It's not the End

The OLE campaign has been concluded some time back and we sure hope that you will continue the support to fight AIDS and fight the HATE.

Although the campaign is over, it doesn't mean that the problem is solved as yet. There are still so many people out there who need our understanding and acceptance. Recently, I was watching this korean drama and it struck a cord in my heart.

In the story there is a small family of 3 in a rural village of Korea. A little girl was infected with HIV by accident and her single mother kept this a secret from her and the rest of the village. The mother was afraid that the little girl will be discriminated against if this was known.

They were a happy family, well-liked by the villagers. The grandfather in the family had dementia but did not forget the love for his family. The mother was the kindest soul who led the toughest life trying to keep this a secret. The little girl was taught from young to take care of herself even if she falls and not let others touch her blood. She was bright and lively with a kind heart.

It was heart-wrenching to see her in confusion when her disease was known to the villagers. The other mothers took their kids away from her, the villagers shunned the family. The grandfather was locked in the house, the little girl couldn't go to school. And she couldn't understand why the attitude of those around her changed overnight.

Until she began to understand what happened.

She didn't despair or give up on life. What was touching was that she wasn't angry and spiteful. The first thing she did was to hide herself, for the fear of infecting another. The little girl was only worried for those around her - her mother, grandfather, friends, neighbours. She didn't dare kiss her mother goodnight, she backed away when someone came close. She didn't see the fact that HIV is not a disease that can be spread through touch, kissing or sharing the same space. Even living with HIV, her life has never been short of happiness for the past years till the secret is out.

The only difference between the past and now is knowing that she has HIV. For the past years, no one around her was infected. Everyone had liked the family.

It was the result of stigma and discrimination that stemmed from ignorance. And even if they knew the facts about the transmission of HIV, the attitude didn't change. It's simply does not make sense, does it?

I was watching the drama and I thought of OLE. I'm glad that young people like you have supported the campaign this far. Many of you have emailed us your thoughts on this matter and we appreciate it. I think this is only a small start of a new revolution. The campaign may have ended, but the fight continues.

Remember, you have one life, do something.

P.S. The OLE campaign went into our neighbour, Malaysia, recently. :)