NPR: Dispatch From Mexico: Lots of Questions

Dispatch From Mexico: Lots of Questions

Douglas Hopper, here ...

I'm back home today, and after two weeks in Mexico City learning about the global crisis of HIV/AIDS, I'm left with just as many questions as answers.

I learned about the latest research, the newest numbers, emerging trends in treatment, vaccines and prevention. I came across non-profits that are trying new prevention approaches and making impressive progress. I also met brilliant people -- both journalists and activists -- people who are driven by a collective sense of duty. The passion I witnessed was inspiring.

But I'm also heavy with cynicism.

Why -- in a country like the U.S. with so much wealth and technology -- is there a rise in HIV transmissions? Why have the numbers seemingly been ignored for so long? Why are black gay men at such high risk?

Who is accountable?

Why is the International AIDS Society just now calling attention to global infection rates among men who have sex with men? Which countries are failing, and what needs to be done to push them in the right direction? Why is the UN just now creating a special program to deal with this issue? The data has been there for years.

And what's up with the U.S. just now lifting its travel ban on people living with HIV? And why do countries still have such restrictions?

Why do so many countries refuse to create laws to protect sex workers, given that they face an obviously higher risk? Why are ground-breaking medications still unavailable to millions of HIV-positive people around the world? Can the global community negotiate a system that works and fits into the vision of the pharmaceutical companies?

It's a heavy, mind-boggling conversation. But as I unpack my bags full of pamphlets and business cards and reports, I suppose the only antidote to my cynicism is that I know so many others are engaged. At least 25,000 of them at the conference and I believe millions of others who couldn't get to Mexico City.

Now it's your turn. Have your say. Where you are on these issues?

Tell us what questions are on your mind and who you'd like to hear talk about some answers. We're listening.

See you next time from D.C.

Douglas Hopper

6:02 PM ET | 08-11-2008 | permalink

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6:02 PM ET | 08-11-2008 | permalink

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I am so glad that someone is finally addressing the story of young gay men of color and the soaring rates of HIV infection. So much has been focused on Black women and HIV rates and rightly so, but because we (LGBT people of color) are so often invisible in our communities our stories go untold until the infection rates are out of control.

Sent by James McKissic | 4:30 PM ET | 08-13-2008

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