The darkest hour comes before dawn

Date Posted : Monday, 30 Jul 2012

A stand at the AIDS 2012 Conference

By Isaiah Esipisu, freelance science journalist.

After years of struggle with the AIDS epidemic, there is much hope and optimism that the disease may soon be a thing of the past. This is the clear message all week during AIDS 2012, and the first time in more than three decades of the disease that there is such a strong sense of optimism fueled by promising research findings and innovative ways of tackling HIV.

However, there are also indications that fatigue exists among development partners – unfortunately, at the wrong hour.

It is a delicate hour. And this is the reason why the media must continue to analyze achievements and point the way forward for everybody to see. The media can play an important role in teaming up with civil society and persuade the donors to hang on a little bit longer.

This is a defining moment for the developing world, and the entire world.