Affirmation of Why We Are Here

Today was the first day of sessions for the HIV Research Catalyst Forum. It must be said the most rewarding part of the day was seeing the diversity of advocates for improving the research for those infected/affected with HIV/AIDS. It is a reminder the faces of HIV/AIDS cannot be reduced to a label, a target population, a lifestyle. Everyone has a voice and everyone matters.

To write all that I learned today would fill several pages of a blog. Therefore, I will just give a brief perspective. My takeaway from the day is that it epitomized the foundation of research, not accepting the facts as given. But asking the question that really move the focus from quantity of HIV (how many prevention services have been delivered, how much longer people are living with HIV/AIDS, how many new meds are being made available) to quality of life and care. Are prevention programs reaching to those who need it most? More importantly, are the programs effective. Have we explored all the factors that impact someone living with HIV/AIDS and developed solutions for them. What unforeseen consequences has living longer with HIV/AIDS brought about and how will it be addressed. And how do the achievements of the current administration (i.e. the health care reform bill) made the lives of PLWHA better? What did it not achieved? Though many of the questions did not have immediate or obvious answers, there was one question that has been answered on this first day? Who will be the ones finding the solutions? All of us who are here. For these research challenges provide us with the opportunity to advocate for our friends, our peers and our communities to see that they are overcome.