This past year, 2009, has been the year of the H1N1 pandemic. Fortunately it didn't become a global plague, but it did put a scare in us.
The pandemic of the decade was HIV/AIDS, although because it didn't affect as many of us directly it didn't have the same emotional impact. There are plenty of grim statistics, particularly from Africa, but there is also good news.
In North America HIV/AIDS has become a manageable illness with combinations or "cocktails" of drugs which allow many to live much longer and even function reasonably well in everyday activities. There has been a shift in perception about those living with this illness.
Some of us will remember when Mother Theresa's Sisters of Charity began working with AIDS sufferers who were treated like lepers. Thank God attitudes and awareness has changed.
Perhaps the most important developments have been in Africa. Significant philanthropic organizations such as the Gates Foundation have made a real difference in delivering support to those deeply affected. The voices of the prophets such as Canada's Stephen Lewis have been heard, and the internationial community has responded. Drug companies have lowered the prohibitive cost of drugs which meant that many sufferers went untreated.
On World Aids Day it is important to lift up the good news and to realize that there is still a considerable challenge before us.
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