Dr. Paul Thistle
Chief Medical Officer
Howard Hospital
Zimbabwe
Although AIDS has only been around for a quarter of a century, it’s been responsible for the loss of thousands of lives internationally. Paul knows first-hand of the pain and suffering through the countless numbers of patients who have suffered and died from this merciless disease.
Zimbabwe is economically and politically unstable. Financial support is limited for the health care workers, physicians and nurses who have chosen to work in difficult conditions. There are however ministries in the community, including home-based care, education and support groups for people living with HIV/AIDS, and child sponsorship.
“The time is now. Nguva ya kwana.” was the theme of a recent Day of Prayer focusing on HIV/AIDS. It was to help teach about how we got into this mess. That it was not an act of God, but of unsafe sex with multiple partners. It encouraged open discussion about a disease that has infected or affected us all. That our children can learn from the mistakes of their parents. It explained that we are not perfect, just forgiven. We must learn to emphasize prevention. Those who are free of HIV have no reason to be infected tomorrow, those with HIV should not transmit the virus to others. We need to care for those who are suffering from the illnesses associated with AIDS. We need to provide life-giving nutrition, medicines and social support for those living with HIV/AIDS and those who are orphaned by the epidemic. Weep with those who weep, and comfort those in their pain.
“From Isaiah 61, the time is now: … to preach good news to the poor… to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow upon them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
