We all know that the danger posed by the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is palpable in our current time. But what is literally done to help ease the pain and misery of the victims of this global pandemic? Stephen Lewis’ Race Against Time (2006) is an enlightening book that gives personal-yet-factual accounts about the AIDS epidemic that threatens the African continent. Inarguably, the book takes a critical stance towards how HIV/AIDS is dealt with by agencies in Africa, but it still maintains a hopeful, practical and inspiring outlook about the current situation. Coupled with Lewis’ experiences, he lamented the grief he has seen and noted that we all need to join hands to curb this epidemic with a strong sense of urgency.
Serving as a part-time Canadian envoy of United Nations UN in Africa, Lewis puts on the forefront the historical context of HIV/AIDS predicament in Africa. He argued that the developed world should hold unswerving responsibility of the HIV pandemic in Africa. As Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, Lewis did not shy away, as most politicians do, from admitting the Canadian sponsorship scandal and its link to HIV.
Lewis recounts how, in 2000, global leaders agreed to eight Millennium Development Goals (MDG), promising the poor such essentials as primary education, basic health and a reversal of AIDS by 2015. He revealed why and how the promises were not kept. Lewis points out that, “HIV/AIDS has sabotaged all of the socioeconomic indices, and the continued damaging western policies in trade and aid and debt, serve to drive the nails into the coffins” (p. 17).
Not sounding too preachy about all the faults made by previous HIV/AIDS programs, Lewis sets an example of constructive criticism when he criticizes the heartland of multilateralism, the United Nations. He explained, “I am not an apologist, but I am certainly a devotee” (p.x). Lewis asserted that his criticism is because of his care and fulfillment of the UN. He believed that it is out of his ethical responsibility that he must point out how the “UN is failing and to suggest constructive alternatives” (p. xii). He argues that his constructive criticism is “a mark of a true loyalist and honest perspective” (p.xii). Taken in a perspective of a privileged white humanitarian envoy, Lewis revealed an insider’s account of Africa’s plight and the developed world’s incapacity to assist the ill-fated continent.
Furthermore, Lewis’ book does not only tackle the appalling gap between the UN vision and reality, but also offers attainable solutions. He said that Western nations should not give lip service to equity and social justice only within their own borders. Although these nations acknowledge that there are 40 million people infected with HIV/AIDS worldwide (26 million in Africa), mainly young women, the developed rich countries cannot still assist fully to these people who are bereft of access to treatment. We all share the grief, disappointment, enthusiasm, and optimism in taking a step to better the situation in Africa. Indeed, it can be done if more people are educated and compelled to care for people in Africa.
As world citizens we all have responsibilities to participate in the struggle to battle AIDS. It is difficult, yet, possible. Academics and the public deserve to understand the politics that drive the wheels of the world’s organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. Lewis provided his information and experience with regards to these matters, which makes the book an invaluable purveyor of the real accounts of what’s happening to the global HIV/AIDS programs delivered in Africa.
Overall, the book raised many questions and answered them as expertly as the author could. This is why the book is an exemplary resource for raising awareness and the commitment of the world’s responsible citizens towards the African plague. Indeed, I agree with the author that we are in a desperate race against time. We definitely would lose if we do not do our part, if we take these matters sitting down. Beyond all the politics and rhetoric, what Africa needs is an immediate and plausible action to curb the AIDS epidemic now.
References
Lewis, S. (2006). Race Against Time: Searching for Hope in AIDS-Ravaged Africa, 2nd ed., Toronto: House of Anansi.