Fighting AIDS with education

There's good news coming from the World AIDS Conference, which is ending in Melbourne today: experts have the hope that the illness can be eradicated by the middle of this century. But the goal of 2030, which had been set by the conference, seems a bit too ambitious, considering the political reality in many states.

Sure, research has advanced enormously since the turn of the millennium. Today, an HIV-infection is not an automatic death sentence. With well-balanced anti-retroviral medication, the virus can be contained for a long time and patients can lead a relatively normal life - if they can afford it. AIDS medication is still very expensive.

Even more encouraging are new ways - adapted from cancer research - to fight AIDS where it hides. For example, Scientists have managed to "lure out" HIV from the cells, so it becomes more vulnerable.

But despite all these successes, HIV can only be beat if every human everywhere assumes responsibility for their own actions. Unfortunately, that's still not the case, starting with each individual's sex life. By now, every last person should know that condoms are the best prevention of sexual diseases. But authorities, governments and religious communities also have to create an atmosphere where this knowledge can grow - a space that's open politically, legally and socially.

One thing is clear: Treating the illness like a taboo, a lack of sex education, the discrimination of high-risk groups like homosexuals, and ostracizing those who are infected are the main reasons for the fast spread of AIDS, especially in African countries.

A responsible handling of the disease is only possible if everyone knows how the infection is passed on and what the dangers are and if AIDS tests are readily available. Populist governments hunting down homosexuals present a grave danger, as do myths about healing AIDS with nature's remedies. Citizens of developing countries must have access to effective AIDS medication. The industrial nations should have no qualms about paying for that.

At the same time, it's just as important to use diplomatic and economic tools against states that discriminate and persecute minorities and high-risk groups. The same goes for governments neglecting their duty to educate their people. Without respect for human rights and a good education for all citizens, not even the most advanced medical research stands a chance in the battle against AIDS.