865109_201374954_n.jpg" style="border: 0px; clear: both !important; display: block !important; height: auto; margin: 5px 8px; max-width: 486px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafiki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-5484067738893672682012-08-01T15:06:00.000+02:002012-08-01T15:17:04.899+02:00I AM A HIV+ BISEXUAL MAN AND I AM ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguu3rZ2J_VyDvnWCI_hD6Iu_iEr_DCu52qYRHufIlosfssrgoiSXkGubjtxN2DFaRFeBdYhY_LDTkpFi34zP-FldwyfE3G9QSRu1F68vQR4qbNxvdEayn3pBYuQS9z-2lR7RXK-HTAHCc/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguu3rZ2J_VyDvnWCI_hD6Iu_iEr_DCu52qYRHufIlosfssrgoiSXkGubjtxN2DFaRFeBdYhY_LDTkpFi34zP-FldwyfE3G9QSRu1F68vQR4qbNxvdEayn3pBYuQS9z-2lR7RXK-HTAHCc/s320/images.jpg" width="240" /></a>I recently received a heartfelt letter written by a member of an internet support network that I am the creator and administrator (www.Positively-Alive.com). This letter has helped me to be more aware and open to the reality of bisexuality. It is due to his letter that I feel the need to raise awareness to the reality of the issues so many bisexual men and women face. With his permission I will be quoting from his letter throughout this article. The reality of an HIV+ diagnosis and the process and time it requires for any individual to come to terms with the shock of such a diagnosis, highlights the importance of having a support structure or the ability to find people that one can talk to as they can greatly assist the individual through this process.</div>
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The author of the anonymous letter writes: <strong><em>“The Positively Alive website and the group’s support/forum meetings proved to be invaluable in my journey. I found out about my status a little over a year ago and met you and the guys two weeks later. Those first days were unimaginable. For quite some time I was even suicidal; it is just so overwhelming, that feeling that I can't explain - None of us can, but we've all been there! Just knowing that you’re not alone makes it easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Interaction with other positive guys is essential. It's was the only thing that made the discovery of my HIV status manageable.”</em></strong>
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The fact that many people do not disclose their HIV status to loved ones is directly linked to the reality that more often than not, such a disclosure would include the disclosure of ones sexuality. Consider the silence around HIV and how this is increased by the direct feelings of fear of rejection when a young man discovers he is HIV+ and doesn’t tell his parents, because telling them that he is HIV+ would mean disclosing that he is sexually active or a further example would be a husband that does not tell his wife because this will mean a potential disclose of infidelity. Not only does the HIV+ bisexual man have to consider all these real issues but he also finds himself with the added reality that an HIV+ disclosure might also mean revealing the secret of his sexual identity.
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Anonymous letter continues: <strong><em>“I haven't come out publically, but I do know that a certain amount of relief comes with letting your loved ones know. I have only been able to tell one family member so far. The huge mental and emotional impact that HIV has on someone is most probably the greatest of all challenges. There are physical ailments which come along with it, most of which can easily be treated; I have learnt so much about my body over the past 12 months. A good diet and exercise is an everyday occurrence in my life.
I'm in such a good space and although we know that it has the potential to be a big deal if left untreated when treatment is required, it really isn’t such a big deal at all! Believe me, I do get it, but there’s no point in beating myself up about it for the rest of my life. I need to enjoy life to live long and live strong. If I’m regretting it then I’m holding onto something that overshadows every moment of every day. We can’t allow ourselves to think like that. I know you're "there" and because of you so am I. I was privileged enough to stumble upon some footage of you. I attended the training that you offered, last year. Thank you for everything that you have done for so many of us.”</em></strong></div>
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<b>Men who have sex with men or (MSM)
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I have deliberately not been using the term MSM because it is not the term that the author of the letter has selected to use when referring to his sexuality. The term MSM is used by medical experts, psychologists and others to highlight and identity the existence of men who have sex with men. The reality is that the general public does not use the terminology MSM (men who have sex with men). Surely it would be better to ask a person in which manner they prefer to identify themselves sexually? It is important however, that we acknowledge and recognise the existence of men who have sex with men (MSM) and the importance of incorporating their existence into our health and wellness initiatives. According to a research published in the Health4Men’s booklet “MSM IN YOUR POCKET, Sexual Healthcare for Men who have Sex with Men”, up to 50% of men who have sex with men (MSM) identify as heterosexual and have female sex partners. The booklet further describes MSM as follows: Male to male sex occurs throughout Africa, in all cultures, societies and geographical locations. Not all MSM identify as homosexual or gay. Many such men may be married, have children and have sex with women. Many have “masculine” gender identity and cannot be identified as being MSM by their dress, mannerisms or social roles. They may see themselves as heterosexual (or even as the author of the letter indicates as bisexual). The diversity of men included in the term MSM are men who are heterosexual, bisexual or homosexual and who can be either relatively masculine or effeminate in their dress and mannerisms.
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Anonymous writes: <strong><em>“I'm not sure if you do know, but I am in actual fact bisexual. This is also something which I've had to accept of myself, there's a large amount of guys who are bisexual but can’t accept this of themselves – this applies mostly to “straight” guys, but also some “gay” guys (guys who are more accepted by the gay community than the straight community). I feel like I’m coming out of the closet all over again. To be attracted to both sexes is quite widely thought of as unusual / odd, etc. often even more so than coming out / labelling yourself as gay.
I have had girlfriends in the past and now I have one again. Being with a woman again has raised more concerns in regards to what's safe and what's not with her. Guys and girls do obviously have quite different anatomies. I love every part of my female partners body as I have loved every part of past male partners bodies. Alas, there have been more guys than girls, but for some reason I keep “relapsing” (hahaha) back to women. My partner knows my status and my sexual orientation, she's negative and straight (but that’s beside the point). We've educated ourselves as to what's safe and what's not.”</em></strong>
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As a gay man I am open about my homosexual identity and have disclosed my sexuality to my family, employers and friends and have been received with love and acceptance. It is very sad that we are not more tolerant and so many of us simply consider bisexual men to simply be a man that has not come to terms with his sexuality. The gay community has over many years fought hard to be accepted for who we are, bisexual and gay rights are protected by the constitution of South African. The South African constitution provides for freedom, tolerance and acceptance of our rights to live in a society free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, yet how intolerant we can be towards others if they are different to ourselves. If someone identifies as being bisexual we are quick to dismiss the idea and respond with intolerance and a total lack of acceptance and understanding. How often have we uttered the words “another gay man not able to accept that he is actually gay and is just in denial?” Bisexuality has as much right to exist and be recognised as my desire to be recognised as being gay, or whatever sexual orientation I might classify myself as. The letter has opened my eyes and I hope it too will help to open yours. I think we all can take the time to evaluate or responses, health services and employee wellness interventions by answering the following questions:
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Is your programme tolerant of bisexual men/women or does it embrace and include messaging directed towards the needs of bisexuals? </div>
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Do your healthcare workers and practitioners, through ignorance and a lack of understanding, label bisexual men as being gay when they do not classify themselves in this way, hence causing them to feel excluded and misunderstood? </div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Do your wellness interventions, peer educator programme and EAP services provide a confidential and safe environment where bisexual men/women are accepted and understood? </div>
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Do ignorance and a lack of understanding of those providing care and support services cause bisexual men/women to experience feelings of isolation and intolerance? </div>
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Do we make bisexual men/women feel incorporated and do we directly address them in communication strategies, awareness and information messaging, or are your HIV intervention and other health and wellness messages only directed towards heterosexuality and homosexuality people? </div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Have we made an effort to understand what the needs of bisexual men/women are? </div>
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Do we listen and are we educating ourselves so that we have a better understanding of the needs of the general and sexual health issues as well as the psychological needs of bisexual people?</div>
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Do we dictate our own values and principles on others, thereby contributing to their isolation and victimisation? <b></b></div>
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<b>Consider the following </b>- Discrimination is prejudice in action. Now with an open mind, read more from the anonymous letter below and I trust that if this honest and open hearted letter might help us all to become better loving and more tolerant human beings.
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Anonymous writes: <em><strong>“My point is, although the site says it caters for all spectrums of men who have sex with men (MSM, the gay community seems opposed to this label. As a bisexual man I am also capable of falling in love and having meaningful relationships with both sexes. I’m sure that MSM should be viewed as a medical term only and that the emotional and spiritual aspects of us as gay / bi men should be left out of it. My perception is that everyone who attends the support group meetings is gay. Please correct me if I’m wrong? Bisexual guys are a bit different to gay guys... I’m the only bisexual guy I know who’s openly bisexual. Kind of like being the only gay in the village – LOL”</strong></em>
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<strong><em>I have felt quite isolated at times, The Triangle Project has been absolutely amazing for me, and they have provided free counselling but also seem more geared toward the more mainstream (gay) positive guys.”</em></strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSn4G77v5_0bxcESpL4qlqjACpIRL3AyaZ6JAq4JgjFy3y0teu9G0uMhVwjLH2Mptn1n3xeg100BTEbsv4AgJNJCSJQ7vfuK9K0mETd7WlPkzv3Alhm7x39C7ydv54LZdFT-bU8rmFk4/s1600/brokeback460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSn4G77v5_0bxcESpL4qlqjACpIRL3AyaZ6JAq4JgjFy3y0teu9G0uMhVwjLH2Mptn1n3xeg100BTEbsv4AgJNJCSJQ7vfuK9K0mETd7WlPkzv3Alhm7x39C7ydv54LZdFT-bU8rmFk4/s320/brokeback460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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According to Health4Men statistically, it is likely that every service provider seeing more than 20 male clients per day has interacted with an MSM. It is often assumed that, unless male clients are openly gay, that they only have sex with women.
MSM may be reluctant to volunteer their sexual history to a healthcare provider who is perceived to be judgemental, and may fear being embarrassed or ashamed in hostile communities where there is doubt about confidentiality at the healthcare facility. The following could be useful for healthcare providers when working with a male client:
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Any male client could potentially be an MSM. Don’t assume that a male client only has sex with women. </div>
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A professional, non-judgemental attitude must be maintained. </div>
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Confidentiality must be discussed with clients, especially in a hostile community. The client’s sexual identity and related information may be omitted from the file. </div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Learn about the local MSM scene and associated terms and words. Peer educators and non governmental organisations are often helpful. Talk to your MSM client to learn more about their lives and lifestyles. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Be sensitive when interacting with male clients. Do not automatically use feminine pronouns such as “she” when referring to sexual partners. </div>
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Be sensitive with transgender clients, Transgender people experience a level of conflict with their birth sex (male or female), and may incorporate factors such as dress, roles or mannerisms usually associated with the other gender in their daily lives. </div>
</li>
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When dressed as a woman, a man may feel more comfortable being address as a female. If unsure, ask the client how they would prefer to be addressed. </div>
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</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>MSM guidelines for healthcare providers can be obtained from the www.Health4Men.co.za website or by contacting them on 021 421 6127.
</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp61braT92agaZzy7Gy3bCxVFk0b4pnK0gLlNKmfV17JsFbGtnMSlSkS3QWnFBKYLMTja9SeKb_rn7KVgIKuZ1lBApqTQBhJ8ago69C3o00yw64YEmW2oDySBHNdrDEnW-32cXHnqNMU4/s1600/bi3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp61braT92agaZzy7Gy3bCxVFk0b4pnK0gLlNKmfV17JsFbGtnMSlSkS3QWnFBKYLMTja9SeKb_rn7KVgIKuZ1lBApqTQBhJ8ago69C3o00yw64YEmW2oDySBHNdrDEnW-32cXHnqNMU4/s320/bi3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>
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Compiled by:
Alan Brand
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Positively Alive
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<a href="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/">www.positivelyalive.co.za</a>
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E-mail: albrand@iafrica.com
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
For more on the Positively Alive support network for HIV+ Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or MSM visit <a href="http://www.positively-alive.com/">www.Positively-Alive.com</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-47753076961869579692012-05-14T14:34:00.001+02:002012-08-01T15:20:32.449+02:00HIV = HUMILITY, INTEGRITY, VICTORIOUS<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">As I
consider the focus on Men's Health in the month of June, I reflect on a special
young man that has made a life changing impact on me. One might argue that this
young boy could not be classified as a man by any standards, nor for that
matter by the Oxford Dictionary however his age and frail being are hardly what
defines him as a man. He was but a boy who died in his teens yet in all reality
he was braver than many other who so glibly call themselves a man. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Nkosi
Johnson life was short lived and I never had the privilege of standing in his
presence, and yet he made an impression on me that few men have made. In a
video clip made to promote a living positively publication, this brave young
man relates how he was asked by a friend at school if he was sick and in total
humility and with and unrivalled bravely, his sad little eyes looking straight
into the camera he answers, "Yes I am sick". His friend then asks
him, "What is wrong?" With his head held high he responds "I
have HIV". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjB3xrlS7vO67rgw_eJioy7twrGncyVL06UyK5rjfoGUAb_OG9sphFuBg8DyqJUKpQu3ESa4o7KFVl-TFM8arKf4hAzl3naFx3FxMvcuam-UQrPYsmovFi1_pK9FU0G6Oyf6aBVyTfUg/s1600/I000760_-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjB3xrlS7vO67rgw_eJioy7twrGncyVL06UyK5rjfoGUAb_OG9sphFuBg8DyqJUKpQu3ESa4o7KFVl-TFM8arKf4hAzl3naFx3FxMvcuam-UQrPYsmovFi1_pK9FU0G6Oyf6aBVyTfUg/s320/I000760_-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">No matter
how many times I have watched this video a tear always comes to my eye. Not a
tear of sadness for a boy’s life so brief, I weep in sadness that I never had
the privilege to kneel down and listen to what this brave soul could have
taught me. I consider the many that are quick to call themselves men and yet
have not had the courage to break the silence, or take responsibility for being
infected with exactly the same illness this brave boy had. How many have died
in denial to ashamed to admit the reality as Nkosi so bravely did?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">What makes
a man? Is it the ability to lie and deceive or does truth, honesty and humility
make the man? Personally it is this young man that I wish to follow. As I
started coming to terms with my own HIV status I made a decision to never deny
that I am infected with HIV for if one so young could be brave enough to stand
up at the International AIDS Conference and deliver the opening address at a
time when the president of his country was in denial about the existence of
HIV, then surely I too in his honour must follow his path and break the silence
and speak the truth without shame, brave and yet so humble. Nkosi you gave me
heart for you taught me to be courageous but with humility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Last year I
was fortunate to be in the presence of a wise man who addressed a classroom of
newly trained HIV/AIDS Peer educators from the SAPS in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Pretoria</st1:city></st1:place>. Newly appointed as the head of
corporate and employee wellness the general was addressing the candidates at
the completion of a 4-day training programme, I had presented. He told a story
of a man who wanted to leave a legacy behind before he died and was looking for
some way of doing so that would stand the test of time.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17TpziJajDBZnQrV80FhSUoNNKrE7pFj57J8mfPukcbCAd9LY0Q3Ae8ws3EcjHzMs2la_yMrG9ebpjuoSaBugdbWC0Map4Qm7ZFY2caDKCfgHtcmnPvPYH83cQpHbCbKgtaQOMqA3-zs/s1600/sand-scribbles-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17TpziJajDBZnQrV80FhSUoNNKrE7pFj57J8mfPukcbCAd9LY0Q3Ae8ws3EcjHzMs2la_yMrG9ebpjuoSaBugdbWC0Map4Qm7ZFY2caDKCfgHtcmnPvPYH83cQpHbCbKgtaQOMqA3-zs/s320/sand-scribbles-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">He
consulted an elder in his village who suggested he write his story in the sand
on the beach. He proceeded to do so but no sooner had he started than the tide
came in and washed away what he had written. He went back to the elder and told
him what had happened and the wise elder told him of a huge oak tree that had
stood for many years on the banks of a river on the outskirts of the village.
Go and carve your story in the bark of the tree surely it will remain for all
to read for eternity. The man did as told but half way through carving his
legacy in the tree a team of workers arrived and told him they had come to chop
down the tree to make way for a new bridge that was being built across the
river. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Disheartened
the man returned again to the elder and told him what had happened. Ah, said
the elder, it would be wise to engrave your legacy in the rock face of the
mountains over looking the village. At last the man thought this would stand
the test of time and he would leave his legacy for all to admire throughout
time.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">He set
about the laborious task spending years engraving his legacy in the rock face.
Finally the task almost complete, he returned one last time to hammer the final
few words into the rock face. But as he climbed the mountain he noticed that
the weather had eroded the rock in so many places that his legacy was fading
with time. Totally disheartened he went in search of the elder and found him on
his death bed. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_hiPTToQxXfVtsqIRf91RDjMg7IICfkwgEhg8vGYLQQ0EnlFx47cfVwMVi5ri-R59wWv2_qmQXL5ykRBlM1euRcBXmtQTgANFXbV5njkNeXMGsYcMnwu1O2sIvD85ibkdSGEs89A-Gs/s1600/imagesCAJEY3GJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_hiPTToQxXfVtsqIRf91RDjMg7IICfkwgEhg8vGYLQQ0EnlFx47cfVwMVi5ri-R59wWv2_qmQXL5ykRBlM1euRcBXmtQTgANFXbV5njkNeXMGsYcMnwu1O2sIvD85ibkdSGEs89A-Gs/s1600/imagesCAJEY3GJ.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Sadly he
told the old man what had happened and the elder said you have spent your years
trying to leave a legacy in sand, wood and stone and yet nothing has remained
and stood the test of time. What have you learnt? The man said he did not know!
He begged the frail old man to share the secret. How do I leave a legacy that
will stand the test of time? Before the elder could answer he passed away. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">In sadness
the man left and as he walked through the village the news of the elders
passing was being related to the people in the village. The man heard people
telling stories of the greatness of the elder, the kindness of his dreads,
stories of his honesty and integrity and great wisdom. Suddenly the man
understood. Write your legacy on the hearts of man and your legacy will stand
the test of time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">As the
general ended his story he told those he was addressing that they where wise
just like the elder of the village. Making a difference in the lives of others
would stand the test of time. The decision that they had made to set themselves
apart, volunteering as HIV/AIDS peer educators would leave a legacy in the
hearts of many.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">As a person
living with HIV I am often referred to as a sufferer, or a victim of AIDS. I
have seen lesser words take away the power of greater men. What happened that
gave me the strength and courage to never hear these words as a sword driven
into me heart or soul but always as an opportunity to educate, and change the
minds of those I come into contact with? I feel so small at times and wonder
how I can possibly make a difference. It is at these times that I remember the
boldness of a young man telling his friend that he has HIV. I hear his friend
ask him, "Are you going to die?" And I hear Nkosi Johnson's sweet
angelic voice answer. "Yes I have AIDS." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">I am HIV
positive and thanks to Nkosi Johnson's legacy I have become victorious as in
his honour I embrace and take ownership for my status. Yes, I too will one day
die more likely of an AIDS related illness but I have had the privilege and
been given the opportunity to write my legacy in the hearts of many.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">I challenge all men to stop the silence, denial
and shame around HIV. As men we have the power to stop the spread of this virus
but only if we take ownership and cast away the denial we can leave a new
legacy, one that stand for HUMILITY, INTEGRITY and VICTORY. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">By: Alan Brand <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Positively
Alive<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"><a href="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/">www.positivelyalive.co.za</a> - Employee Consultant and Specialist HIV and Employee Wellness Training provider</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"><a href="http://www.positivey-alive.com/">www.Positivey-Alive.com</a> in support of HIV+ gay, bisexual and transgender (MSM) men in South Africa</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eTsj4a0xhJFwAEyOQ63zYq-birq3aA-lpP3UURte4DYtRQNv1oO3DHQQcCBUZ864HQCzQh6TGf5TjmUYDNQKnrEPGZjh829UfJ6GXx3AtfX_WkvS6w82b5U8eHLTW5aEuqeFFFY323Q/s1600/lovetimeequal448x299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eTsj4a0xhJFwAEyOQ63zYq-birq3aA-lpP3UURte4DYtRQNv1oO3DHQQcCBUZ864HQCzQh6TGf5TjmUYDNQKnrEPGZjh829UfJ6GXx3AtfX_WkvS6w82b5U8eHLTW5aEuqeFFFY323Q/s320/lovetimeequal448x299.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-79498189207116848842012-03-28T21:54:00.000+02:002012-03-28T21:54:32.975+02:00Who can I blame for my HIV status – Dealing with unresolved anger?<div class="MsoFooter" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36.0pt; tab-stops: 36.0pt;"><i><br />
“Feeling guilty is a learned response. You’ve been told to feel guilty about yourself for things you did before you could even do anything.”</i> – Neale Donald Walsch <a href="file:///C:/Users/Positively%20Alive/Desktop/Who%20can%20I%20blame%20for%20my%20HIV%20status.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I have often been asked what my initial response was to being diagnosed with HIV. I have tried to reflect back and recall my emotional response on that afternoon in January 1997. All I can remember was having an overwhelming sense of numbness and a feeling of guilt and shame. Who do I blame for this? All I could think at the time was what an idiot I was; did I really think this would not happen to me? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I guess it would be easy to accept that an HIV+ diagnosis would initially result in feelings of shock and disbelief. When this initial emotion subsides one is left with a feeling of complete numbness. Especially back in 1997, for me at that time, I had nobody to fall back on, no institution or counsellor to talk to. I could not tell my loved ones as I was totally overwhelmed with a sense of guilt and shame. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The doctor had not even told me she was doing an HIV test when she took my blood for as part of a routine health check. Let’s do a full blood count she had said, not mentioning that she was including an HIV test. When I got the call to make an appointment to receive the result of the “full blood count” I had not given any thought to what the test would be for and hence bounced into the doctor’s rooms as cheerful as always. Without any counselling or warning she pronounced the verdict “your HIV results came back positive” she said, and then proceeded to hand me a slip of paper on which she had written the details of an HIV specialist whom she recommended I make an appointment with. And that was that, nothing more and nothing less. No counselling, information from the medical doctor I had come to trust and called my home doctor. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Many years have past since that day and now I find myself in the fortunate position of being able to provide counselling and support to newly diagnosed individuals. One of the biggest stumbling blocks that continues to limits or hinders the person from breaking through to acceptance and forgiveness is the issue of unresolved anger and a desire to seek out who to blame.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">FORGIVE; you might say… what for? Why forgive the person that infected me! If I see him/her on the street I will …..! I can see the feeling of anger well up like a volcano about to erupt! One needs to embrace the reality that these feeling of anger, resentment and loss are all normal and they must be expressed. However, to remain in anger would be to deny oneself the freedom of forgiveness. It was only when I could honestly say that my HIV status was my fault, that I had loaded the pistol and pulled the trigger, that I was able to start a process of forgiveness. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">By forgiving you do not condone the actions of others nor do you validate the right that the HI virus has to be in your body. Forgiveness is only fully achieved when one understands that to forgive in itself is a selfish act. I do not forgive the person who infected me for their sake, I do so to release myself and set myself free. I do not accept the virus and forgive it for entering my body, for I did not invite it in, I do so because through forgiveness I take back the power to control my future. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Forgiveness does nothing to the person that it is delivered towards, but it does bring about the miracle of healing in the heart of the forgiver. So feel your anger and express your loss but do not tally there too long as the long you remain in the dark pit of anger, the longer you will sink into despair and the only person who will suffer will be you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Rather be selfish and start the journey of forgiveness, forgive yourself, forgive the virus, forgive the person that infected you and on and on the path of forgiveness will lead you. Without forgiveness you are bound to the dark and unresolved feelings of anger and hatred that will consume you. Anger will do nothing but harm you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoFooter"><i>“Forgiveness is the path to self-love, and self-love is the key to inner healing. We all make the wrong choices in life at times and we can go through the rest of our lives criticising ourselves for these choices. If we continue to blame ourselves we are bound to that mistake for the rest of our lives. Just as we had the choice then, we have the choice today to release ourselves from that bondage through forgiving ourselves. Forgiving yourself for contracting HIV, for example, or for having unprotected sex, will enable you to move forward, to face others and yourself, and to open the way to loving yourself.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Positively%20Alive/Desktop/Who%20can%20I%20blame%20for%20my%20HIV%20status.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></b></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Through forgiveness release the past and all past experiences.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Continue into the light with love.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Alan Brand</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Employee Wellness Consultant </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Positively Alive</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.positivelyalive.co.za/">www.positivelyalive.co.za</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="mailto:albrand@iafrica.com">albrand@iafrica.com</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Alan is also the site administrator of the support network for HIV+ gay, bisexual and transgender men (MSM) in South Africa -Positively Alive for more details visit <a href="http://www.positively-alive.com/">www.Positively-Alive.com</a> </div><div><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Positively%20Alive/Desktop/Who%20can%20I%20blame%20for%20my%20HIV%20status.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> From <i>Conversations with God</i>, Book 1 on feelings of guilt.</div></div><div id="ftn2"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Positively%20Alive/Desktop/Who%20can%20I%20blame%20for%20my%20HIV%20status.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Positively Alive, by Alan Brand, Published by Jacana Media (Pty) Ltd. 2005<span lang="EN-ZA"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div></div>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-26256090129763064492012-01-18T15:59:00.002+02:002012-01-28T21:36:53.624+02:00Positively Alive - Employee Wellness Consultant and Specialist HIV/AIDS Training Facilitator<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><strong>AIDS, HIV, TB, absenteeism management, Peer educator, Counselling Skills, Champions of wellness and much much more, </strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><strong>Employee Wellness training provider and facilitator.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Specialising in; HIV/AIDS Peer Educator/Wellness Champions Training Modules,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">HIV/AIDS Awareness Training Module and Managing Wellness in the Workplace – Policy and Law Training Modules.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Should you require on site employee wellness training, contact Alan Brand for a formal quotation or for further details regarding the courses provided, accreditation or much more. Available to conduct training througout South Africa.</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">POSITIVELY ALIVE<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><sup>cc</sup></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><sup></sup></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtYGukCahRrZV7AvQfxvzA6bdYZMCFJc8OcoMohfDK_Y6jgaQDqwZNk4dNqVAXLHpkM3Knyc2LDsDieQvn7A2657xwMt7VCCBTiLl4b_sfB7w_HIOhxmn8xQcG8yY4N9bkrUOS5a4Nlc/s1600/Positively+Alive+logo-585700+%2528Websmall%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtYGukCahRrZV7AvQfxvzA6bdYZMCFJc8OcoMohfDK_Y6jgaQDqwZNk4dNqVAXLHpkM3Knyc2LDsDieQvn7A2657xwMt7VCCBTiLl4b_sfB7w_HIOhxmn8xQcG8yY4N9bkrUOS5a4Nlc/s200/Positively+Alive+logo-585700+%2528Websmall%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Employee Wellness Consultant and Specialist Trainer</span></strong></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">CK2010/00285/23</span></strong></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Alan Brand</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Mobile</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">: +27 (82) 453-0560</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Direct Line: +27 (11) 482-5605</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Fax to mail: 086 245 6833</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">E-mail:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;"><a href="mailto:albrand@iafrica.com" style="color: #000066; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">albrand@iafrica.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Website: </span><a href="http://www.positivelyalive.wozaonline.co.za/home">www.positivelyalive.wozaonline.co.za/home</a></div>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-10807975460498746902011-10-31T14:23:00.000+02:002011-10-31T14:23:55.104+02:00Employee Wellness Consultant, Motivational Speaker and Specialist Wellness Trainer1 November 2011, a new beginning with new and exciting prospects awaiting me as I embark on my own and start my own employee wellness consultancy.<br />
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<br />
<br />
For details on this new endevour.Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-14539182178713471892011-06-09T15:00:00.001+02:002011-06-15T08:39:45.277+02:00Brief Historical outline of HIV and AIDS – South Africa.<strong>Introduction: </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<br />
An estimated 5.6 million people were living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa in 2009, more than in any other country. It is believed that in 2009, an estimated 310,000 South Africans died of AIDS. Prevalence is 17.8 percent among those aged 15-49, with some age groups being particularly affected. Almost one-in-three women aged 25-29, and over a quarter of men aged 30-34, are living with HIV. HIV prevalence among those aged two and older also varies by province with the Western Cape (3.8%) and Northern Cape (5.9%) being least affected, and Mpumulanga (15.4%) and KwaZulu-Natal (15.8%) at the upper end of the scale.<br />
<br />
Marking a welcome change from South Africa's history of HIV the South African Government launched a major HIV counselling and testing campaign (HCT) in 2010.<br />
<br />
By raising awareness of HIV the campaign aims to reduce the HIV incidence rate by 50 percent by June 2011.<br />
<br />
<strong>History:</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>1982</strong> – The first HIV infections were diagnosed in South Africa in two white, homosexual flight attendants who had travelled to the United States. This lead to the belief that HIV was largely a white, homosexual disease in SA, as was the case in the US and Europe. As a result, the homophobic apartheid government, which was in power at the time, disregarded the health risk and ignored the issue.<br />
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<strong>1987</strong> – The first black South African was diagnosed with AIDS-related illness.<br />
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<strong>1990</strong>, Chris Hani, chief of the ANC guerilla force (known as ‘Spear of the Nation‘) said, ‘Those of us in exile are in the unfortunate situation of being in the areas where the prevalence is high. We cannot afford to allow the AIDS epidemic to ruin the realization of our dreams. Existing statistics indicate that we are still at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in our country. Unattended, however, this will result in untold damage and suffering by the end of the century.' Chris Hani was tragically assassinated shortly before democracy was achieved.<br />
<br />
<strong>1991</strong> – Heterosexual HIV infection rates equalled homosexual ones. (Heterosexual infections has since become the main mode of transmission of the virus in SA)<br />
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Coinciding with the turbulent political period, HIV and AIDS started to gain national public interest though it is not difficult to understand why all energy was focused on deciding South Africa’s political fate seeing the need to address a complex and tough negotiation process needed to end apartheid.<br />
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<strong>1992 </strong>– ( a decade after the 1st reported case), a group of political parties, trade unions, academics, business organisations and civil society groups formed the National AIDS Coordinating Committee of South Africa (NACOSA).<br />
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<strong>1994</strong> – South Africa’s first democratic elections, and the ANC Government adopted a National AIDS Plan – but the scheme hardly translated into action.<br />
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<strong>Scandals: - made situation worse!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Sarafina II</strong> – A musical screenplay which was supposed to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS was judged widely to be beside the point and confusing. The government funded play used large amounts of unapproved European Union money. <br />
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<strong>Virodene</strong> - South African Government caused worldwide embarrassment when it committed millions to medical trails of an antiviral drug Virodene. Virodene was found to contain a toxic industrial solvent.<br />
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<strong>1998</strong> – Aids Activists and researches called for the scientifically approved drug AZT to be administered to prevent transmission of HIV from mother to child. ANC turned down this call arguing it would rather focus on education and prevention campaigns then treatment. <br />
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HIV-positive AIDS activist Zackie Achmat formed the TAC in December 1998. <br />
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<strong>1999</strong> – Newly elected president Thabo Mbeki appointed Manto Tshabalala-Msimang as health minister, heralded an even stronger stance against antiretroviral drugs. Mbeki’s questioning if HIV causes AIDS adding to the conflict between organisations like the TAC. <br />
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<strong>2001</strong> – Death of presidential spokesperson Parks Mankahlana, Official ANC statement reported that his death was due to heart failure after a long illness. When the SA media speculated that his illness was AIDS related, it sparked heated national debate on the ethics of HIV reporting, including objectivity, privacy.<br />
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<strong>Court Cases</strong><br />
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<strong>2002</strong> – The TAC and Children’s Rights Centre filed a court motion and later a constitutional claim against the health minister and provincial MEC’s to compel them to make Nevirapine available to women giving birth in state hospitals. The court ruled in favour of the TAC in 2001 and again in July 2002. <br />
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<strong>2003</strong> – TAC focuses shift to pushing government to roil out ARV treatment through the public Health system. When health minister refused to sign a draft national treatment plan, the TAC launched a civil disobedience campaign. More than 10,000 people protest in front of parliament during Mbeki’s State of the Nation address. <br />
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19 November 2003, Cabinet finally announces the health department would make available ARVs to all who need them.<br />
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<strong>2004 – 2005</strong> Rollout of ARVs slow with treatment guidelines only being issues in September 2004 and supplies of ARVs only being selected in March 2005. <br />
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<strong>2006</strong> - Tshabalala-Msimang insists that a healthy diet and nutritional supplements, including garlic, beetroot and the African potato, could offer an alternative to ARV treatment. Stephen Lewis, publicly slated Tshabalala Msimang’s statements at the 2006 International AIDS Conference in Toronto Canada. At the same conference, AIDS law Project leader Mark Haywood demanded that the health minister be fired.<br />
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Tshabalala-Msimang was hospitalised in late 2006 and her deputy Nozizwe Mandlala-Routledge with Deputy President Phumzilie Mlambo-Ngcuka made major steps to bring back the reputation of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), attempting to repair the damaged relationship with civil society organisations, particularly the TAC. <br />
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<strong>2007</strong> – Government launched its progressive HIV and AIDS and STI Strategic Plan for SA 2007 – 2011, indicating a shift in its health policy. Its main objective being to provide ARV treatment to 80% of people who need it and to half new HIV infections by 2011.<br />
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Later that year Mbeki sacked Madlala-Routledge, allegedly because she was too critical of her predecessor and himself. Tshabalala-Msimang was reinstated resulting in the newly built bridges between the department of health and civil society groups quickly crumbling yet again.<br />
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<strong>2008</strong> – Tshabalala-Msimang finally lost her post to Barbara Hogan in September 2008. Hogan’s term was short lived despite her popularity and commitment to cooperate with civil society.<br />
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<strong>2009</strong> – Newly elected president Jacob Zuma appointed a previously little-known politician Aaron Motsoaledi to the position of health minister. Aaron Motsoaledi has so far made a number of positive statements, showing intention to tackle the epidemic and improve health services provision.<br />
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<strong>2010</strong> - For the first time in the history of the South African epidemic, a real properly resourced HIV testing campaign was launched. Minister of Health Dr. Aaaron Motsoaledi is leading the largest every HIV testing drive on the continent with a target to test 15 million people by June 2011<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">References:</span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kirsten Palitza, Natalie Ridegard, Helen Struters and Anton Harber “What is Left Unsaid” Published by Fanele an imprint of Jacana Media (PTY) Ltd on behalf of the Anova Health Instutute, in 2010</span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fidel Hadebe, Vukani Mnyandu; Department of Health, 22 Feb 2011</span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Center for Law and Social Justice, Minister Aaron Motsoaledi delivers — 15 million people to be tested. Get tested. Prevent HIV. Get treated. Always use a condom!</span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Professor S Karim, University of Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa, International Epidemiological Association 2002</span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sher R. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the RSA. S Afr Med J 1986</span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.avert.org/history-aids-south-africa.htm </span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-68423067066148031462011-06-09T14:56:00.000+02:002011-06-09T14:56:25.028+02:00June 5, 2011 will mark 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were reported<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqDiAI4FRi4g5CXBlYeeUKTXJwazTiWSCtHvqAQ8oK51_7jHlnja20dVpi5dsCM53dC1P1HEQ1xtlHcs9983JfHl_apSQw65DM42TKN0Ll3usd5qlqls_x4oOWx9rNg4H08g70_cq-vk/s1600/30years_ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqDiAI4FRi4g5CXBlYeeUKTXJwazTiWSCtHvqAQ8oK51_7jHlnja20dVpi5dsCM53dC1P1HEQ1xtlHcs9983JfHl_apSQw65DM42TKN0Ll3usd5qlqls_x4oOWx9rNg4H08g70_cq-vk/s320/30years_ribbon.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>June 5, 2011 will mark 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were reported in the US. Over the next few weeks I will feature articles, press releases, historical time lines etc as we looking back at the past 30 years. <br />
<br />
<br />
Key would be a focus of the South African response (or mostly lack of response) and in particularly the effects that stigma and intolerance towards those affected by HIV and AIDS have had on our ability to respond appropriately over the past 3 decades, both internationally and in South Africa. <br />
<br />
30 years later one has to reflect back and assess both the failures to respond effectively but also to highlight milestones and successes in the collective consciousness of mankind to respond to the news of a new “deadly CANCER discovered that affects homosexuals”, in June of 1981 in the US.<br />
<br />
The first case of HIV infection in South Africa was reported in 1982 and this heralded the start of the first wave of the HIV epidemic. <br />
<br />
In 1990, Chris Hani, chief of the ANC guerilla force (known as ‘Spear of the Nation‘) said, ‘Those of us in exile are in the unfortunate situation of being in the areas where the prevalence is high. We cannot afford to allow the AIDS epidemic to ruin the realization of our dreams. Existing statistics indicate that we are still at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in our country. Unattended, however, this will result in untold damage and suffering by the end of the century.' Chris Hani was tragically assassinated shortly before democracy was achieved.<br />
<br />
At times as we reflect back we will need to remind ourselves of the hard facts of intolerance, and ignorance but mostly importantly it will allow us to raise our collective voices as we remind ourselves of the accomplishments in the past 30 years, and to honour all those who have died from the disease.Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-55733878902255462392010-12-01T12:31:00.004+02:002010-12-02T14:52:45.848+02:00Focus on the positives and lets make this World AIDS Day "AYOBA"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaCzISmKiCXgDK7S2zH_HQizbVk9df0iZLxduKF8fOYHNjs2SiZRSKW6Fl5VXGtcdX8NcCa1Zi6CR4tEvvZN2UdsGC0gHJ8UY6snsAk2d3fINr0qCMqmWK8rLCsGscc_QLQSB4Mugz8Q/s1600/SA+AIDS+Ribbon+square.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545660636396223362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaCzISmKiCXgDK7S2zH_HQizbVk9df0iZLxduKF8fOYHNjs2SiZRSKW6Fl5VXGtcdX8NcCa1Zi6CR4tEvvZN2UdsGC0gHJ8UY6snsAk2d3fINr0qCMqmWK8rLCsGscc_QLQSB4Mugz8Q/s400/SA+AIDS+Ribbon+square.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 288px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 171px;" /></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Published in the 2010 World AIDS Day edition of <a href="http://www.rippleweb.co.za/">The Ripple Effect</a>.</em></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Written by: Alan Brand (Guest Editor)</em></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">At a recent conference I was asked by a delegate why after so many years and after so much manpower, money and investment, medically, emotionally and scientifically we are still not stemming the tide of HIV and AIDS. It must be mentioned that the person who asked the question is very active in the fight against HIV and has dedicated her time and efforts to educate and assist those infected by the disease. It was with a sense of exhaustion and from being emotionally overwhelmed that she asked the question. I do not believe that I was ready to answer the question at the time, but already a seed was busy germinating in my mind and heart, one which I have not been able to express fully until now. It seems that this concept has finally come to fully blossom and IT IS AYOBA!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Consider the sense of goodwill, joy and wellbeing experienced and expressed during the 2010 World Cup by both South Africans and the international guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the prophets of doom and gloom had to bite their tongues and concede that their predictions had failed and we had achieved something to be truly proud of. Not only did serious crime incidence drop in South Africa during the world cup but this was the experience around the world. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here are some quotes proving the effects that the positive energy had in South Africa and internationally:</span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: #4f81bd 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-left: 46.8pt; margin-right: 46.8pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;"><br />
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin: 10pt 0cm 14pt; text-align: justify;"><strong><em><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Nepalese capital Kathmandu recorded a drop in crime and accidents since the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>- police recorded 156 incidents of crime in the month of June, compared with 497 reports during two weeks preceding the tournament, Kantipur newspaper reported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></em></strong></div><br />
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin: 10pt 0cm 14pt; text-align: justify;"><strong><em><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Verdana;">The Business Consumer Index (BCI) rose by 2.8 index points to 84.8 points in June, says the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ tournament raised positive sentiment domestically and internationally. The success of the tournament could boost domestic business confidence despite indications that the global economy may suffer a depressed economic outlook for the medium term," said the Chamber. (Sacci)</span></em></strong></div><br />
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin: 10pt 0cm 14pt; text-align: justify;"><strong><em><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Verdana;">The total number of foreign tourists to South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ might be close to 400 000, says consultancy Grant Thornton, with higher than expected African air arrivals and huge numbers from countries whose teams did well contributing to the figure.</span></em></strong></div></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Now consider the reality of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa and how easy it is to fall into the trap of becoming a profit of doom when we focus on the statistics and history of the epidemic. How much energy have we spent on promoting the negative, highlighting our failure to stem the tide and putting the spotlight on the lack of political will, slow implementation and access to treatment and prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV and AIDS? I can go on and on and on and IT IS NOT AYOBA. No wonder that all this negative messaging contributes towards a sense of hopelessness and inadequacy in the collective and individual conscience of all South Africans and for that matter the entire sub-Saharan African region. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">From the point of view that recognises the basic “laws of attraction” that operates within each person’s life and the universe as a whole is it at all not surprising then that these negative messages have acted as a “magnetic field” influencing the effectiveness of HIV and AIDS awareness and interventions to date? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The time has come to stop the negative energy and messages around HIV and AIDS as surely by now we must be aware that it has not been a successful tool in preventing the spread of the epidemic. I believe that all it has done is make people, institutions and governments feel so overwhelmed that the only possible response is one of denial, apathy and inactivity. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The South African CAPRISA presentation received a standing ovation (a rare medical conference occurrence) at the 2010 World AIDS Conference in Vienna for its study on the tenofovir gel spermicide. Another hot conference topic was test-and-treat as a public health method for curtailing the pandemic resulting in many attendees of the 2010 World AIDS Conference headed home feeling optimistic about the future of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">South Africa has the largest number of people accessing ARV’s in the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It is further estimated that 2.3 million life-years have been added due to introduction of antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa during 1996–2008<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Indications are that, between 2006 and 2010, South Africa is experiencing the plateau of the HIV curve with positive indications, that this trend will continue and a reduction in new infections will be a reality of the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">By emphasising the successes and the reality that we have not yet been defeated, we can and will be victorious in the war against the HI virus. We no longer need to be pessimistic and in tribute and honour to the many that have died we owe it to our children and the future to rise above the “can’t do attitude” and boldly raise our hearts and minds as we spend energy and our collective intellectual capacity to a united, focused political will as we continuing the positive achievements. 2010 has the potential to herald a new era of innovation in fighting the virus. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On a personal note, working with Positively Alive©, a support group for HIV positive men in South Africa, I can testify that members, including myself, in the past did not consider a future and the potential of growing old, they are having to reconsider their futures as with access to treatment and care they are not only living healthy full and complete lives with HIV but are able to engage in relationships without putting others at risk of infection and have to consider the real possibility that they have the potential to reach all and any future dreams and aspirations. AND THAT IS TRULY AYOBA! </span></div></div>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-24322334733375812542010-11-23T10:02:00.001+02:002010-11-23T10:06:15.805+02:00I had a dreamIt is the year 2030 and I am old and grey and I am sitting in my lounge as a retired old man. My grand children are sitting playing on the carpet while I am watching the History channel on cable television. A programme is about to start and the channel runs an advert about a deadly disease that began in the late 70’s and early 80’s and caused the death of millions of people around the world. The advert mentions the virus responsible as the Human Immune Deficiency virus which caused a syndrome called AIDS. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5BReM_uuWuLPjufJ2gHD6kjLEqeihtvQ28wlvgs7o7nZFKkWztTCpTTNJaRvyxU5yQBi1-oDvno9iZlMXW5usinUMS4mdV-GswZefM2swRCGQ9E6dQuAldmVZU04Ha8cmSuI4P-H-fg/s1600/grandfather-is-playing-with-grandchildren-coloring-page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5BReM_uuWuLPjufJ2gHD6kjLEqeihtvQ28wlvgs7o7nZFKkWztTCpTTNJaRvyxU5yQBi1-oDvno9iZlMXW5usinUMS4mdV-GswZefM2swRCGQ9E6dQuAldmVZU04Ha8cmSuI4P-H-fg/s320/grandfather-is-playing-with-grandchildren-coloring-page.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>My granddaughter looks up at the TV listening to advert and turns to me and asked. Grandpa, she says, what is AIDS? I smile and begin to try to explain how when I was a young man the world faced a deadly disease and how in the beginning mankind’s response to this virus was so poor that it had to reach epidemic proportions before individuals, scientists and medical experts began to rally together to stop the spread of the virus. My youngest grandson listening to the discussion looks up and asks, but Grandpa where is AIDS now? And with a smile and pride in my heart I answer we beat it my boy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr6Ngpn0l7tQsO0HY3nbzMRl5HXkVhU8Jayfztg5crGLPfbcb1rGio16CmX_tA_B_Clk68OVnDhUZXKhuxCqOZpf1jMebY03pv_r19WHTIXm0j2s9Hlh-hdLuWIb-W-FB9TC-nJIp0Ms/s1600/twln169l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr6Ngpn0l7tQsO0HY3nbzMRl5HXkVhU8Jayfztg5crGLPfbcb1rGio16CmX_tA_B_Clk68OVnDhUZXKhuxCqOZpf1jMebY03pv_r19WHTIXm0j2s9Hlh-hdLuWIb-W-FB9TC-nJIp0Ms/s320/twln169l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now consider this, when you are old and grey will you be able to answer your grandchildren as I could in my dream or will you have to hang your head in shame and tell them that through intolerance, with judgment and stupidity when you where young you did not take the action required, make the changes you needed and so we are still facing the biggest medical challenge of mankind’s history due to a lack of political and person will to create an HIV and AIDS free future for your grandchildren.<br />
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<em>As Published in the </em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=621457330#!/group.php?gid=18004736206"><em>Ripple Effect</em></a><em> World AIDS Day Edition 2010.</em>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-52538017910413617942010-06-09T16:05:00.010+02:002010-11-29T18:09:07.494+02:00My visit to Marsh Memorial Homes<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">While visiting Cape Town in June 2010, I decided it was time for me to visit the orphanage my brothers and I were placed in back in 1963 when I was four years old. My father was unable to look after three boys and work and in those days’ day- care-centres where few and far between. The decision to place us in an orphanage being made due to the fact that my mother had passed away from a very sudden and unexpected heart attack.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTwV1KbyV4jUQoop0hP0NtdvahlRMez3apVO2DinT8u9RbzSwmFWqf0xirOWO-c8UCatSjYr2GKJI7cC_hnuuDwaLiXp_rbLrD2NUTiSMhvg0kq7zw464f1q6mttf84JMGmibWtUnw2g/s1600/03062010037.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTwV1KbyV4jUQoop0hP0NtdvahlRMez3apVO2DinT8u9RbzSwmFWqf0xirOWO-c8UCatSjYr2GKJI7cC_hnuuDwaLiXp_rbLrD2NUTiSMhvg0kq7zw464f1q6mttf84JMGmibWtUnw2g/s320/03062010037.jpg" qu="true" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator" align="center">The gate house and entry to Marsh Memorial Homes </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br />I write about my experience of the home in the blog entitled “The boy that loved Rabbits – Facing my shadows” … to read the story follow this link: <a href="http://alanbrandpositivelyalive.blogspot.com/2010/03/boy-that-loved-rabbits-facing-my.html">THE BOY THAT LOVED RABBITS</a><br /><br /></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545003467865586098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPOjsiWW-kuRkVQuy1NejRQZ9k92Wf6qFIE-9iIC3jvEEe10ihT4gJdt8CbISV4zYWfCISN76esNcUv1t514iCNAF0avG8uhhHD7UmkO7RsfgxzJaUSjtaLQqhq3AvRmre-42HR29uxg/s400/Brand+Boys+Eveleigh+House+.jpg" /><em> The Brand boys from top to bottom, Peter, Alan </em></p><p><em> and Gary Brand on the steps of Eveleigh House</em><br /></p><p>I had mixed feelings about visiting the home and was pleased to see the gates open and a welcoming board indicating the directions to the reception area.<br /><br /></p><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFG6oZ3eN2UMutkDGblPy495yNmpnwxDXFjUrzY3XhzHGe26eh9TzfGv0O_VKo0Ck3Lgj8MOHANceX0Dy1pNXru1HI1sDCFZ2m5CYKxj-_JXEVp2z6qTbkfSJ3S43vcLfkjnDLz2XEls/s1600/03062010038.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFG6oZ3eN2UMutkDGblPy495yNmpnwxDXFjUrzY3XhzHGe26eh9TzfGv0O_VKo0Ck3Lgj8MOHANceX0Dy1pNXru1HI1sDCFZ2m5CYKxj-_JXEVp2z6qTbkfSJ3S43vcLfkjnDLz2XEls/s320/03062010038.jpg" qu="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">View of the gate house from inside the property.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br />I was welcomed by one of the staff and given the opportunity to explain my reason for the visit. I had called some months earlier and was aware that the home now has changed from an orphanage into a safe haven for abused children or children needing special care. I asked if I would be allowed to walk around explaining that the visit was mostly for me to face some of the shadows of my past and to allow me to take some photos for my blog page. I explained what work I now do and how in some small way the experiences both bad and good at the home as a small boy of 4 years old had helped to shape and form the man that now stood boldly in the reception of Marsh Memorial Homes. Now I must mention that the building now used for the reception area and offices used to be the principles home when I was resident at the home and it was a total no enter area. The stately building with the most amazing stain glass windows, grand wooden staircase leading up to the second floor still appeared both majestic and filled me with a sense of dread. Yet the friendly staff and openness and welcoming attitude made all these feelings fade into the normality of the sunny warm day in June. In had promised to make sure that no children where in the photos I took and with the feeling of a warm welcome in my heart I stepped out into the grounds to see where this journey would take me.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Jpg86_zIayfkj6gXIe-bnsUL7z4Aw5B1W2VXzlhwYJvurjBqBXsA_O0OFQDdYdD7l-j0oApBNpTID9HF7RAfjCnTG7bnsIlrs0RHmKAcR4rbo4tUcju_3KBIVyYxcw8y4LYQ7o5gRQs/s1600/03062010040.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Jpg86_zIayfkj6gXIe-bnsUL7z4Aw5B1W2VXzlhwYJvurjBqBXsA_O0OFQDdYdD7l-j0oApBNpTID9HF7RAfjCnTG7bnsIlrs0RHmKAcR4rbo4tUcju_3KBIVyYxcw8y4LYQ7o5gRQs/s320/03062010040.jpg" qu="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">The reception and office - (previously the principles home)</div><br /><br />I walked around the grounds unable to go to close to the huge red roof building with its 8 chimneys, that was the home I lived in sharing a huge hall type room with the many other boys so many years ago. The building next to this one had burnt down many years ago and the rabbit hutch and fruit orchards behind this building had been rezoned and sold and now filled with residential housing. The home also no longer has a school as was the case when it was an orphanage as the children currently in its care attend local schools. I started sub A (now grade 1) although during this year (1962) of my life my father remarried and we were removed from the orphanage and I continued with my first year at school in Parow Primary.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmQGVLnjdbkNvxGGDxXp4Vn9huGFbnJy0JBxyhlxWxaPy87OuD-yrCOg-6XBU1fz0zYeNNfXxbL8v2B87rElnuksy5Em6tH0qijh3CsNl0aucvhTmZFI1mvdhlbVETTXRLJB5KwE-mhw/s1600/03062010039.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmQGVLnjdbkNvxGGDxXp4Vn9huGFbnJy0JBxyhlxWxaPy87OuD-yrCOg-6XBU1fz0zYeNNfXxbL8v2B87rElnuksy5Em6tH0qijh3CsNl0aucvhTmZFI1mvdhlbVETTXRLJB5KwE-mhw/s320/03062010039.jpg" qu="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">The residential building I was housed in as a child</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br />I remained satisfied to take pictures of the buildings from the outside allowing the memories to flood over me.<br />• The white bread served with cold milk and white sugar as a special treat on Sunday morning for breakfast.<br />• Rabbits in a rabbit hutch also locked into cage reminding me that I felt no different than a caged rabbit.<br />• A loving kind senior boy that had taken me under his wing and became my protector while living at the home.<br />• A tree house in the fruit orchids,<br />• A pray mantis on the railing of the sanctuary one morning at service praying with me for my mother.<br />• Cookies my little brother (1 year old) baked at creche and stored for us as a special treat.<br />• Cold winter nights in a hall lined by rows of beds filled with sleeping boys and yet loneliness and tears.<br />• And many, many more<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NsnQTF0mv_J7Y2-xyiDtzZcQ5OFvdXOfpFpVrJ5Rp2EppHqgF7VEPDOeuPRwfKRgZ4y8dotBWKS-u6CTJdECvhdchyzkHNC68rhAZ3WI1-uZAJk8y2B4I13xPInvuwG-jxy3xMfBSSk/s1600/03062010041.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NsnQTF0mv_J7Y2-xyiDtzZcQ5OFvdXOfpFpVrJ5Rp2EppHqgF7VEPDOeuPRwfKRgZ4y8dotBWKS-u6CTJdECvhdchyzkHNC68rhAZ3WI1-uZAJk8y2B4I13xPInvuwG-jxy3xMfBSSk/s320/03062010041.jpg" qu="true" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">Residence - Marsh Memorial Homes</div><br />It was only later that day when on the plane flying back home to Johannesburg that I suddenly realised why the experience of my visit to March Memorial Homes was a pleasant one and why it has now become part of my journey of healing. I was totally free to enter and leave of my own free will. The gates of the beautiful gate house that has stood the test of time remained open. I cannot even remember if they were closed and locked when I was a child (I guess they must have been). The reality that I was placed there without knowing why or understanding why my mother was not coming back to care for me or ever visit me obviously has had a profound impact on my feelings about the home. The short visits on Sundays by my father after church and the pain of his departure and his abandonment of me lie somewhere deeply buried in the fabric of my heart. The memories of attending church services in the chapel on the premises are always filled with both joy and pain. Joy that perhaps my dad might visit us and the pain that he would leave us behind again.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMMCMRP-5jGPMjKAeSDqVGhzCgSqhwzEfnXjS2SDhXh3lpQFqejiBkAg16kLVqUhpwZ_EW60tykR3G1Usr8_5TZDXicw9oRI0UB-mYCP0gDIT17sRnBiJnGKYUmRELCBWj8GJjXhsDkk/s1600/03062010042.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMMCMRP-5jGPMjKAeSDqVGhzCgSqhwzEfnXjS2SDhXh3lpQFqejiBkAg16kLVqUhpwZ_EW60tykR3G1Usr8_5TZDXicw9oRI0UB-mYCP0gDIT17sRnBiJnGKYUmRELCBWj8GJjXhsDkk/s320/03062010042.jpg" qu="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">The chapel at Marsh Memorial Homes</div><br /><br />Now I could feel the warmth in the sun and the building no longer seemed dark and like a place to lock children up from society. I had a feeling of freedom of an institution now reaching out to children that have been abandoned or abused by their parents finding a place of love and safety.<br /><br />Able to participate in society by attending school and with gates wide open welcoming rather than gates locked separating and removing.<br /><br />I shall have to visit the home again and the next time I wish to become a contributor to the many needs they have in supporting and caring for children in need.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe8TENcbFajv7sUXt3TPhGBLttEHtAY1lKzeagSjykLHtcfq1hDlCEH-0W8kJ7vAqlHDp4Mkq8qBq2IJPbdg6qd2R8W54AgjEdS671wRmnEWVI5y2SqFHD8jMPh0UK4z4LrxsCyBxPCU/s1600/03062010043.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe8TENcbFajv7sUXt3TPhGBLttEHtAY1lKzeagSjykLHtcfq1hDlCEH-0W8kJ7vAqlHDp4Mkq8qBq2IJPbdg6qd2R8W54AgjEdS671wRmnEWVI5y2SqFHD8jMPh0UK4z4LrxsCyBxPCU/s320/03062010043.jpg" qu="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">View across to the other residence - Marsh Memorial Homes</div><br /><br />________________________________________<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:large;">MARSH MEMORIAL HOMES </span></strong><br /><br /><strong>FOCUS AREA:</strong><br /><br />Marsh Memorial Homes strives to be recognized as a leading multicultural child and youth care centre in the Western Cape. Whilst affirming and including children of different cultures, all activities at the centre will be driven by strong Christian principles. The range of activities offered will be holistic, and will focus on the needs of the children at risk and their families, offering them hope and empowering them to contribute towards healthy and functioning communities.<br /><br /><strong>THEY NEED:</strong><br /><br />Bedroom furniture and bedding<br />General furniture (lounge suites, dining room table and chairs, study desks)<br />Working second hand computers<br />Kitchen appliances, crockery and cutlery<br />Camping equipment<br />Gazebos (to be used at our fete day)<br />Clothing and shoes (ages ranging from 4-18 years)<br />Carpets<br />Food Parcels<br />Stationery<br />Sport equipment<br />Bibles (English/Afrikaans/Xhosa)<br />Church youth groups willing to arrange an activity or out for the children.<br />Volunteers to assist a child/children with a certain subject or homework.<br />Educational toys<br />Educational software/programmes<br />________________________________________<br /><br /><strong>Marsh Memorial Home for Abused Children - Western Cape, Cape Town, Rondebosch</strong><br /><br />Non-Profit Organisation Registration Number: 011 270<br /><br />The home now accommodates 60 boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 11.<br /><br />Established: 1901<br /><br />Kindly contact Marsh Memorial Home for Abused Children directly for banking details.<br /><br />Heather B Goble 021 689 9301/2<br /><br />084 624 2365 021 686 4501<br /><br />Norton Way, Off Milner Road, Rondebosch P O Box 9, Rondebosch, 7701<br /><br />heather@marshmemorial.org.zaAlan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-82386802129544403702010-05-02T18:01:00.018+02:002010-05-02T18:37:45.667+02:00Mindfulness<span style="color:#ffcc00;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:180%;">Buddhism means a commitment to the practice of <i>mindfulness</i>.</span><br /></span><div><div><div><div><div><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">It's the practice of opening oneself up and being receptive to the flow of sense perceptions, emotions, and thought processes in each given moment while attempting to hold judgment in abeyance. This is done with no other goal than to be as present as one can <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYzlLsHtnAHHgjjmnJ_mGPpxoew16OOpsdDBsmJX089QntEC2AFbR39V0vUQahIPuY-061Fkiui2iAo54WVh__9wZiJZ7Xf8B3oX4AhWOYlHBHcTfcskWPmpB36MpHI7A40PG-8sWfQ4/s1600/DSC+Buddha+in+Gardens+Ixopo50e.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 314px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466705369002383842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYzlLsHtnAHHgjjmnJ_mGPpxoew16OOpsdDBsmJX089QntEC2AFbR39V0vUQahIPuY-061Fkiui2iAo54WVh__9wZiJZ7Xf8B3oX4AhWOYlHBHcTfcskWPmpB36MpHI7A40PG-8sWfQ4/s400/DSC+Buddha+in+Gardens+Ixopo50e.JPG" /></a>possibly be within each and every moment. One does this with an intimate attention that is very different from a scrutinizing, objective stance. </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Rather than being a distant observer of a set of experiences, one is a participant-observer, and what one observes is not only the sense impressions of the "outside" world, but also one's own subjective reactions to that world... In these moments of unimpeded awareness there is a wonderful sense of lightness of being, and a sense of the rightness to things just as they are. </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">In these moments when the sense of a separate self that needs defending, approval, status, or justification is nowhere evident, one is open to being present and responsive to the world in a deeply caring way. This is what I mean by mindfulness: seeing events as they are with minimal interference from a separate ego that needs to control both self and world; being intimately in touch with the moment as it is, and open-heartedly responsive to it. </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria;font-size:130%;color:#ffcc66;">Experience in Being Mindful – Ixopo Buddhist Retreat 23 to 25 April 2010</span></p><h1 style="MARGIN: 24pt 0cm 0pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;"></span></h1><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05z8J28mn_gmgmbT3PB3tEnVBueYUxzFd4mseCxcJzRAD4yOp6LiEOPxg2cnBaRRqNMEwerMUYbbt0mnABuEXh6r-se3-4ksTZxXtezqALx_BpCeAI4wJLg1HW1GxB228UxH171Cqoac/s1600/DSC00029a.jpg"></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466708765732173154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JPB66_PhNidtlyo8US40a6yaureKR1lN_Zgbw0YfudDC26A6Z4E3oTXKwBJI6a5rFTnZgcjNdd6Ijg2SOP5rrCWS32VjXNkd1DfJoZDYzkA3WpsE-QOs0pyrtAEw5D7Wi2Hy-1rmwOo/s400/DSC00029a.jpg" /><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">While at the Ixopo Buddhist retreat we went on a walk through indigenous forests and eventually arrived at a grassy knoll. We climbed over a fence and soon reached an outcrop of rocks that provided a vista of the valley below. While everyone looked into the distant valley, I peered between the rocks and notice a very insignificant spray of white flowers growing between the crevices of the rocks. I lay down on my stomach to observe the flower. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466709512570257122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitp8-IB9O3FFiHhe72PFeD1DNg4Lw4R49djhOb9hsgzNWRvbHHTwci-Tj4H6HHAVwANYshhc83A77VE_K8l24PgYYAX6xMnd7cScEclFmfIp3LrnZvOhhm8yZ4mvbOSCjbjtrUxW7quDo/s400/DSC00032.JPG" /></span> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">The Buddhist teacher who was our guide on the walk saw me lying face down on the rock and peering into the abyss below and asked if I was ok… (I guess it might have looked like I was throwing up over the cliff). I responded, “I am being mindful of a flower”. She smiled a gentle smile similar to Buddha’s smile. “What have you learnt from the flower?” she asked. </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">As I had my camera with me I replied that I could show them that I had discovered that even an insignificant white flower has a spectacular landing strip to attract insects. “It just shows that when one is silent and observant even the most insignificant being can reveal incredible beauty”, I said. Nothing more nothing less it just is so, in the silence of being mindful I learnt again to appreciate that which was right there in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had always been there it had not changed or become more than it was before what had changed was my ability to take the time to be mindful of the beauty it waited to reveal.</span></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466710509243195170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVA4HGja-D-EqoHFugod_-1wVc9tFslqMgB3jNHdvCtubBAnYV94M_Qji87d86BGDIiNLvEaO9qXv8eVH-dVvlJn73tJ54q21vbU8gRstOZZirhsf8Lp2airmlR8r4Q9oqAv2NCYNKjQ/s400/DSC00032b.jpg" /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></span></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></span></p></div></div></div></div></div>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034634732931154405.post-79360749728740026412010-04-09T10:28:00.005+02:002010-06-04T08:55:39.192+02:00THE SCIENCE OF MIRACLES<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Science-Miracles-Gregg-Braden/dp/B001LQCIAC?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Science of Miracles</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001LQCIAC" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Science-Miracles-Gregg-Braden/dp/B001LQCIAC?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Science of Miracles</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooqZkzeif9tngcktMh89NzfeFN8fcXTnVh_IpJt06WWmuVQ3EVwh5eaft3cw6unHWETN8qhTXDAzmVd5OQuBTiSKInaH14SFy5ZJP_U3NzoRtSRRNJ2BaVMjmlZFhhGiaoPIhQKIA5_o/s1600/SBCatCvr_cover.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001LQCIAC" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></a></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="uistorymessage"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I watched the dvd by Gregg Braden " The Science of Miracles" and in response am inspired to write the following words. Words are only words but as I say them and write them down and release them they become my reality and my emotions and my truly felt experience. </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="uistorymessage"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em>"If it is true and I embrace the reality that what I feel, my emotions, the thoughts of my mind, create my universe, then within me is the power to chose positive thoughts of love, healing, joy and happiness. I am filled with happiness, joy, peace and healing. I now feel that joy, my heart leaps with the thrill of life and from me flows positive energy, love and happiness. Peace is upon me, surrounds me and enlightens me and all I come into contact with. I share and release this positive energy with and to all beings in the universe right now."</em></span></b></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="uistorymessage"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Thanks for the inspiration: Gregg Braden <a href="http://www.greggbraden.com/">http://www.greggbraden.com/</a> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="uistorymessage"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="uistorymessage"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em></em></span></b></span></div></div>Alan Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003958966184291692noreply@blogger.com0