activism still makes a difference
But most disputes were dealt with amicably and the conference proved to be an inspiration for most who attended. Delegates networked
frantically, friendships were renewed and a new generation of activists
was motivated and trained up to fight for the rights of people with HIV
around the world.
Innumerable horror stories surfaced from people facing discrimination
and violence around the world. A Zimbabwean man said he was told that
he couldn't be black and gay and deserved to die, and a woman from the
same country said: "In my country you get tear-gassed if you demonstrate."
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A Kenyan was told he should be hung because he had HIV. Joseph, from
Namibia, said that when he found he was HIV positive he felt his hands
had been cut off. A Jamaican lady said that people who disclosed their
positive status continue to face burning -out of their homes, violence
and even murder.
An Indian man said that people with HIV in the subcontinent are not treated
as humans and are denied any basic rights, and a South African lady said
that once it is known you are HIV positive, any reason is found to chase
you out of your job.
African activists at the conference; Promise Mthembu of ICW (centre), Michael Angaga of the Network of African People (right).
Andrew Doupe, from Australia, said that some people with HIV around the world
receive excellent treatment and care, and others are dying without any help.
