Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Wallace Farmer — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:59:22 GMT

WOW...I can't believe that this country "gets" it when it comes to HIV/AIDS, particularly how it is transmitted in prisons.

I think that American politicians are in denial about it, or they just don't care, because our prison system is primarily populated with Black men. There are men that are being raped in our prisons. There are men that are having sex to stay alive. There are men doing drugs in prison. If we can't keep drugs out of our borders, we can't keep them out of our institutions. I wonder if this epidemic weren't hurting so many Black Americans, or Black people or people of color in the world, would the treatment of it be different? If this were truly a White American Male problem, I wonder would they be passing out condoms at every church, prison, day care...everywhere else.

And Mr. Bush want's to bomb that country...the nerve of him to push his conservative christianity down anyones throat, when Americans are dying. The nerve of him to force his brand of democracy onto other countries, when he can't even get it right and be humane to people in his own. This place is wack sometimes I tell you.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Mark Griffith, Chiang Mai, Thailand — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:14:58 GMT

An excellent report, and I'm happy to see that Iran has a more pragmatic outlook on fighting this scourge than many other nations.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Willard, Richmond, VA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:58:31 GMT

The surprising part of this story: alcohol possession is punished severely in Iran; but drug use and prostitution seem to be tolerated. Strange code of ethics/morality. Gay people are executed but druggies and prostitutes are OK.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Nate P, Amherst, MA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:58:58 GMT

I'm glad to see SOMETHING decent coming out of Iran. But its one plus mark in a country known for civil rights abuses, the mass domination of women, and the execution of homosexuals, even as young teenagers. Any country run by a man who refuses to believe in the Holocaust and denies the presence of homosexuals in his land needs to do a lot more than have one decent medical program before I'm going to praise them.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

k.l. detroit mi — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:59:53 GMT

If you eat too much, you'll probaly get fat.
If you smoke, you'll probaly get cancer.
If you participate in high risk sex acts, or share needles...
Personal choices have consequences.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

jsmith — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:05:42 GMT

Wow the first message in this blog has already thrown out the race card, WAKE UP!! White skin is not the root of all evil, people of all races are afflicted with AIDS and racism.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Berkeley, CA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:07:34 GMT

How is it that a nation that hands out condoms to prostitutes can also has a justice system that sentences rape victims to lashings and even death?

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Jay — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:10:07 GMT

I beleave it is sad that a person would bring race into a conversation that is not about race... very very sad we are all human race does not matter.

Props to Iran for having a decent program, at least on the surface.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Misha, Lawrence, KS — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:12:28 GMT

Kudos to Iran's health officials for promoting condom use, clean needles and working to alleviate the shame associated with this disease. Kudos to the government for taking a proactive approach on all class levels, including their prisions. We may not agree culturally or nationally on many issues, but this proves that the fight against AIDS belongs to everyone, and we must all do our part.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Dr David — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:15:11 GMT

In response to the gentleman who said if this was a "White American male problem...".; buddy , it started as a white male problem in the US ( remember??) nobody gave a damm because at the time the overwhelming majority were gay men... that was the true trickle down theory of Ronald Reagan, and hence, AIDS has ended up being a major issue in the US African American community issue . I guess the issue isn't really so "black and white " afterall!!!

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

t walt — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:24:14 GMT

Interesting, no mention of the HIV rate in the gay population in Iran. Oh yeah, there are no gays in Iran.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Jason Block — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:26:41 GMT

it's interesting that many are so willing to put Iran on such a high pedestal when it comes to treating HIV. Iran is also executing people for homosexual conduct. I guess they are really taking many different angles at addressing the problem!

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Lloyd Johnson — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:39:15 GMT

Good for them

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

SYD, Cali — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:45:15 GMT

Wallace,
If you dont like the country leave. There are plenty of upstanding Black Americans that are not in jail and do not have AIDS as there are White Americans. Dont use race to boast your political veiws. Wipe out Drugs and crime and the world will be a better place.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

S Punja — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:47:26 GMT

Wow! Amazing! Now this country is doing whatever possible to combat AIDS. Also, I was surprised to hear that women was allowed to use the word "condom" on Iran's national television. Didn't thought the country is so moderate.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Kirsten Bray, Fort Lauderdale, FL — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:56:51 GMT

The disease started out in gay white men and IV drug abusers, so drop the rant about color. It is a disease that was first associated with behaviour that is deemed by our society as unacceptable, regardless of race. Our government didn't deal with it correctly then so I don't know why you think it would be any better now, especially with this administration (if you even call it that, I call it the peanut gallery)

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

H.J., Maryland — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:01:26 GMT

Hate to say it, but, what ever happened to reaping what you sow? Save the prison situation (and with the exclusion of those wrongly convicted, my point stands)and rape, those who engage in unsafe sex practices and intravenous drug use are allowing thenselves to be at the forefront of contracting HIV. Typically, no one is holding a gun to these folks' heads, forcing them to engage in these activities. Furthermore, I do not understand why ANYONE would shame the US in accusing them of NOT being a front runner in the war against HIV/AIDS. We have hundreds, if not thousands, of programs, EVEN in the inner city for those (and not just for those "of color" but poverty stricken across the board!) for our youth and condom use and sex-ed are being taught at the 5th grade level (to 10 and 11 year olds). With networks like MTV and public programing using PSA's the American people are inundated with safe-sex/needle use regularly. I commend Iran for their proactiveness, though, and would NOT want to take awqy from this article. All I am trying to state here is that the while I would certainly like to see more money put into US AIDS research, it's false to claim that we are lacadasical about the epidemic, and to assume that the US merely stamps it a "black problem".

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Alan, Olympia,Washington — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:06:53 GMT

One of the most PREVENTABLE diseases on the planet has been turn into a servant for political causes. We have thrown money at the problem ad nauseum for close to thirty years, yet homosexual men still lead the rates of infection. Barely three decades after this virus started its assualt on the gay mens rank and file why is it that homosexual men still lead in the rates of new infections? Why? Surely it can't be for lack of education. There are gay mens clinics peppered throughout cities not to mention public service announcements,books, celeberties with the disease or at least in the fight. It certainly cannot be attributed to lack of personal protection measures. One can find free condoms at any health clinic or your local gas station,grocery store,and even in vending machines. Then one must filter it down to personal behavior and accountability. Is Iran headed in the right direction? Given the blue print/results that certain cities in the US have left us with I say no.
BEHAVIORS must change. This key ingredinent is often glossed over or not even mentioned for fear of offending. And while we try to persue non-offensive measures the virus laughs at our vanity and continues its assault in a testament to mans seemingly inability to confront truth. In effect sacraficing future generations at the Altar of Political Correctness. Sad.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Alan, Olympia,Washington — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:08:47 GMT

S Punja,

This is not a "moderate" country as you gingerly named it. It is one that executes homosexuals. If that is your idea of moderate then by all means.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

D.E. Thomas, Philadelphia, PA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:09:00 GMT

It is not sad that race is being mentioned in discussion of this article. It is important to read about initatives which are happening around the world and look at how you can apply them at home. You say that we are all one "human race", but the politics of our society do not say the same thing. Therefore, it is important to understand and think about how race can and will affect possible AIDS treatment in America, especially in regards to Black and Brown people. If some of the same tactics which are being performed in Iran were implented in our prisions and homeless shelters, perhaps Black and Brown people will no longer suffer from the highest AIDS rates in this country. The reality is that this country is not as free and equal for everyone and it shows through our HIV/AIDS rates and treatment programs.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Seattle, WA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:15:17 GMT

Mr. Berkely, CA, the recent story of a rape victim being sentenced to lashing and prison is in Saudi Arabia, our friend and ally, not Iran. And Mr. Jason Block, yes the Iranian president denies that there are gays in Iran and so they cannot execute the people that do not exist. Where are you getting your information that homosexuals are being executed in Iran? Neo-con propaganda? Why do you guys must hate Iran so much that cannot even tolerate a positive news from there and have to put your negative spin on it? You guys need to have a second look inside your own soles.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

t walt — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:24:54 GMT

Hey Wallace, you think "this place is wack"(U.S.)? You'd have your head lopped off for saying that in places like Iran. The U.S. isn't perfect by a long shot, but it's the best this God forsaken worlds got.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

PSM Bossier — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:29:55 GMT

"WOW" If the Iranian Doctor said it must be true.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Ron Jenkins, Orange Virginia — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:35:28 GMT

We are all involved in aids whether we like it or not. We all can help our neighboring countries with ideas and suggestions. Aids does not discriminate because you live in this country or any other country, the disease is the same and we all need to focus the same.
w

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Gregory Maillis, Nassau, Bahamas — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:46:17 GMT

A very comprehensive approach to combatting aids. Iran just has to work on making other civil assistances comprehensive and not opressive now. To Wallace; you are an idiot. America could potentially have a huge aids problem. however, their aids percentage/population is relativley low. why? because they are doing the right thing to prevent aids; education, protection, and assistance. - look at many african countries; they have smaller populations than the US and they have up to 35% AIDS RATES!!. why? because they are doing the wrong thing. they are not educating, preventing, and assisting people with aids. My word to you; go live in Iran. since it is so much better than the US. You are taking for granted the excellent living standards you have in yor country.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Sara,UT — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:50:14 GMT

I think it is great that Iran is taking acction in the prevention and fight against HIV/AIDS, some of the acction they are taking is handing out condoms to prostitues and in prisons, this is what confuses me about Iran because they see it as shameful for all women to have any sort of premarital sexual engagements and if a woman does have sex before she is married even if she is raped she becomes a shame to her family and country and is punished with beatings, inprsisonment, and even death, so are the prostitues they are handing condoms out to being punished as well? and if not why are they an acception? Not that im saying they should be punished, none of the women should be punished for having sex or being raped. They are handing out condoms in the prisons...well im pretty sure that they do not have coed prisons...and isnt Iran against homosexuality??? But by handing out condoms in the prisons isnt that sort of promoting homosexuality?... im sure many disagree with me. These were just some thoughts and confusions i have.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

R Green, SLC, UT — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:50:35 GMT

That is a surprising report and it's good to know that they won't just preach abstinence but really want to assist people so that real prevention takes place. I also agree with the poster about the danger of HIV in our prisons and how many men, especially black men, are becoming victims of the disease, and we're looking the other way...

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

JO Miami, FL — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:51:12 GMT

Are jails co-ed in Iran? I believe that regular conjugal visits from females is the norm. I guess these guys don't have to worry about dropping the soap, since homosexual activity doesn't happen over there.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Brent Moore, Yuba City, California — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:01:54 GMT

Get of the High Horse, HIV/AIDS is a world wide problem mostly do to the moral decline in all aspects of life throughout the world.Unfortunatly, early in the diseases spread, the lack of detection methods and lack of knowledge about the disease allowed the spread of the disease to many people through tainted blood. The issue here is keep the intamate relations to the marrage bed and the drug out of your veins, realy how hard is that? When media around the world uses sex as a selling point in things from movies, to perfume. The fact that a parent must be activly trying to prevent there children from accidently coming on a porn site is terible, the criminal this is there are porn promoters that activly target children with websited that mimic childrens sites. The porn industry makes more money in a year than Hollywood and all major sports combined, tens of billions of dollars. With this kind of mentality being piped into the home and the world medias lack of restraint, no wonder the world sees sex as something to experament with, drugs are seen as the way to tune out for a little while. Maybe the idea of "instant pleasure", or the "I want it now" mentality, has brought this plague upon us.
With the advent of new safety measures in the health care systems of the world, provided they are followed, the chance of contracting HIV/AIDS from medical treatment is nearly 0%. That leaves the spread of this disease to those who want to live a life style that leads to the infection of there body by this disease.
So how can we hail a country that asks for conflict, a country that openly flaunts the distruction of the Jews, Christians, Sikhs, and other faiths that do not conform to its idea of Islam. Let us hail the country that is activly aiding the killing of innocent men, women and babys because there idea of Islam are different than that of the majority of the population of Iran. Providing explosives to mad men that want prolong the suffering and fear of the people of Iraq and every country that is trying to help bring about peace there.
Let us instead get some moral foundations that we all can stand firm on to fight this deadly disease. Let us have a media the is responsible in what it puts out on the air waves, and parents that take the time to sit down with there children, often, to help then develope a strong moral background that will not be swayed by those who are out for there own interests. We need to change, as a human race, to stop this disease. We need to take control of ourselves both mentaly and physicaly, and we need to teach our young this control.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Terri McCaslin, Albuquerque, New Mexico — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:10:52 GMT

Come on folks. If any of you have any graduate or post graduate training in epidemiology, biology, virology, and the study of primates, HIV didn't start with man. The virus is seen in other animals in addition to man. Just like albinism is seen in other critters besides man. Get a grip and get rid of the judgmental statements. Thanks. Weesod

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Lexington, KY — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:18:35 GMT

In America, it is more common for Black and Latino men to be HIV positive than whites. That is a fact. HIV started out as a "gay problem", which is why the American government didn't care. Now it is not only a "gay problem" but a "Black and Latino problem" which is why the American government still doesn't care. In the rest of the world, HIV is largely considered an African problem, which is why the American government doesn't care there either. There is a pattern in history of our government only being concerned when issues affect white American men. Race and sexual orientation are definitely a consideration when it comes to our government combating HIV. FYI, I am white.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Guy, Seattle, WA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:19:40 GMT

I think it's rediculous to criticise any country's moral system. You can't say it's a "strange code of ethics/morality" just because it has a different priority list. To them, alcohol is just as bad as murder is in America, because their religion condemns it just as badly as ours condemns murder.

Cultures differ in their outlook on various topics, and none of them are "stranger" than any others. (Although execution of gays and rape victims is still seriously wrong.)

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Ray Ayyelos - Austin, Tx — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:24:56 GMT

Hah, those that ask about gays and refer to the recent remarks, remember that in that culture (muslim) not only is it (the act) a sin, some governments view them as disabled, etc (Turkey for example won't allow gays to serve because of the disability). So ignoring their existence is silly, but not other-worldly its called denial... the same sort that exists in US about these and other matters. Still, it can't be easy to reconcile the hard facts about what goes on... sex, drugs, alcohol with one's religion. Have any of you read up on WHY Islam frowns on alcohol use? Its an interesting story, really. Anyhow, at least they are doing something about an epidemic that is a real problem - indeed, sad that a member of the Axis of Evil would tackle it in any fashion.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

SH, Chicago, IL — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:35:21 GMT

If you checked your sources properly, you would know that Ahmedinejad did not say there are no homosexuals in Iran. The correct translation would reveal that he mean the problem in Iran is not as widespread as the U.S.

Iran's approach to this problem is very refreshing. They have demonstrated tolerance and understanding. No country is perfect, but they are working towards a greater goal.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Double E, Hampton Roads, VA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:44:24 GMT

I happen to agree that everything is not about race. I also agree that it's "strange" that Iran has all this other stuff going on (execution of homosexuals, beatings for women who "allow" (and this is SO tongue in cheek) themselves to get raped, etc.) yet, they find prostitution and drug use perfectly "acceptable".

I will say that it's a good thing that they realize that to prevent the spread of AIDS is something that we ALL must undertake and I think every other country in the WORLD should take notes on what they are doing in their program to stop the spread.

The other stuff, I can do without.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Patricia, Biloxi, MS — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:57:12 GMT

I commend any feasible method of prevention by WHOMEVER to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. I don't want it, nor do I want ANYONE else to have it! As a social responsibility, it is imperative for EVERYONE to work TOGETHER to fight this disease. HIV/AIDS does not differentiate against sex, age, creed, color, nationality or whatever other classifications there may be. Come on people, time is against us! The longer we debate on who is right/wrong WILL cost us the infection of another possibly innocent person or more. Hopefully it won't be someone nearest and dearest to us personally.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Lois A, , St. Louis, Missouri — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:01:27 GMT

Interesting that there are no homosexuals in Iran but they pass out condoms in prison??? Are these mixed prisons? Aren't these ideas in oposition to one another?

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Charles, Edwardsville, IL — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:33:27 GMT

It's good that Iran seems to be doing something positive about the HIV/AIDS problem in that country. This also goes to show that combining state and religion does not guarantee anything. Islamic countries tend to be stricter than the US when it comes to laws against certain behaviors, but that isn't stopping these folks from sleeping around and doing drugs. A little lesson for those who want to officially make the US a Christian nation. Laws cannot stop ungodly behavior, only a good relationship with God and individuals can.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

JB, Ames, IA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:03:44 GMT

Give credit where it is due; we certainly know how to criticize when we see a chance.

Every piece of bad news that comes out of a Muslim country gets clubbed together in our minds. An incident in Saudi Arabia now counts as an incident in Iran; one in Egypt is muddled as one in Pakistan; as long as they are all Muslim, they are all culpabable. Right?

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Steve, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:19:08 GMT

Interesting how everybody addresses issues of race and homosexuality in Iran when they refuse to address them here in the US. I'll readily admit that there are human rights violations occurring in Iran, but for those of you complaining about rape victims being tortured, that's SAUDI ARABIA, our ally. Remember Saudi Arabia? For those of you who don't, that's where two of the 9/11 terrorists WEREN'T FROM. And for the idiot who said, "if you don't like this country, go to Iran." I'd like to say, there were probably people like you in 1776 telling George Washington, "If you don't like living in the British Colonies, go live in France." Dissenting opinions and political activism is what makes this country great, so never dismiss it as "un-American."
As for the article, it is pretty straightforward. Iran seems to be taking a modern approach towards slowing the spread of HIV/AIDS in their country, despite their many backwards, religion-oriented human rights policies. For this, they should be commended. Hopefully the trend towards more modern policies continues, both for their good, and our own.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Michael H., Tucson, AZ — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:20:52 GMT

There ARE homosexuals there, people, just like every other country on the planet! It's just that if they cannot be open about it for fear of their safety, then they aren't tallied in any census! So in the reality Ahmadinejad lives in and forces upon his people (think of him as Darth Vader and Khameini as The Emperor, after all they did hijack the empire in 1979!), they "don't exist".

And let's face it, just because Hollywood and our media here makes it glamarous and trendy to be gay, does NOT mean ever other society (you know, ones that existed before 1776) is obligated to revere homosexuality as much as we do.

Iran's progressive approach to AIDS

Anony Mouse, Illinois — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:28:53 GMT

I think all the AIDS research money should be going to lung cancer research.