THE public's awareness of the complexities surrounding the AIDS problem in Hongkong continues to grow. The interest of high-level government officials is welcome, and imperative in AIDS Concern's efforts to address the issues. One problem we wish to highlight relates to the tragic cases of families struggling to secure honourable and deserved funeral arrangements for a loved one lost to AIDS. In our work with local families, our buddies (people providing individual emotional support to those with AIDS) have come to anticipate, with dread, the added burden likely to follow the sad passing of their relative,as they attempt to plan funeral arrangements. Knowledge of a loved one's HIV status marks the beginning of a prolonged period of severe challenges to a family. The prejudice and fear surrounding AIDS, isolates families. The shame and embarrassment of trying to secure the services of a funeral parlour, only to be refused, has led to the cremation of persons with AIDS - often against the wishes of the families and the individual who has died. I would like to describe the plight of one of AIDS Concern's clients. We do so, to try and make readers aware of the problem and of the difficulties faced by families and loved ones. The funeral parlours themselves acknowledge their practices. The person I speak of struck me, each time I visited him, as a fighter. He rarely mentioned the horror he must have felt as he looked at the grayish-blue patches which covered his body as a result of the last AIDS-related infection that he would endure, Karposi's sarcoma, a deadly form of cancer. Towards the end, he reflected on the great strides he had made in repairing his relationship with his father. For many years relations had been strained, but now in his time of need, his father visited daily, bringing him home-cooked Chinese meals. A proper funeral service during which family and friends could pay their respects was essential for him and his family. He assured me that he had given clear instructions to his personal assistant delineating his wishesfor the service and burial; he had no doubts about her competency. When the end came his personal assistant was with him, as she was throughout his hospitalisation. She stayed with him day and night, sleeping in the chair beside his bed. As we helped her to try and arrange funeral services she was devastated. How could she not provide services and burial arrangements in accordance with his wishes? Along with the doctor in charge of his case, we pleaded with several funeral homes - to no avail. He was denied the dignity and honour of the arrangements of his choice and wascremated. AIDS Concern applauds the pioneering efforts of Dr Conrad Lam, of the Legislative Council, and supports his request for further inquiries into this tragic situation. Mrs Elizabeth Wong has been appraised of yet another difficulty surrounding the AIDS problem in Hongkong, and we hope that the level of attention she has already committed towards the plight of HIV-infected haemophiliac families in Hongkong is matched in this interest also. We appreciate that those in the funeral business have received guidelines as to the proper procedures to follow, but are not surprised that they, like many people living in Hongkong, are plagued with fear and apprehension about HIV and AIDS. Efforts to contact them directly, availing them of needed information and materials, coupled with the opportunity to discuss their concerns, are to be commended. This is just one more aspect of the AIDS problem which requires personal attention and discussion, from AIDS Concern volunteers, so that we can help remove the fear and prejudice. There is now, and will continue to be, a great deal to talk about as the HIV and AIDS problem worsens in Hongkong. LISA B. ROSS Executive Administrator AIDS Concern
