Soto an Ally in AIDS Fight

AIDS, the dread disease few want to talk about, is, thanks to the efforts of people such as Bishop Jaime Soto, being talked about more openly. That’s a healthy approach, not only for the Roman Catholic community the auxiliary bishop serves, but for the county community as well.

For too long in the 20-year history of the disease many county residents with AIDS died, or suffered in silence or denial, fearful of the reaction of relatives and friends. The silence is especially prevalent in the Latino community, where a machismo culture makes discovery, treatment and prevention all the more difficult.

The stigma of being gay and the misconceptions surrounding the AIDS disease lead some to avoid testing, and other infected men who do seek treatment do so without telling their wives or families. That has caused needless infection of a rising number of women (and risk to their unborn children) who are heterosexual and do not use intravenous drugs.

The statistics tell the story.

According to a United Nations report, in 2000 women made up 47% of the world’s nearly 35 million adults living with the AIDS virus. Specialists predict the female caseload, which has been skyrocketing, will soon surpass men.

In Orange County, Latinos account for a disproportionate share of the disease. Though they make up 30% of the county’s population, they account for 44% of its new AIDS cases. The female caseload has nearly tripled in the last decade. So far, 142 Latinos have died of AIDS complications in the county.

Last Sunday a special Mass was held in Santa Ana to remember Latinos who have died of AIDS and to support those living with the disease. Bishop Soto read the names of the 23 Latinos who died this year.

The bishop’s caring involvement and willingness to be a spokesman and conduit for health information to the Latino community is significant. It helps break down the myths, cultural barriers, reluctance to seek testing and medical care, and the fear of the stigma attached to homosexuality and AIDS.

Soto’s efforts should prompt others to get involved in prevention, education and treatment efforts.