When was the last time you thought about AIDS? If you are one of the 15,000 San Diegans living with HIV/AIDS, you probably think of it quite often. But if you are like most people, AIDS has become a passé topic, one that you associate with the ’80s and early ’90s. HIV/AIDS has for many people become “just another disease,” similar to diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The most media attention that HIV/AIDS has received in the recent past is either the situation in Africa, or the media blitz surrounding those who seek the infection, so-called “bug chasers” — as brought to the forefront this year in a controversial Rolling Stone article.

However, the reality of HIV/AIDS for those who live with it on a daily basis is anything but a passé topic. Although it is true that medications have improved the quality of life for positive people, living with HIV/AIDS is far more difficult than most people realize. While people are now living with HIV/AIDS for 10, 20, 25-plus years, the long-term effects of living with this disease are devastating. Physical ailments include facial wasting, diabetes, chronic leg and foot problems, various cancers and a loss of muscle mass. Working can become a difficulty, as chronic fatigue and the early onset of dementia are common. For those who qualify for disability or social security, learning to live on a meager income proves quite difficult.

Imagine yourself living on $800 a month, having to pay for rent, utilities, food, medical expenses, phone, clothing, personal hygiene products and transportation on such a small pittance. Sound impossible? IT IS! But this is the reality many persons living with HIV/AIDS face on a daily basis (of course, not all persons with HIV/AIDS are in this position, but far too many are). And while you may have heard about President Bush’s $15 Billion AIDS Relief program, most of that money is earmarked for overseas efforts. Those monies that do go for U.S. efforts are targeted towards “Abstinence Only” efforts. Just last week, for the very first time, Congress proposed a $2.6 million cut in domestic AIDS services. Such cuts are bound to increase, leaving more people without anywhere to turn.

But these barriers hardly compare to the overwhelming apathy that so many people have towards HIV/AIDS and those who are living with it. Apathy runs deep in our society. AIDS activism has come to a near standstill in the United States. No longer do we hear about demonstrations and calls-to-action by AIDS activists. Somehow, somewhere, AIDS became passé, no longer the “cause du jour” it once was — the red ribbon seems to hold little meaning in the vast sea of multi-colored cause ribbons.

For individuals, apathy takes on many forms. It is easier to blame someone for acquiring the disease than it is to look at how AIDS is spread. HIV/AIDS is largely spread by people who do not realize they are infected. This is the reality. When was the last time you were tested? How often do you practice “safer sex?” How many times have you said to yourself “she/he looks healthy” and then proceeded to put yourself at risk? Beyond this, when was the last time you put yourself in someone else’s shoes, someone who may have made choices similar to those you have made, but were unlucky enough to become infected?

You have heard this all a million times before, but the truth is that people are still becoming infected. HIV/AIDS is much more prevalent than you even realize. What are you doing to stop the spread of AIDS? And more importantly, what are you doing to leave the world a better place than you found it?

In addition to getting tested and practicing safer sex, you can help stop the spread of AIDS by increasing your own knowledge and making those around you aware that HIV/AIDS is something you can prevent yourself from acquiring. You can write public officials and demand that funding continue to support AIDS service organizations. You can also donate your time to help your infected brothers and sisters. And if you don’t have time, donate money. The program you help support may someday help support you or your loved ones.

Wishing you peace and good health,

Vique Chavez