The forgotten epidemic

By Victoria Handysides, Here NB

 

Moncton - The 90s, a decade full of hot topics, is behind us: O.J. Simpsonl, the Gulf War, the world's first cloned sheep, the massacre at Columbine and the disease known as AIDS.

 

It's insensitive and callous, but true: any panicked outcry about the sexually transmitted disease has been muted to mere mumbling. It rarely makes headlines, and (forgive the phrasing) isn't the "hot" disease that it once was.

 

"This is a disease whose patient's faces aren't plastered across billboards. They're not thought of as survivors or heroes," AIDS Moncton spokeswoman Kate Doyle said.

 

Fact is, transmitting AIDS isn't the death sentence it once was. Though there is still no cure, the infected are living longer than ever before. In combination with mass campaigning and fundraising for various cancers, a surge in STIs like chlamydia, herpes, and HPV have moved into the limelight.

 

Yet AIDS is far from gone. In Moncton, more people have the disease than you might think - they're your neighbours, your co-workers, your friends and family members.

 

It's difficult, Doyle said, to determine just how many people have the disease. Not all cases are reported, as some may be diagnosed in other provinces or have chosen to be tested anonymously.

 

According to provincial health data, over 300 cases of HIV - the precursor virus responsible for AIDS - were reported between 1985 and 2006 in New Brunswick (the most current data available). According to AIDS Moncton, there are approximately 49,800 people living with HIV in Canada.

 

Of those infected who choose to remain in Moncton (many opt to leave for larger urban centres where resources, support and acceptance are readily available), a portion access services offered by the non-profit organization.

 

"It's hard to feel accepted in a place like Moncton. AIDS is still this huge elephant in the room, in spite of all we know about it these days," Doyle said.

 

AIDS Moncton provides access to subsidized housing, workshops, emergency funding, free condoms and a needle exchange program.

 

The organization is ramping up campaigning for its largest annual fundraiser. The city's 10th annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk For Life will take place on Sept. 11. Those interested in participating are encouraged to grab some friends, form a team, and start collecting pledges. Incentives, including a laptop and a trip to Toronto, are being offered for top fundraisers.

 

The organization relies heavily on the event, Doyle said, adding roughly 80 per cent of their yearly fundraising cash comes from the Walk. This year, they're hoping to raise between $10,000 and $15,000.

 

For more information, visit www.sida-aidsmoncton.com.