EVERY year on the first day of the last month of the year, World AIDS Day is commemorated. Much has been done to tackle the scourge known as AIDS, but statistics of people infected by HIV and AIDS seem to show the contrary.
The problem with the majority of people, Malaysians included, is denial of the existing situation. Most would like to think that the AIDS problem is unique to a particular part of the world. Even when there are those who acknowledge that AIDS is a problem in Malaysia, they think that it is a problem that concerns only a certain fraction of society.
In other words, many are of the view that while the threat of AIDS does exist, as long as it is not their problem, it is really not a problem. Alas, this way of thinking is really misleading, creating a false sense of safetyabout the AIDS situation. Denying the problem exists and thinking that it is somebody else’s problem only results in a poor understanding of the subject.
In the absence of information and understanding, the fight against AIDS will surely suffer. When people deny they have a problem, and when people do not think AIDS is their problem, no concrete measures are likely to be taken.
There will be campaigns and seminars, of course, but beyond that, nothing much will bedone, taking things back to square one.
Denial of the underlying problem and thinking that AIDS only infects other people will also create a dangerous trend. When one thinks one is invincible, there is a tendency to indulge in high risk activities that could expose one to the virus itself.
This is due to the lack of awareness and information, resulting in an increase in the number of those infected by the virus. New cases will be bound to emerge, adding to the increasingly scary statistics.
Even when more people are infected by HIV, others in society continue to deny the problem exists. This by itself has created a vicious cycle that will go on unless we accept that something needs to be done.
There are two schools of thought on AIDS. One school takes the modern, open-minded, liberal and realist approach, preferring to talk about the problem openly and using all means necessary, the media especially, to bring about a better understanding of AIDS and HIV.
When there is a lot of publicity on the HIV and AIDS situation, generally there will be proportionately increased awareness in the public.
The other school is more conservative and reserved in its approach. AIDS and HIV must not be talked about in public. Instead, it emphasises stronger, better and more comprehensive religious and moral education.
This school believes the solution lies in strengthening one’s values and virtues. It believes this will act as a firewall against high risk activities.
It is unfortunate to note that these two schools are often seen differing with each other. No doubt, in terms of approach they may differ, but the reality is that both are tackling the very same problem – AIDS and HIV – and hoping to meet the very same target: to reduce the number of people infected.
If these two schools could find a meeting point and co-operate with one another, surely the fight against AIDS and HIV will be greatly strengthened. Approaches may differ, but neither can claim their approach is better.
What is important is to ensure that the strategies to combat AIDS and HIV are based on social realities. If by providing information on HIV and AIDS the situation is helped, then that approach should not be dismissed.
It would be even better if explanations and information on HIV and AIDS are provided by influential opinion-makers.
For Muslims, these opinion-makers include religious scholars (ulama) such as the state Muftis, ustaz and imam. It is imperative, therefore, that the ulama themselves understand the HIV and AIDS situation. That will enable them to provide a proper understanding of the subject through sermons and religious classes.
Undoubtedly, there are many who know this has to be done, but it is essential to ensure more ulama are willing to speak on the subject.
Nonetheless, it should be remembered that providing information is only one step in the battle. There must be other measures to prevent the problem from worsening.
Many quarters have suggested several preventive methods. Some nations have introduced certain harm reduction programmes. While some of these measures seem to be successful, they could also be controversial.
The needle exchange programmes and the use of condoms for safe sex have invited public uproar in certain places. The aim of these programmes is to encourage “safe behaviour” to reduce the risk of infection.
In reality, this approach is only a short-term situation. It does not really address the root cause of the problem. Admittedly, this approach may reduce the number of people being infected by HIV, but it could encourage more people to be sexually promiscuous as well as increase the number of drug addicts. A solution should solve the problem, not create new ones. All quarters, regardless of the school of thought they subscribe to on AIDS prevention, should work together to find a long-term solution. This, however, is easier said than done. In the context of Malaysia, religious and cultural sensitivities should not be ignored. At the same time, people must be educated continuously. The Muslim population must be made aware of what is permissible and what is forbidden in Islam.
Society as a whole must be willing to admit that the HIV and AIDS situation is a very serious problem indeed. Only then can we address the problem effectively.
We also need to understand the plight of those living with HIV and AIDS. Stereotyping them will only result in the further marginalisation of people who need help.
Is it not the Islamic way to help those in need? Sometimes, Muslims tend to forget Islam is a religion that encourages its believers to help those in need, regardless of who they are. Islam is based on love, not hate and discrimination.
There is a tendency for people to ask AIDS sufferers how they contracted the disease. Maybe this is the wrong question to ask. When a person gets the flu, we do not ask how they got it.
Instead, we try to make things easier for them, help them in any possible way we can. Perhaps the same approach should be used for AIDS, though the situation is a great deal more serious.
As Muslims, we are enjoined to be compassionate and not prejudge people. Labelling, discriminating and marginalising people living with HIV and AIDS does not help the situation. A person may have done something wrong in the past, but that does not mean that the person will continue to do it forever.
We have to remember that all of us make mistakes we regret. God gives us opportunities to realise our mistakes and return to the right path. If the Almighty can be forgiving, why can’t we emulate Him? The fact is that AIDS is not a disease that affects only a certain section of society. Anybody, regardless of gender, religion, race and age, can be struck down. HIV does not pick and choose its victims.
