http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42154 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 20:01:00 EDT http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42154 11.1833333 -60.7333333 11.1833333 -60.7333333 http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42152 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:54:00 EDT http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42152 11.1833333 -60.7333333 11.1833333 -60.7333333 http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42151 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:51:00 EDT http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42151 11.1833333 -60.7333333 11.1833333 -60.7333333 http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42150 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:40:00 EDT http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42150 11.1833333 -60.7333333 11.1833333 -60.7333333 http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42148 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:32:00 EDT http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42148 11.1833333 -60.7333333 11.1833333 -60.7333333 http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42147 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:25:00 EDT http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42147 11.1833333 -60.7333333 11.1833333 -60.7333333 http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42146 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:19:00 EDT http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42146 11.1833333 -60.7333333 11.1833333 -60.7333333 http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42145 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:13:00 EDT http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42145 11.1833333 -60.7333333 11.1833333 -60.7333333 http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42144 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:08:00 EDT http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42144 11.1833333 -60.7333333 11.1833333 -60.7333333 http://Gaynel.tigblog.org/post/42139
Each person reading this has a right to enjoy life to the fullest, but not everyone will take the responsibility to see that the circumstances exist to make that happen. This was the though that remained as I left the woman behind to continue her journey.

On my way to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre the vehicle I was in developed a mechanical problem. (keep reading I'm getting to the HIV/AIDS relevance). So I changed vehicles and sat next to a lady I met for the first time. She asked me how the conference was going. The (enormous) name tag each participant was given was around my neck so it was easy for anyone to ask that question. The familiar enthusiastic response each time a stranger asks this question was automatic, but what followed was unexpected. Only, it should not have been.

She said, "So what you think will change" (because of the conference). This follow up never happened before, although I have thought of what I want to do when I return home, to Trinidad and Tobago. The obvious response, and the one I used was, "the progress will be seen after each delegate and media return to their respective countries (with the information)". I went on to explain, not sure if her composed expression meant she thought the conference was a waste of time. We said goodbye and that was the end of the conversation that has disturbed me since.

Follow me for a moment to analyze the HIV/AIDS problem in one short paragraph. HIV/AIDS turned up on the global health radar twenty-five years ago. Today a record 40 million is estimated to be living with the disease. In addition, half of new infections are among young people between 15 and 24. The epidemic has created its own global citizenship and resides in every region of the world. So we are all either infected or affected (or both) by the changes HIV/AIDS has caused. Still, with all the information the problem of not enough political will, gender, stigma, discrimination and a lack of access to information, education and services remain as barriers. But maybe the biggest barrier to breaking down this disease is INACTION!

You can change this; young people know the issues, as 24 year old Frika Iskandar puts it. She tested positive for HIV when she was eighteen. She is committed to preventing others from contracting HIV. At the same time speaking out in support of those who are living with HIV. The message she was sending: Do something about what’s happing!

Remember, Youth/adult partnerships have proven to work, according to Kerrel from Jamaica. She started a HIV/AIDS care service that has partnered with adults from the beginning. Meet with the government and political figures to get the facts and their help. If young people and the general public feel untouched by the HI/AIDS epidemic get the statistics and show them, is the advice from Melinda, a youth AIDS activist. There are ideas that you can share with online networks. For a start locate others in your area, groups and people interested in the same thing or try youthaidscoalition.org. Whatever you decide, do something!
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