Navajo Nation Deals with Rise in HIV Infection Rates

Elsie Smith, who is HIV-positive, lives in the tiny tribal community of Iyanbito with her two sons and three granddaughters. When she was diagnosed, she asked the doctor, "What is HIV?" (Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times /December 11, 2011/Copyright, 2012, Los Angeles Times. Reprinted with permission.)
By ICTMN Staff: January 6, 2012

This article speaks about how issues like poverty, poor education, alcohol abuse and other hardships in the Four Corners region (home of the Dine people) foster an environment in which HIV can easily spread. It's rather depressing to think that Dine people are struggling so much with this disease. The people are not open to learning about the disease because 'they thought it would bring the curse, bring death into their community.'

"Nobody cares until they have seen AIDs death in their family."

I understand the Navajos have beliefs, but I hope that they can understand that the teaching is trying to keep them healthy. Some individuals have started to receive medical treatment for HIV. The Indian Medical Center in New Mexico is holding the treatments. They are giving the individuals duel treatment: spiritual/cultural beliefs and modern medical treatment. This has help individuals stick to their treatments.

I'm glad that there has been this meeting point between the Navajos and modern medicine. I hope it continues in the future to stop the spread of HIV in the community.