I've been HIV+ for a 25 years. Back then the county health department was the only resource within 30 miles of me for anything dealing remotely with HIV. All it could do was testing & provide condoms. They gave me some info for places in Tulsa, 120+ miles away. Thanks to how healthcare is in the US, I couldn't go to Fort Smith, 35 miles away. Not that Fort Smith had a lot of resources.
It's 25 years later & nothing has improved. There are more people living with HIV in the general, but still nothing specifically for HIV. The best improvements for me have been telemedicine & better drug availability. There are no resource centers, support groups, aid for anything to help you, etc... There's still nothing near.
With all the medical advancements, if people had really wanted to, HIV probably could've been under control 10+ years ago. But, people love to hate & make a profit. HIV is good for both. If someone near you is diagnosed with the virus, know this, it wasn't just their actions. It was due to ignorance, hate, fear & greed. Add in a lot of wretched meanness & vile stupidity as well.
Stigma will never go away for anything. It's too good a hate maker, divider. HIV & other illnesses will likely never be cured. They make too much profit. Welcome to capitalism.
Cya...
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