The Individual Section
HIV/AIDS has become pandemic in the twentieth century. It has been one of the primary concerns of medical institutions across the globe. In the twenty-first century, it has become a social and even political issue that is addressed by governments and non-governmental organizations. Admittedly, this disease (or rather its spread) is fostered by economic and social inequality. Disney (2004) claims that poverty and social injustice lead to the spread of HIV/AIDS among underprivileged people in all countries. Australia is no exception and there are many infected people, especially among indigenous people (Armstrong & Hayman, 2012). Altman (2008) claims that globalization is another factor that contributes to the spread of the disease as a variety of traditions and behavioral patterns can appear in different countries.
It is important to add that western societies have considerably changed since the identification of the HIV virus. First, there was a great fear as people were afraid of the virus and did not understand what it was exactly. Then there was a complete exclusion of infected people. The disease was a kind of stigma and infected people were subjected to discrimination and alienation. People were told about a variety of precautions and healthy sexual behaviors have been promoted since the end of the twentieth century (Walsh, 2011). People also believed that they had to avoid any contact with infected people. However, things have changed significantly and many understand that infected people deserve respect and assistance (Parker, 2002). Numerous initiatives and programs promote ideas of tolerance and assistance. I believe we have advanced considerably in social justice when it comes to HIV/AIDS. At present, many are eager to participate in numerous programs and initiatives aimed at helping infected people. Moreover, officials pay quite a lot of attention to the rights of infected people. Now employees cannot fire infected people, and people cannot be rejected because of their diagnosis. Of course, there is much to be done as there is quite a lot of prejudice in society. Many are still afraid to have any contact with infected people, but we are moving in the right direction.
The Discussion Part
Admittedly, the existence of such diseases as HIV/AIDS has changed the way people think about health and illnesses. HIV/AIDS spreads easily and knows no boundaries. Infected people continue living their lives but, at some point, they suffer from painful symptoms and die. The disease can affect anyone and there is no cure. Anyone can get infected and no one can feel safe. All these peculiarities of the disease made people change their views and change their attitudes towards infected people (Altman, 2008). This disease made people understand that the issues of social justice are essential. It becomes obvious that there are far too many people to ignore them. Besides, anyone can be infected and is a potential alien. This makes people more tolerant. They understand that infected people should be treated equally. Moreover, many infected people are regarded as victims of bad environment and economic inequality. The disease made people extend the boundaries of social justice. Now health care system is expected to address a lot of issues associated with social justice. Disabled people and poor people obtain more opportunities to access high-quality treatment.
It is necessary to note that any community and any country have quite specific issues of social justice to address. As far as Australia is concerned, it is essential to develop the society and make indigenous people integrated into it. Admittedly, the rate of people with HIV/AIDS among indigenous people is very high due to poverty and lack of opportunities and lack of education. Thus, the Australian government should launch a variety of incentives aimed at educating indigenous people in terms of healthy lifestyles and safe sexual behaviors. There are many issues of social justice in the international arena. Governments of all countries should pay special attention to educating people and making them understand the importance of healthy lifestyles. However, it is also essential to diminish poverty and financial inequality in all countries. Equal opportunities will help people develop proper behavioral patterns and start living healthy lives. Governments should understand that it is time to unite and address such issues as poverty and inhumane conditions in the developing world.
References
Altman, D. (2008). AIDS and the globalization of sexuality. Social Identities, 14(2), 145-160.
Armstrong, R. & Hayman, N.E. (2012). Self-determination: More than politics. The Medical Journal of Australia, 197(1), 7.
Disney, J. (2004). More challenges for public health in the fight against poverty. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 28(6), 508-509.
Parker, R. (2002). The global HIV/AIDS pandemic, structural inequalities, and the politics of international health. American Journal of Public Health, 92(3). Web.
Walsh, C. (2011). Using animation for HIV outreach in Thailand. HIV Australia, 9(1). Web.