God, AIDS, Africa & HOPE

Reflections / Gedanken

Toward a Cure: Virologic Control Documented in 14 Acute HIV Treaters

An interesting article not to be missed:

A new study released Thursday, July 26, at the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) in Washington, DC, found that 14 people living with HIV have achieved long-term non-progressing “viral controller” status after being treated with antiretrovirals (ARVs) during the acute phase of their infections. The fact that these individuals have shown no signs of viral load rebounds following termination of their prescribed treatment regimens may ultimately provide guidance to scientists pursuing “functional” HIV cure.

Read more in the orginal article of the POZ magazine: http://www.poz.com/rssredir/articles/hiv_contoller_cure_761_22772.shtml

Filed under: HIV and AIDS, HIV Prevention, HIV Treatment, Reflection, Society and living environment, , , , , , , ,

What Harry Potter can teach us…

I visited the Island of Adventures – Universal Studios in Orlando today and I was amazed to see how loads of people visited the Harry Potter exhibition with an amazing ride and all kinds of displays.

An idea, some years ago not heard of; an idea, somebody – not known to the public –  had in her mind, developed, believed in it, put it into the reality of a book and millions of people worldwide know by now the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends, his battles with the dark side of life. Millions have found comfort in fleeing reality in the moments of reading, of watching the movies or even now enjoying the Harry Potter ride in Orlando.
We can ignore the criticism and worries of some right-wing Christians about the magical aspect of the stories. They simply don’t get the point. The point I want to make is very simple:

Should this not be a very good lesson that the thoughts of one person, an idea, a fantasy becomes part of reality in the lives of so many people. And not in history far away but in our times. Seeing all those people queuing for the ride, the excitement of kids – somehow it was an encouragement that one person without political or hierarchical  power can make the world as such more colorful, fill it with more fantasies, with longing for another world full of magic but still reflecting the harsh reality we all face every day in our daily living.

Not everybody can bring his or her thoughts on paper and into book form… but there are other possibilities. Harry Potter as an encouragement for everybody, that we are called and able to contribute to the well-being and development of this world in our circles and in a wider sense. I wish for this creativity also in the fields of HIV and AIDS and all those plaques bringing mayhem to mankind.

And by the way: I loved that specific ride: it combines the newest technology and stimulates all senses.. – it creates a new dimension of reality and somehow it reminded me, that creation is ongoing… Too far-fetched?

Filed under: General, HIV and AIDS, Networking, Reflection, Society and living environment, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fighting the wrong fight…?

Following all the debates raging in and about the church in our days I more and more get the idea that we are fighting somehow the wrong fight. We fight with full force in the moment against lots of things: a piece of rubber, people loving same-sex people, women who want to determine themselves when they want to become pregnant and so much more…

I sometimes ask myself: Is that really all helping the cause of proclaiming the kingdom of the Lord? Is this really bordering God? Is this worth all the ink, the thinking, the fights, the condemnations, the money and energy spent to go against it?

Are that really choices made that we have to comment on, fight against, run whole campaigns, go to court and more? Is that what happens in the bedroom of somebody really of such great concern to God’s people on their way through the times?

Or should we not worry about other things: The unconditional love of God? The love celebrated between two people which means commitment? To strengthen the hope, the aspirations, the determination of every human being to live life to the fullest?
Should those, who feel strong about certain values not just live them as an example without the urge to force them on everybody belonging to the same congregation, denomination, religion, family clan or whatever bond?

Are our fights in between fractions of our church or certain liberal ideas fights fought to the glory of God? Or to maintain importance in society? Or regain the good old times of power and might? Or the longing for a perfect world, a sort of paradise brought into existence with human determination?

Lots of questions? No certain answers yet for me but I feel we all have to think about what makes us tick and act the way to do…

Filed under: Networking, Reflection, Society and living environment, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Criminalization of HIV – AIDS

Bad criminal laws...Poisoning  –  terrorist attack  – bio-attack  –  murder  — attempted murder  –  assault

 

the labels of law are unbelievable – sometimes even if there is no knowledge of the infection or no transmission occurred

 

Did you know that giving birth, breastfeeding, spitting as a HIV positive person can bring you into jail in some countries?

 

In Sweden, even consent is declared invalid by law if transmission occurs

 

It is not those who know their status who drive the pandemic but those who don’t know. But would you go for a test when you know that a positive result might bring you in jail through your sexual activities, even if it is protected sex and no transmission occurs?

Filed under: General, HIV and AIDS, HIV Prevention, Politics and Society, Reflection, Society and living environment, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

HOPE Cape Town Association: Job opportunities

Job Opening: 1 Secretary and 1 Program Coordinator for HOPE Cape Town Association

Post

Team Secretary

Salary

neg depending on experience

Working hours

full-time

40 hour week, no overtime, no additional benefits, 22 leave days p.a.  – standard conditions of employment apply

Working location

HOPE Cape Town Association @ University of Stellenbosch

Requirements
Fluent in English and German (spoken and written), Afrikaans as bonus

Ability to communicate (spoken and written) and integrate information

Strong interpersonal skills, confidence, multicultural experience, team player

Organisational talent

Good IT skills and computer & internet literacy (MS Office)

Ability to work independently and with creativity

Duties:
Basic office admin (phone, fax, email)

Basic staff-related admin (update personnel information, forms, claims etc)

Admin support for senior staff and board

Visitors and volunteers

Starting Date: as soon as possible            

Enquiries:

Kerstin Behlau, 021 938 9930

Please submit your application for the attention of Kerstin Behlau HOPE Cape Town, P. O. Box 19145, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa, Email admin@hopecapetown.com, Tel 021 938 9930, Fax 021 938 6662

Post:

Program Facilitator

 

HOPE Cape Town is a local non-profit organization providing outreach and education on HIV and AIDS in the Western Cape Province. The program of Hope comprises in that connection several projects. The Program Facilitator position is responsible for planning and carrying out these projects.

The incumbent should personify the values and objectives of HOPE Cape Town combining stability and guidance with vision.  The Facilitator works with and reports to the chairperson of the Association and works in close contact with all staff, management, volunteers, consultants, trustees and other bodies associated with HOPE Cape Town.

Position functions include meeting program and development goals, evaluation and having the oversight of the HOPE Cape Town Association programmes.

  • Drafts correspondence, proposals and reports for portfolios and programmes (as required)
  • Assists with Annual Report
  • Liaises with HOPE doctor and HOPE Outreach Facilitator
  • Provides Budget overviews for individual programmes and drafts funding proposals as required
  • Provides evaluation for all HOPE Cape Town related programmes
  • Visits together with the HOPE Outreach facilitator clinics and employees in the fields and ensures proper evaluation
  • Represents HOPE Cape Town at community meetings, networking and fundraising events related to local programmes as may be required
  • Provides evaluation and feedback to the chairperson
  • Participates in the semi-annual medium and long-term planning meetings
  • Has an overall responsibility for the further development of HOPE Cape Town portfolios
  • Attends Senior Staff meeting and HCHW Training sessions as required

Qualifications and Skills

  • Education:  Undergraduate degree (graduate studies preferred)
  • Able to communicate (verbal and written) and integrate information in English, basic German and/or willingness to develop the German language skill, Afrikaans as a bonus
  • Strong interpersonal skills, multicultural experience
  • Operates on the basis of consensus
  • At ease with people of different social backgrounds
  • Background in community and development work with emphasis on HIV and AIDS
  • Professional understanding and exposure to the objectives and management of an NGO
  • Human resource and development experience
  • Available to work flexible hours and travel
  • Successful completion of UNISA HIV and AIDS Counselling Course or equivalent
  • Computer literate
  • Drivers license, personal car, no criminal record

Salary neg depending on skills and working experience

Please submit your application for the attention of Kerstin Behlau, HOPE Cape Town, P. O. Box 19145, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa, Email admin@hopecapetown.com, Tel 021 938 9930, Fax 021 938 6662 (suitable candidates will be invited for an interview)

 

Filed under: General, HIV and AIDS, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, Reflection, , , , , , , ,

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© Rev Fr Stefan Hippler and HIV, AIDS and HOPE.
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