I’m replying to Kevin Greenan (‘Africa
exporting its sick is sick’ PN
letters, October) and his support for restrictions on HIV positive people coming
to the UK. When I was young in Africa, there were migrants coming to my country
in the hundreds. I remember hearing Kevin’s sorts of complaints then.
Visitors were accused of importing diseases such as scarlet and yellow fevers
and causing fear and insecurity. Now we are the visitors, yet the complaints
remain the same, and in every country, third world or not. If it is not migration,
it is asylum, if it is not asylum, it is anger against the neighbour in the
next house. Africa is not exporting its sick, but rather, the sick the world
over are looking for cures for their different diseases before they eventually
give up and die.
MATILDA, LONDON SE18
Re. ‘Just how dangerous is dope?’ (PN
July): Cannabis
is still a class B drug. A report recommending its demotion to a class C drug
is being considered by the police. If they decide in favour it will become
class C from January 2004. Also...the active ingredient in cannabis is THC
- not THT!
HELEN, MITCHAM, SURREY
I am writing to congratulate the UK Coalition on its 10th anniversary. You
should feel very proud of this huge achievement in the UK’s response
to the HIV epidemic. The Coalition has gone from strength to strength over
the last 10 years, clocking up a significant track record; your advocacy and
campaigning work, Positive Nation, and Positive Futures are just examples.
THT has been very pleased to work with UKC over the past 10 years, and looks
forward to strengthening its work together over the next 10. On a personal
note, I feel very proud to have been associated with UKC when I worked at Positive
Nation in the mid-1990s and have very fond memories of my time there.
PAUL WARD, DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE, TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST
I went to the UKC 10th Birthday bash on Sunday 28th September at Heaven. It
was the first time I’ve ventured into the gay ‘demi-monde’ for
four years. It was so enjoyable to be in an atmosphere where I didn’t
worry about my appearance or health status. I left wishing that there could
be a regular social venue where we could relax, have a night out and meet people,
without all the confidence-crushing of the established places where you quickly
believe you’re the only HIV rep in the place.
JT, VIA POSITIVE VOICES MESSAGE BOARD
I was at Heaven yesterday with my wife and her sister to celebrate the UKC
10th birthday. It was a fabulous party, we had good times and met many people,
friends old and new. The UK Coalition is there for us and listens, and even
if there isn’t money to do more for us all, many Africans are grateful
to UKC and all it is doing. God Bless and have a good next 10 years.
JAMES, VIA POSITIVE VOICES
I have just caught up with Laurence Gibson’s article ‘Service as Usual’ (PN February). I agree that the Patient Involvement programmes being implemented in the NHS represent an important opportunity for people living with HIV to have a say in services. The unique experience of people living with HIV can make a huge contribution to service improvement in the NHS as a whole. Am I alone in noticing how much better specialist HIV services are than any other NHS services?
I would however like to take issue with Laurence about the Expert Patients
Programme. This offers a chance for people with any long-term condition to
explore the similarities between their experiences and gain the confidence
to adopt healthier behaviours. I’m sorry that Cass Mann doesn’t
think the programme works. I can only say it worked for me and for many other
people with HIV who I have worked with as a course leader. The major benefit
from involvement has been a realisation that we share most problems with other
people with long-term conditions. This has been a spur to wider involvement
and, in my case, a recent appointment to the Commission for Public and Patient
Involvement in Health.
IAN HAYES, BRISTOL
I have just read Positive Nation’s September issue and read with shock,
humour and surprise the column
by Susan Cole. It’s about time that women
got a voice in the press regarding HIV. I found Susan to have an eloquence
all of her own, a language that I could connect with and a way with words that
had me giggling uncontrollably. Hope we see more.
DANIEL
I read with interest ‘True Romance’ by Sarah (letters,
September).
I placed an advert on PN website’s “Women 4 Men” section
in July 2002. Like Sarah, I met someone in August 2002. We fitted like gloves
and have never looked back. I would like to thank PN for offering this service
to people like us. I would encourage others to get online or use PN magazine
to look for love. Like Sarah and I, love could be in the air for them.
ROSE MAHINDA
With regard to ‘True romance’, I’d like to say congratulations
to Sarah and her fiancé. I hope you spend the rest of your lives making
your dreams come true. I unfortunately have tried once and was unsuccessful.
Every man seems to be looking for a 25-40 year old match - when I still have
a few years to go. Am I supposed to be too immature? Many men don’t include
their ages, and unfortunately some turn up old enough to be my father...a definite
no-no. No offence but I’ll catch up with you guys when I’m in my
40s. Where have all the mid-to late 20s gone? Hey guys, whassup? PN magazine
is definitely one of a kind, a very big thank you for spicing up my days every
month, and I can’t wait for the next issue-luvya!!!
ABSOLUTE FAN, LISA, ESSEX
