I recall seeing an article in the newspaper sometime late last year where Minister Rodger Samuel announced the launch of the "T&T Countdown To Zero" campaign which aimed at issues of discrimination, stigmas, treatment, support and most importantly prevention of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Today, enchanted on hearing of the initiatives taken up by the Office of the Prime Minister on launching yet another HIV/AIDS campaign and taking serious measures in addressing this issue, I am still somewhat displeased.

I am disappointed in the lack of coverage by the media on this significant matter that has become conical within the past seven years.

While compelling stories are what an audience desires let's get real, people. Politics isn't the only issue at stake. Political stories are always making headlines, always in the spotlight yet this frightening disease which has plagued the world is being put in the shade.

I urge the people of the nation, HIV/AIDS is still an ongoing crisis that an estimated 33.3 million people are now living with and over 27 million people have died from, so shouldn't this issue be highlighted in the newspaper, television commercials, documentaries and in whatever means to help educate our people?

The media act as windows to the world. They open up doors to many opportunities so why not take advantage of them and use them as tools in educating our nation, fighting prejudice and bringing awareness.

Remember, my fellow brothers and sisters, lending a hand can hurt no one, HIV has not gone away and it is definitely not yet at zero!

Samantha Ramischand

Chaguanas