Message from ICW: Ponamma. death is a testament to the oceans of fear

[Guest guest]

14th July 2003

Dear Friends in India and around the world

The International Community of Women living with HIV/AIDS (ICW) is deeply

shocked to learn of the appalling death of yet another HIV positive woman, an

Indian lady called Ponamma.

Those of us who belong to ICW, who also carry this virus in our bodies, are

honoured and priviledged to share the experiences, views and contributions to

society of 19 million women of the world who are now HIV positive. We are

constantly amazed and humbled by the courage, commitment to live and sheer hard

work of all HIV positive women on our planet.

The responsibility for the death of this lady, and for the others which go

unreported, lies heavily with us all. Her death is a testament to the oceans of

fear, denial and lack of awareness which are still so prevalent across all our

continents. We who are other HIV positive women salute this lady's contribution

to the lives of those around her during her lifetime and share in the grief that

her family and friends must now be feeling.

As with Gugu Dlamini, this lady's memory will live on and will strengthen our

resolve to ensure that the world becomes a place where human rights, justice and

peace for all people, and respect for all life, irrespective of medical

condition or any other issues, are the norms of our societies rather than the

exceptions.

We at ICW have a vision that one day the huge contributions to society that all

HIV positive women have made will be honoured and respected by everyone. We

believe that universal access to care and treatment which has reduced the stigma

towards people with other medical conditions, such as Tb or leprosy, coupled

with demonstrations of solidarity and support for all HIV positive people, will

end the fear that has caused this lady's death.

We call on all who read these messages of shock to commit him or herself to one

thing which will challenge the words and actions of others which fuel such

terrible acts, so that this lady's horrific death is not totally in vain. Acting

alone is so hard, but together we WILL change the world.

In sisterhood with all HIV positive women everywhere,

Dr Alice Welbourn

Chair

Board of Trustees

The International Community of Women living with HIV and AIDS

Please visit our website: www.icw.org

E-mail: Padbourn@...