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I found that Berkenwald’s article on genital herpes to be insightful, and also, an important learning opportunity. Before reading this article, I never paid much attention to genital herpes because a majority of my classes focused on HIV/AIDS education and prevention. A quote that struck me was, “People with genital herpes aren’t thought of as victims; they’re thought of as sluts, monsters, lepers, or just stupid. When we combine these factors, people with genital herpes are obvious subjects for ridicule” (Berkenwalkd, 2018). I found this statement to be true because these were the same types of comments I heard circulating online and from people. Genital herpes has largely become a topic people brush off in a joking way but for millions of people, it is their reality. From Berkenwald’s perspective, she is trying to change the stigma around herpes to be seen differently.

The hepatitis-C treatment entailed, “It [containing] two drugs, one of which is already available at $1,000 per dose, or $84,000 for a complete 12-week course” (Wapner, 2014). For a majority of Americans who are hepatitis-C positive, this is an unrealistic and unattainable solution for treatment. This is especially concerning for low socioeconomic individuals because the costs are too high to consider. I think it is ridiculous to ask patients to pay an estimate of $84,000 for a treatment that is higher than probably their yearly income. The only people who can access this treatment are wealthy and privileged people who can accord these types of high costs medications. This is one of the instances where wealth is valued over health.

After reading the article by Villarosa, I saw a lot of connections it had with Wapner’s work. From my perspective, they both showed the idea of how the health system is against the poor and non-cisgender. A prevalent barrier presented has been wealth and how those who are white and wealthy are privileged in it is more easy for them to gain health insurance and prioritized. According to Villarosa, the highest percentage of people diagnosed with hepatitis-C is seen in the Southern states (2017). This was especially seen in the high rates of diagnoses in black gay and bisexual men. I think the reason for this stems from the elimination of clinics such as planned parenthood in these states or accessible health clinics in general. These clinics provide essential resources for the underprivileged to receive testing and help from professional physicians.

Over the years, HIV treatments have improved and lives have been saved from new medications. It was said, “over the past several years, public health officials have championed the idea that an AIDS-free generation could be within reach - even without a vaccine” (Villarosa, 2017). This gives people who are newly diagnosed hope because it is not as daunting or life-threatening as it was in the past. Compared to the past, I think there is a lot more understanding and compassion when it comes to people who are HIV positive.