I had the privilege to attend the official announcement of the closing and repurposing of Ward 10C at St. Paul’s Hospital. The talk given by Michel Sidibé, Executive Director, UNAIDS, Under Secretary-General of the United Nations at the luncheon that followed was amazing. He was able to speak passionately giving an overview of the present day world of HIV/AIDS (may I add that he spoke for over a half hour without notes). Upon completion of the talk Dr. Montaner, acting as the host, opened the floor to questions and comments. I stood and went to the mic and thanked Mr. Sidibé on behalf of Community and myself, as someone who has lived with this disease since 1985, for his leadership role in support of Dr. Montaner’s vision for Treatment as Prevention — with one of the key outcomes being the closure of the first AIDS Ward in the world. I believe this is also a step forward in helping to reduce stigma as historically the very mention of the 10C or AIDS ward was cause for stigma for some.
Michel Sidibé (left) and Darren Lauscher (right) at the announcement.
Photo credit: Irene Day of the BC Centre for Excellence
What I later reflected upon and wish I had mentioned was the evolution of the ward in relation to its policies and to give credit to the amazing people who worked there through the dark times and the better times, whether they be staff or volunteers. To these people I am also very grateful.
We have much to be thankful for here in BC and sometimes it takes an outsider to remind us of this. I know this journey is not easy and there is still a long way to go before HIV is considered a footnote in history. This is a reminder for us to stop and smell the roses and reflect on some amazing work here in BC which changes lives in a positive way.
Darren Lauscher
Co-Chair, Pacific AIDS Network