On June 25th 2011 The New York Timespublished a letter to the editor written by FXB International CEO Sean Mayberry. Sean’s letter responds to an Op-Ed by Winstone Zulu that discussed the lack of adequate HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs for people living with disabilities.
Published: June 25, 2011
To the Editor:
Re “I Had Polio. I Also Have Sex” (Op-Ed, June 19):
Winstone Zulu’s article raises a very important issue: people who are disabled are at risk for contracting H.I.V.-AIDS just like everyone else, and are often overlooked by programs dedicated to reducing and treating the disease.
As the chief executive of FXB International, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to reducing poverty and fighting AIDS in the developing world, I often see firsthand that more needs to be done to help the disabled. Thankfully, there is some progress being made.
In Myanmar (formerly Burma), FXB specifically targets and adapts programs for people living with disabilities. Understanding that some people learn differently from others, we use tools created specifically to help mentally and physically disabled people learn about H.I.V. prevention and treatment.
Unfortunately, the barriers faced by people living with disabilities go far beyond prevention of sexually transmitted disease. They face daily discrimination and exclusion from their families and communities, they are often the victims of violence, they are the most vulnerable to natural disasters, and they have the fewest economic and educational opportunities.
FXB is having success combating a wide range of issues experienced by the disabled population of Myanmar, but I fully endorse Mr. Zulu’s call to action. There is much more to be done.
SEAN MAYBERRY
New York, June 23, 2011
Click here to read Winstone Zulu’s Op-Ed.