AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

What are you doing for Christmas? That question has been thrown on my face thousands of times in the last few weeks.I have been asked that question so many times to the extent that now, whenever I am about to meet anyone that I know has not asked me before, I volunteer the answers. Everybody is busy with preparations for Christmas holidays. Over 2 billions dollars will be spend just this month for gift-exchange programs. I call them programs because I am yet to get the history behind exchanging gifts among relatives,friends, colleagues, and almost all the people you know and have been close by in the year if not years.I am told it takes up to March for most people to start recovering from the debts earned during the programs.Uh!

But there is one thing that I must admit about the season out here.It is exciting!You can not just walk away from this end of the year buzz! I also know that it annoys sometimes. The over crowded malls, busy than usual roads, crazily drivers who are on the rush to get some last minutes presents for families and friends, all day x mas songs and commercials on television. Well,you are not alone, some Christmas songs are boring, lets be real for Gods sake.

Literally everything else collapses during this time of the year. Its all about Christmas and some politics of whether calling greeting people with Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Does it real matter?So that brings about my question. Must everybody be doing something for Christmas? Why am I being asked the above question over and over again? Unfortunately, the above question is not asked plainly.It is asked with great expectations. When I reply that I have no plans for Christmas, have nothing like a Christmas tree at my house, my kids have not been to the mall to take a picture with Santa and have not bought any gift for anybody, there comes a look!Must we all celebrate Christmas? Are you?

Today is World AIDS/HIV day. I do not fancy the idea of having a “specific day” for a crisis that affects millions of lives everyday. To me, in most of the times, the specific days takes away commitment and essence of the struggle. However, that is probably how it has always been and I have little choice than to agree with the “system” before the system rejects me!

Africa, for all the reasons, remains the most affected continent when it comes to this pandemic. The vulnerability goes hand in hand with long rooted historical, economical, social and political causes. No one can even explain best on the question what happened and what should be done. Theories and theories emerge every other day. No one seems to be getting it right because the fact remains that millions are dying, millions are suffering.

Therefore, I believe, there has to be some sorts of twists and shouts if we are to witness drastic changes not only on how to fight the killer disease but also on how we prepare the current and next generation’s future.

Apparently, I have heard some people arguing that contacting HIV/AIDS is almost a matter of choice. If you know that you could be exposing yourself to the disease why have unprotected sex? Why use drugs, share needles and other stuff with people who you believe they could have been infected? While, on a short note would like to agree with them, the consideration I never stop highlighting is circumstances. That is when I love the idea of not judging anyone but instead extend the arms of love, grace and unconditional support. We should all do just that.

AIDS/HIV is real. I can hardly think of a family, specifically in continental Africa, that has not lost a dear one, has not lost a friend, a neighbor, a colleague etc due to the disease. That should, therefore, inform each one of us that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate and pays no attention to gender or even sexual orientation.

While I insist that education going together with support is crucial, I also want to remember all those who have passed away. R.I.P. I also know that millions of brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, fellow countrymen and women are suffering and struggling with the disease. To all of you, the only thing I can say is never loose hope, keep fighting and never give up.