World-famous photojournalist Andrew Petkun came to speak on behalf of HIV/AIDS awareness Wednesday night at the Memorial Union. Petkun was brought to Madison by a committee of students in cooperation with a genetics class requirement.
Petkun travels to developing parts of the world that are hit hard by the AIDS pandemic. Petkun’s goal, which he conveys through his photography, is to show the devastating effect AIDS can have on entire generations in countries. He said in a phone interview that whole nations are on the verge of annihilation by the deadly HIV virus.
“This is bigger than an epidemic. AIDS is worse than what the bubonic plague was during the Middle Ages,” Petkun said.
Petkun tries to spur conversation about the topic, believing that the issue is just swept “under the rug,” for the most part. Petkun also believes young adults need to do three things: become informed to protect themselves, know the situation in other countries and “hopefully get angry enough” to take action.
Although resources are channeled into sub-Saharan Africa currently, he believes more efforts need to be taken, explaining not only foreign governments should contribute, but also corporations and individuals.
Another issue that Petkun voiced concern for was that an estimated one-third of all people infected with HIV do not even know they have it. He believes building awareness will lead to a decrease in infection rates.
University of Wisconsin medical genetics professor Marge Sutinen was very excited to have Petkun come and extended the students’ invitation to the photojournalist. Although she helped the students connect with Petkun and investors, she said the students worked hard to bring him to UW.
“The students should really get the credit,” Sutinen said, adding that they held bake sales, sold pizza and did all the planning for Petkun’s visit.
UW senior Justin Friedeck, one of the students to organize the visit, said he also received a grant from the Associated Students of Madison and donations from various individuals and Midwestern biotechnology companies, totaling approximately $5,000.
Sutinen threw her support behind Friedeck’s generation, believing the current college crowd will “change the world” as far as AIDS is concerned. She believes young people will make AIDS the largest issue in public health, and, from that point, reduce infection rates by informing people of the risks HIV poses and eventually eradicate the virus.
Friedeck said there are many students on campus who are involved in HIV education; he cited numerous student organizations.
Sutinen reported that UW was not the only institute to request Petkun to visit during World AIDS Week.
“He passed up Harvard for us!” Sutinen exclaimed.
Petkun’s photographs will be displayed throughout the remainder of December until Jan. 20 in Memorial Union.
