“I feel like it’s catastrophic because of the lack of treatment and because so many people have it. I feel like Africa can’t do enough to educate it’s people and that there aren’t enough resources or help getting to those in need.”
—Maria Vacarella, sophomore transfer“…there are a lot of pervasive rumors about the cause of AIDS. Many people in remote villages believe the disease is caused by bad karma and the entire community shuns anyone infected. Strongly influenced by the church, many Africans believe the use of condoms is unnatural and only leads to sex… But… western ideas are constantly being stressed, more and more are realizing that AIDS is serious and precautions must be taken.”
—Sarah Herndon, senior, studied in Ghana, Guilfordian Copy-Editor

“There’s a real push to get AIDS education out there through the media, which doesn’t reach people in remote villages. In many cases, one may test positive only to find that the medicine isn’t available. But the media is trying hard to discredit rumors and spread knowledge, because with more education you are less likely to believe what is false.”
—Kara Price, senior, studied in Ghana, Guiflordian News-Editor

”I’m concerned with the cultural difference, like, with sexual relationships, or their [Africans’] concept of relationships in general. How can we truly help if we don’t know their cultural dynamics? And do we even know if the money we send actually gets to the people in need? We need to learn more about the people before any aid could really benefit them.”
—Letitia Hudson, senior

“The lack of health care and understanding of the disease have allowed AIDS to tremendously affect the people of Africa, allowing for the high infection and fatality rate especially found in the more poverty-stricken countries. Unsanitary conditions in high-risk sensitive environments have only made the situation WORSE. And what are we doing about it?”
—Jessica Marshburn, sophomore