Monday, February 27, 2006

Just What is an Epidemic?

Sometimes, I I think peope don't think about what they are saying.
Consider Richard Gere's comments about AIDS in India.
Let me first qualify myself by saying AIDS is a problem, it's probably the biggest health problem for any country regardless of it's economic situation, but to say there is an HIV/AIDS epidemic is to give the disease more credit than it deserves. It might be a matter of connotation. In the flu epidemic of the early 20th century, people couldn't go out and about without the risk of catching the disease. Lots of people got it because it was easy to get. HIV on the otherhand is almost entirely preventable. THere are very few cases of accident HIV infections, mostly involving health care professionals and accidental needle sticks. I can talk to, hug, have contact with someone who is HIV positive, and never get it. Can't do that with the flu!
Back to the problem...
HIV is a big problem, and people who are positive need the most intensive kind of ministry, especially if they are poor. People can live a long time with the disease if they get the right medicines and treatments.
In most place I believe what people who are HIV positive need the most is human contact. God made us for fellowship, with each other, and with Him.
It's scary to think that you will never be hugged again...
God waits with open arms, let's take care of the sick...

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