One Voice

One Voice

      It is remarkable that one man could have such a profound impact on a country; imagine what an entire industrial country could do. It is evident in the lecture “Pandemic” by Stephen Lewis that Lewis is a humble man, who focuses on the many charitable people. Stephen Lewis, nominated ambassador, to the United Nations, has also become the voice of the people in Africa.  It is no surprise that he was deemed one of the most influential people in the world. In the beginning of the lecture “Pandemic”, Lewis gives detail to his political ties, which perhaps, gave him an advantage to speak on behalf of the African people who are not being heard.  I believe his social democratic upbringing created a man that could not walk away from the pain, or ignore the cries. Lewis would ensure he would be heard.  Lewis takes his listeners on an unexpected Journey through time in Africa, and how it has changed. It is difficult to believe that only fifty years ago Africa was “intoxicating about an environment of hope, anticipation, affection, energy, indomitability.”  Lewis reminiscences’ about the good years in Africa, so maybe industrial country like Canada would be able to empathize with what was later to come. Africa has been destitute for so long, we have forgotten what it used to be.  Everyone is well aware of the need in Africa; however, I believe most of us believed hunger is the most prominent problem. When reading the “Pandemic”; it became apparent that industrial countries were annihilating the sick, by stealing the educated, withholding vital medications, and ignorance.  

                Even though I haven’t been to Africa, I believe it is fair to say their health care is inhumane. When I envision the type of care you get in Africa, I think of surgeries without Anaesthetic, lack of medications, and inadequate amount of room in clinics.  After reading “Pandemic” I can hear the cries of the suffering because there is no pain killers to ease the pain, I imagine the young children dying unnecessarily, I see five sick babies cramped up in one small crib. Like most, I blamed their corrupted government. I was paralyzed with anger to have learned industrial countries not only minimized the severity of their health care problem, they contributed to their depleting care. Canada along with other western countries were stealing the doctors that could be treating the sick and suffering. As Lewis states, “the problem is grievously compounded by the practice of “poaching” and the result is brain drain from Africa to the outside world.” I never realized we had a greater need for doctors. Hopefully the new law that has passed will defer other countries from practicing such malicious behaviour.

                Many of us take medication for granted. If we have an infection, we get antibiotics. It is incomprehensible to know that people are dying, because they don’t have the access to these miracle drugs.  As Lewis say’s “when they go on treatment, they experience the Lazarus effect: they’re at death’s door, and the antiretroviral drugs literally bring them back to life.”  Translation, no babies, mothers, or fathers, need to die prematurely to the Aids virus. It is heartbreaking to know such tragedy is occurring, but it is disgusting to know that it can easily be prevented. Lewis is not asking for medical miracles. He has a simple solution, and that is to give African’s the access to the same medications that Westerner’s have access too.

                All leaders from around the world should be grateful to Lewis for his intensive research on the Aids pandemic in Africa. No longer can any politician use ignorance as excuses for not trying to be part of a solution to this crisis.  Lewis was elaborate in his discussion. He made us all aware of the ongoing need in Africa, and where the help should be directed.  There is a tremendous amount of charitably groups in Africa who are already making a difference; therefore, it is time for the rest of the world to jump aboard.  Lewis’s goal is bring awareness to the rest of us who are fortunate enough to have not witness such sorrow.

                The lecture “Pandemic” is so influential, that every person should read it. It only takes the voice of one man to bring awareness. Lewis’s obligation to his beloved country will save the lives of many.

What could industrial countries do to help those suffering from the HIV/AIDS in Africa?