When the Homily is about Immunology

France Part 3

As most of you know I came to Paris in order to attend an International HIV/HSV-2 workshop which focused on ongoing studies in Africa which are trying to better understand the evident relationship between HSV-2 and transmission of HIV. More and more, the data show that there is a very clear almost circular relationship and the theory being examined asks that if we treat with acyclovir (or some other similar anti-HSV shedding drug)if we can significantly reduce the amount of HIV transmission.

And, then, there is this story.

I can't help but feel that the rage described is largely misdirected. This is not to say that more cannot be done, but once again I feel that we as a world society are ignoring the aspect of personal responsibility. It is very refreshing to read this: "Along with the call for quicker and cheaper access to ARVs, many Africans urged a sense of personal responsibility"

We must remember that AIDS is a completely preventable disease. But it will take much more than this sort of stupidity. We have to also confront the attitude expressed by one HIV+ man on a CNN special who patently refuses to use a condom or refrain from extensive promiscuous behavior. He says in essence: "I am dying...why should I care...I just want to have as much fun as I can before I die."

Apathy in the face of death...no notion of the possibility or goodness of dying a noble death in the face of a horrific disease...literally a deadly hedonism. This is of course overtly cruel, but less overt is the cruelty which enslaves humankind to the sexual behavior and responsibility of a rabbit.

We are better than this damnable disease...and we must teach this as well.