Alicia keys speaks up about hiv/aids awareness
By Christyna Pourhabib
September 2013
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“HIV/Aids should not be a silent killer. We all have a responsibility and opportunity to join forces and begin an open, honest dialogue with one another,” states Alicia Keys, Grammy Award-winning artist and Global Advocate for HIV/Aids. “I’m proud to start this dialogue because there is nothing we can’t get through, figure out, and learn together.”
On Thursday, August 22nd, Alicia Keys joined forces with Congressman Charlie Rangel, Dr. Helene Gayle, Russell Simmons, Vin Baker, Denise Soares and Stephanie Brown to launch a straightforward conversation about HIV/Aids with the Harlem community at Harlem Hospital. The fervor and enthusiasm emitted from these HIV/Aids activists inspired community members in a transparent Q and A forum illuminating the dimmed flame within this nationwide pandemic.
“Harlem is a US epicenter of HIV/Aids. When we look at our patient population, about 80 percent are African Americans,” explains Dr. Soares when asked what the epidemic looks like in Harlem. Although this virus does not discriminate, African Americans are disproportionately affected in comparison to other racial groups. This disease affects nearly 1.1 million people in the world, and African Americans represent half that number.
Community members were eager to understand this overwhelming reality, and the facts pointed directly to a lack of education and resources. “We don’t have the same access to information and health services, we have high rates of drug use and STDs in our community, and more women are becoming infected because they assume they can’t fall victim to this disease,” states Dr. Helene Gayle. While many believe HIV/Aids is spread solely throughout the homosexual community, access to appropriate information would indicate that this disease is rapidly spreading within the heterosexual arena as well. This epidemic can also spread through pregnancy, breast-feeding, injection through drug use, infected tattoo needles, occupational exposure, and blood transfusions.
“After co-founding “Keep a Child Alive,” “EMPOWERED,” and working globally in South Africa and India, I couldn’t believe that as one of the wealthiest countries, there was a shadow over what is actually happening with HIV/Aids in the United States,” Keys states.
Unfortunately, the blatant lack of knowledge and education about HIV/Aids forms an air of complacency in our population leaving many individuals untested and unaware of their status and the risks they face. Yes, the rates of infection have improved throughout the years due to new medication and treatment, but there is still a grave importance to stay protected and up to date on current information. “The biggest problem we are facing now is ignorance and fear. Once we have the knowledge and are educated, we will understand that we have an obligation to save each other,” states Congressman Rangel.
As the discussion came to a close, each member on the panel stressed the importance of eliminating the fear, stigma, and judgment associated with HIV/Aids. Not only do these factors play apart in our lack of knowledge, they also lead many people to be ashamed of their sexual orientation and their status if diagnosed as HIV positive. “HIV is not a death sentence and if you are diagnosed with HIV, you deserve just as much love and support as anyone else,” expresses HIV positive ambassador, Stephanie Brown.
If you are unaware of your status, HIV testing is now considered routine care and available at your local clinic and hospital. It is imperative to protect yourself, your health, and your partner(s). While African American women account for larger amounts of new infections, Keys’ final statements were firmly directed towards the women in the audience. “We have the right to request that paper stating whether our partner(s) are negative or positive. We as women must understand our power and use that power to our advantage.” As the crowd cheered loudly in approval, an atmosphere of hopefulness and confidence circulated throughout the walls of Harlem Hospital.