Annie Lennox: Why I am an HIV/AIDS activist

[andreeaweed]

To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.

[Cmaglim]

it's wrong to have aids. if you have aids, then it logically follows that you've done something wrong.

[vinny111]

Does she know that HIV has never been scientifically proven or even isolated,all the original papers where FRAUD? she should of done her research,In 2012 The world will know HIV=FRAUD !!!The world has be scammed by these scientists who are no worse then HITLER? shame on government &media??

[privatepudding]

Annie is amazing.

[illusorynj]

The fact that there are 40 thumbs down for this presentation, along with all the ignorance and lack of compassion on the subject of HIV in Africa expressed in the comments about the video -- shows how important a talk like this is. It is an issue which brings out the best in some people, and the worst in others. The subject is "Why I am and HIV/AIDS activist". Annie Lennox's experience is worth listening to -- there is heart and soul in it, in addition to facts and figures. Much to learn here.

[MrIzzyDizzy]

the problem is greed in the economic sense its 6000% profit selling treatments to those that can afford or at least will pay - there is no "economic" demand for treatments in poor countries - the problem is the entire economic paradigm of the world to understand this better see zietgiest addendum and zietgiest moving forward

[gdcat777]

This disease effects everyone, not just women and children. Why is it that she isn't concerned about men? Because somewhere in her mind, she thinks that men are responsible for the spread of this disease, and men are no more responsible than are women. It takes two to tango baby, so stop blaming only men. Condoms and education prevent HIV, not "circumcision", the euphemism for male genital mutilation.

[Kaibrigh]

How can 39 people resulting in negative a message as beautiful as this? Nonsense! Probably do not care for noble causes like this

[phillips78]

More reasons to use condoms at "overconsumpulation".

[TheSanctifiedSoldier]

Wow...so amazing how the REAL point gets missed in all this muck of sloth minded opinions while people are dying...How about this...If you don't have anything helpful to lend to the project in the way of support or donations are helping to raise awareness, then try to be quiet and learn something...The who's what where and why's are irrelevant...compassion is relevant...nobody asks for AIDS and judgement hasn't found a cure...Smokers get Cancer and they also get compassion.Leave the ugliness out

[twistedbass15]

Dr Bob Beck

[ThisBoyTV]

Annie when you read the 73 comments at this point only some of them need a lot of education. You are an inspiration to all the volunteers and activists world wide. It is rather odd that some point the blame at others rather than looking in the mirror. Seems the thing to do these days while hiding behind fake profiles.

[kalenen]

stupid fucking ppl deserve to die....

Use a fucking condom or die? FUCKING HARD CHOICE?

[hanselos]

@kalenen Use a condom or die? oh dear you do have a problem don't you

[cantareviva]

@kalenen how ignorant of you to think that south africa is on the same educational and daily living standard as other countries. condoms? most of these people can't even afford to eat like we do. don't be hateful, and never wish death on anyone.

[asf4321]

thumbs up if you were drunk and you read addict instead of activist..........

[spareaxe]

Great work by those dedicated Doctors and Nurses there....great work Annie.

[quosmo1]

most of them stood up just not to be the only other one sitting down lol

there could be lots of people who wouldnt otherwise say yes to that question, including people that simply dont know the issues and specifics about the 'millenium development'... blah

[Khyrid]

Poor country-> prostitution-> repetitive unprotected sex with different partners on a large scale-> HIV epidemic.

Fix the economy fix the HIV.

[777neotamakachi777]

@Khyrid In a country where more than half of the country is infected promiscuity doesn't factor into the majority of infections.

Imagine this, your first lover has a 50% chance of being hiv+ but the statistics are hidden from the public. You think your chances are very low, this is your first time after all. Then people like you say it happens to promiscuous and you know your lover is not promiscuous. You take the chance, you get infected.

Wake up! Hiv doesn't care if you're a slut or not

[Khyrid]

@777neotamakachi777 Maybe so but the woman who are prostitutes are not necessarily sluts, they are trying to support their family. And yes they probably did start of naively and got pregnant. It's not promiscuity, it's survival and girls doing what they thing they have to do to feed their children.

[777neotamakachi777]

@Khyrid Rape is the bigger problem here in south africa.

Prostitution is fairly rare. Given the amount of people who are poz in this country prostitution doesn't have much of an effect.

The reason people here are still dying of hiv here is cuz the government doesn't give medications to people before it's too late. (CD4 has to be 200 or less) then there's 3 months of counseling after that. I know many people who die during those 3 month counseling. It's a joke.

[Khyrid]

@777neotamakachi777 Prostitution is rampant in South Africa.

[777neotamakachi777]

@Khyrid I live in south africa. I was born and raised 100% south african.

No it is not rampant. Poor medical systems, exencive medicines and laughable education system is the real problem here.

Don't pretend you know what's going on in my country when you live in a country where the effects of hiv are nearly invisible.

Google hiv prevelance zululand south africa. highest in the world, my province.

[Khyrid]

@777neotamakachi777 Well I heard otherwise, really don't care.

[cantareviva]

@Khyrid what an interesting thing to say. He's correct. I am american, I have HIV. I've had it for two years CD4 is at a healthy level and my viral load is undetectable. I don't even have to undergo treatment to date. In South Africa the spread and survival rate is much more of an alarming situation compared to anywhere else in the world. You should be ashamed to say you don't care, which I believe you do. You wouldn't have been on this page if you didn't.

[Khyrid]

@cantareviva I'm right.

[Torchmark]

@777neotamakachi777 I fully agree with you on your claim that few people in low hiv-affected places know what's really going on. Having said that, how can we in the low rate hiv nations help out?

[HigherPlanes]

Becoming a spokesperson for HIV/AIDS is like walking on broken glass. Takes much courage. Bravo Annie!

[Honker66]

I stand beside you!

[sneakybutcher1]

you're doing a great job annie

[MzeeMoja1]

Latest research shows the rate of HIV infection has declined in sub-sahara Africa by 25%. Meanwhile, prevalence is going up in Eastern Europe. A whole show of look at me I help African people. Even thought it's a commendable job, perhaps its better to talk about practical steps that people can take, that have been known to work. Examples being circumcision which reduces risk bt 60%, or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis* which carries 80% reduced risk, and of cause condoms with over 90%.

[xxxFaustusxxx]

Why do poor people keep reproducing?

[TVboy76]

@xxxFaustusxxx Because "poor people" in undeveloped societies, usually don't have access to the economical "benefits" of industrial and post-industrial countries such as: welfare, Social Security (US) or 401K. When they get old and unable to work , their children are their only support. This is not the case of developed societies.

[777neotamakachi777]

@TVboy76 Hahaha Faustus just got OWNED.

Nicely put dude

[xxxFaustusxxx]

@TVboy76

That seems selfish and immoral. Reproducing, knowing your children will live in horrible conditions, but do it anyways since no one else will support you.

[TVboy76]

@xxxFaustusxxx Yes, it seems selfish. I don't know if it is moral; is not my personal or social case and I don't want to judge it . Remember the fact that these primitive societies present a high Infant Mortality Rate so reproduction is always some sort of rat race. On the other hand, if you want to rule immoral and irresponsible behavior then ask: "Why do poor people in economically developed societies keep reproducing?" Sure I can write a college textbook about it.

[princeofexcess]

I know a prevention system. Kill all children that are born to an HIV positive mother. Cruel? Or is it cruel to leave a child to grow up without parents and then die from aids! People that dont think 2 steps ahead and are not willing to make sacrifices to make this world better are cowards and make this world worse. There are no perfect choices only better and worse ones.

[777neotamakachi777]

@princeofexcess You are disgusting! I hope you test positive one day and commit suicide. That would be justice!

How can you even think of murdering little children!!

A little bit of medicine and everything is alright.

I know, why don't we just murder all children born with sickness of any kind?

You're a sick FUCK!

[princeofexcess]

@777neotamakachi777 Whenever you dislike something you can give it derogatory names. You simply are moved emotionally by this issue and you cannot think straight when you think about it. Murder is not always bad. If a man was about to blow up the whole world and you could murder him to prevent it would you? If murder prevents suffering it is the best choice. YOu are the one that is sick in a sense because you cant think about it logically. Most of those kids will die anyways just in great pain.

[princeofexcess]

@777neotamakachi777 And even those who will survive will cause more suffering to other people. They might get raped and spread aids. THey might just eat and that is enough to make starvation worse. IT is very selfish of you to want to save a child because of your personal feelings about it and cause suffering to others this way. Its like saying you dont want to kill a child so instead you leave it alone and let it starve to death. ITs not only stupid its also CRUEL and immoral

[florencelovme]

Annie, plz give us some good songs with your amazing voice and stop wasting your time on nonsense.

Thanx.

[florencelovme]

I dont think I care to save anyone with that desease. Women in Africa have been educated on how to use condoms but they refuse to use them. Doctors Without Borders have done anything they could to educate third world countries on epidemics/illnesses, but their work goes to waste.

I refuse to help anyone with HIV. They had a choice.

same goes for the civilized world as well.

[AphisInstinct]

@florencelovme You obviously didn't see the child's amazing health progress if you think the doctors aren't accomplishing anything! Do all of the children with aids deserve to be condemned to helplessness because their mother did not use a condom? As if that ensures 100% protection Ever heard of rape? Stupid spoiled fucks like yourself, absent of compassion and common sense, deserve nothing less than to be put in their shoes and humbled. Next time, spare us your petulant ignorance and fuck off.

[leparditas]

people are u crazy??? 

[Shalek]

Fix hunger and malaria first then we can worry about HIV.

[777neotamakachi777]

@Shalek Hiv+ people can live without fruit and vegetables but not without medication.

You have no idea how much hiv affects the spread of other diseases

[Shalek]

@777neotamakachi777 I do, I am not saying don't give them funding, I am saying the way it's distributed right now ain't right. Last time I checked $300m for basic nutrition, 2.2 billion for HIV.

[777neotamakachi777]

@Shalek Well, in south africa a loaf of bread is R7.50, a little less than a dollar.

$30 a month for basic fortified food.

A basic Hiv medication regimine costs well over R1500 a month.

You do the math. The funding is balanced.

People here aren't starving to death they're dying from hiv.

And because people who've developed aids just look thin and hungry people think it's a hunger issue. You can't put on weight when you have no immunity!

[Shalek]

@777neotamakachi777 Just because HIV treatment costs way more than food doesn't make it smart to devote most aid resource to HIV medication. Just because the same people that are dying from HIV aren't the same that are dieing from hunger doesn't mean there are way more people dieing from hunger than HIV. Better to feed ten or more people that are starving to death than treating one person with HIV.

[Shalek]

@MrManuelNoriega Hunger and disease contributes to overpopulation, as counterintuitive as that sounds.

[hardcoded]

@MrManuelNoriega Agreed, starting by you.

[hardcoded]

@MrManuelNoriega I'm don't have the slightest worry about you. It's only fair that sad misanthrope fucks like you get some of your own 'medicine'.

[flyingfisbeefilms]

Lovely speach but no criticism of the the catholic church

[NeckPickup]

STD used to mean long distance phone calls.

Bring back the good old days.

[briansmobile1]

7:59 That's awesome!

[098anne]

Nicely done.

[Minnesnowtakid]

EVERYONE respects Mandela?? I don't know about that.

[firemarshall007]

She could have given this presentation in 1988 and it would be exactly the same. She was relevant back then.

[smudge6699]

@firemarshall007

As an expert when will you be relevant?

[TheButtcrabs]

The Mandela picture at 00m45s is nothing short of terrifying.

[MrCattlehunter]

@TheButtcrabs

Maybe it's supposed to be a totem with which to scare away dark spirits?

[beerbeerbear742]

@TheButtcrabs jesus christ!

[josefgiven]

@TheButtcrabs it is. It really is

[conoba]

Most beautyful singing voice of the 80's.

[thomaste33]

I blame the pope

[RandomVortex]

@thomaste33

I would have to agree that that's definitely partly true.

As for Annie lennox all I can say is well done and I have the deepest respect for her efforts!

Did some people(who were capable of standing)actually not stand up?

I was raised Catholic(thankfully it did not take)so I already have my own reasons for not being too fond of the pope.

That said,I have met several good priests(and although I do not share their beliefs they were very good people so it's not all black and white.)

[moldyoreo]

@thomaste33 Interesting, I didn't realize people still thought the pope had any authority. As a Catholic, I and many others ignore him. His word seems to have much more weight with non-Catholic cynics.

[thomaste33]

@moldyoreo I’d say the pope has a big influence in Africa but the problem is so bad that if he allowed condoms now it wouldn’t make much of a difference, but he’s certainly not helping.

[gulllars]

@thomaste33 I agree with the pope deserving blame, but even more the institution he's head of. The cheapest way to reduce HIV spreading is to have _ALL_ religions stating explicitly that condoms are better than AIDS. Any religion not doing so is in my mind partially responsible for ongoing genocide. This is one of the major reasons (but not the biggest) i'm vocally against organised religions in general instead of being a silent atheist.

[neil73]

I am ashamed that 7 people (at the time of the posting of this comment) dislike this video. My respect for Annie Lennox has just gone through the stratosphere. If only more celebrities would get involved with the problems of the worlds poor, instead of worrying about their image then the world will be a better place for those who cannot help themselves.

[RandomVortex]

@neil73

Well said!

[ThisBoyTV]

Thank you Annie for the long unpaid volunteer hours you give to help others in need. Hugs xx

[Th3Wab3]

for the love of goodness CLEAN DRINKING WATER AND ACCESS TO NUTRITIONAL FOOD is the key to helping the impoverished at risk this "STD" is not contracted through sex in impoverished areas the horrible water attacks the poor immune systems...

[SirArghPirate]

@Th3Wab3

HIV is not transferred sexually, is that what you're trying to say?

[0Krusnik0]

@SirArghPirate Actually, it turns out that HIV could have NEVER spread this far with sex alone. It was actually drugs post-colonialism that spread it.

[juditK2007]

@Th3Wab3 Then how do people in areas with clean water and good nutrition get AIDS troll boy? Do they all go to South Africa for it? Is there a "get AIDS for only 120 $ including transportation and stay in impoverished African village" campaign that the rest of us aren't aware of?

[Th3Wab3]

@juditK2007 well the statistics for aids in developed nations and underdeveloped nations show caontradicting transmission trends. have you you ever investigated why their are three different hiv tests and why different nations use different tests.. also what the test actually test for or even the fact that AIDS is not a virus but when several inmunodeficiency diseases are present ie: tuburculosis, IBS, chronic diareahea etc.. look up alternative scientific views on HIV/AIDS...

[bioman123]

@Th3Wab3 They aren't alternative views on HIV/AIDS, there are CRACKPOT views. Learn some science.

[Th3Wab3]

@bioman123 can you tell me where they fail, since you speek with such conviction?

[juditK2007]

@Th3Wab3 "caontradicting transmission trends"

What did you mean by this?

"look up alternative scientific views on HIV/AIDS"

So far the AIDS deniers have not come up with any evidece for their alternative explanations while science has& produced treatment based on thist.Guess which one I'm going to believe in this situation?The keyword is not alternative but evidence.

And FYI the AIDS test is 1 of the most reliable medical tests we have.It's 95%accurate.& it's not just a combination of diseases.

[JeanKM1]

@Th3Wab3 Huh???.... An STD is not an STD?  ...and we should believe the rest of your logic? OK...

[Martyj2009]

@Th3Wab3 Are you crazy? You can't get the aids virus orally. Only way to get aids orally is by having a cut in your mouth.

[TheFounderUtopia]

@Th3Wab3

You just said that an STD isn't contracted through sex. You actually just said that. Seriously, I actually just read someone saying those words? Is that really the world I live in?

Sometimes there just isn't a face big enough to palm.

[kittybeeify]

What were the people who remained seated thinking? (Provided they could physically stand.) Much of this talk was about AL's activism resume with overtones of her celebrity. There's no escaping that. Overall I didn't learn anything new about HIV/AIDS in Africa.

[twistedbass15]

Dr Bob Beck