The Changing Face of AIDS

After Sub Saharan Africa, the Caribbean has the second highest incidence of HIV and AIDS in the world.  Interestingly, the feminization of HIV is becoming a problem of alarming concern. Those most vulnerable are the younger and the older women.  What follows is a true story of a woman who in her wildest imagination never thought that she would be living with HIV.

Margaret Young is a vibrant, outgoing 73 year old woman who looks much younger than her real age. Her husband died 15 yrs ago. She admitted to having a boyfriend, but he died two years before her husband. Eight years ago, Margaret had three teeth extracted and also worked as a caregiver at a home for the aged for many years. About five years ago, Margaret started losing weight accompanied by loss of appetite and changes in her complexion. One day, as her condition grew weaker, she collapsed and was taken to the hospital. After the doctors exhausted all possible causes of her illness, an HIV test was done. To her horror, shock and dismay, the test came back positive. Margaret was 68 years old when she was diagnosed with AIDS.

All sorts of questions flooded Margaret’s mind. How could she face her friends and family?
Could it be from the husband, boyfriend, the dentist or a patient that she cared for? Amid the questions, Margaret found solace in God, a supportive family and a pastor and church that truly cares for her. Margaret today is a vibrant Christian, and an active member of a support group and is using her testimony to educate others about HIV and AIDS. She is not ashamed of her status, but is a living example that no matter what your age may be, you are not exempt from contracting the disease.

Hope in God is the fuel that keeps her going. At 73, Margaret believes that she has a lot to live for and is a source of encouragement to those infected and affected by HIV.

• Margaret is not her real name, for the sake of privacy..

..by Merle Ali, AIDS Advocate and Country Representative -Trinidad & Tobago

AIDS Training Seminars If you would like to schedule a Training of Trainers Seminar in your country please notify us by email.

The 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic is available now for download online at UNAIDS.   Click on the graphic to the left to be taken directly to the report site.

 

AIDS Materials Promotion Packets

The Commission is currently in the middle of a large promotion. Promotional packets will be sent to all the countries of our region. 
 
We need your help!  We need missionaries willing to help in countries where there is no country representative. If you would be willing to receive a box of packets to deliver to interested leaders please let us know.  If you are interested in receiving a packet please let us know by emailing us at:

The promotion packets will include free of charge a sampling of currently available AIDS materials.  Our desire is to get these sample materials into the hands of church leaders and interested persons.  There are a number of materials available for awareness, education and ministry to (PLWA) Persons Living With AIDS, most are available in English and Spanish.

To see the Promotional packet letter and material explanations