Asmara — Ever since its emergence in 1981, HVI/AIDS has so far claimed the lives of 25 million people worldwide. At present there are 33 million people living with HIV and the highest prevalence of the disease is the Sub Saharan Africa. Within the Sub Saharan Africa the disease is more widely spread in the Eastern and Southern parts of Africa.

Although the rate of infection with HIV virus is comparatively low in Eritrea, we live in an area with the highest incidence of the virus. Thus reducing and controlling the rate of HIV infection is crucial national task that will have a determinant role on our existence and continuity as a people.

Since there is no vaccine or drug that can cure AIDS, the only way to tackle this epidemic is through persistent endeavors focusing on prevention. Realizing this fact, the Government of Eritrea has through the mass media and adult education programs conducted extensive awareness creation campaigns so that people can have ample knowledge about the disease and make life style changes to avoid infection. Owing to these continuous endeavors, the public's awareness on the disease has increased and according to records from the Ministry of Health a considerable reduction was scored in the infection rate of the disease. Still, as we live in an area with high HIV incidence, the aforementioned outcome is far from satisfactory. We should be aware that in dealing with this disease, there is always a risk. Hence, continuous awareness creating programs are necessary so as to enable nationals take the necessary precautions.

Yet, awareness of the prevention mechanisms alone is not enough, the people's attitude towards infected individuals and the care given to HIV patients is another important aspect of the prevention mechanism. A society that is aware of the several ways that an individual can be infected with HIV will not equate HIV infection with lack of morals and thus it will be easier to openly discuss about the disease and its implications. HIV patients living among such a society will be able to talk about their problems with their families and health professionals free from any mental stress and find the encouragement they need to live a normal life. Humbled by the caring attitude of the people around them, HIV patients will on their part act responsibly towards their society.

Therefore, if people gain enough knowledge about the disease and the prevention mechanisms as well as provide proper care for HIV patients, then they can easily halt the spread of the disease. The Eritrean people have an advantage in this case; the community participation witnessed in eradicating polio is a clear indication of the people's level of awareness. Just as we have been able to free ourselves from polio and measles, we will need to maintain the already reached level of awareness and strengthen it further so as to secure a future free from AIDS.