Discussion on Access to HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment in India

[Guest guest]

Dear MODERATORS,

SAATHII & e FORUM

My response to the First QUESTION for the forum members is:

A. 1. We should run this structured discussion as part of e-FORUM

discussions.The Reasons for this are:

a) The issue is going to affect everyone working in the field of HIV/AIDS in

India and they would not like to be left out or be uninformed even if they

do not participate or contribute.

One of the primary aims of such forums apart from generating and

fulfilling access to care and treatment is also the role of generating and

fulfilling quick access to information on HIV/AIDS for all members.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. E. Mohamed Rafique

Dept. of Skin & STD.,

General Hospital, Tata Tea Ltd.,

Munnar - 685 612. Idukki District, Kerala, INDIA.

Tel: 0486-531306 (Office) and 0486-531457 (Residence)

E-mail: emrafi@...

URL: http://education.vsnl.com/sexualhealth/HomeISH

[Guest guest]

Dear Moderator.

As a Scientist living in Australia but who's heart is in India.

I must say to you that your comments below is 100% correct

" We, the moderators of these two forums think that it is time for all of us who

are working in and for India on AIDS related issues to put our brains, hearts

and courage, together to come up with feasible strategies to enhance HIV/AIDS

care and treatment in India. "

This is the most important step.

In Australia this occured during the inital stages of the HIV epidemic.

It involved the Lobby groups - Gay People, Government, Testing Laboratories and

Support Groups. So that a clear simple message was put across that did not

direct blame to any group.

WE must use the best from all the groups in India to give our people the

facilities they need. Testing for HIV, Antiviral treatment, Support for orphoned

children, Support for People living with AIDS. EDUCATION of Adults, Children,

Sex Workers - prevention of HIV, Use of Condoms, IDU prevention.

So there is some breakdown for you on topics

HIV TESTING - Non-Government, Government - Who Pays?

- in Australia the government pays for all testing.

ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT- Pharmacy Companies must help to reduce costs, who pays.

SUPPORT PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV.

EDUCATION OF PEOPLE ABOUT HIV. - all levels from Villages to Cities

TV, NEWS PAPER, BUSES, PROMOTIONS ABOUT HIV - keep it simple

I am also sure that if we had a single outlook we would have more power in being

able to change things. Also get high profile people involved like Lata

Mangeskar, Sachin Tandukar - ie people who can get the message across to

different groups but will be listened too because of their status.

We also need a way so that Indians living overseas or in India can donate money

for the HIV INDIA CAUSE this way we can inject that money into the places which

need it now.

" Should we run this structured discussion as part of e-FOURM

discussions? OR create a separate TEMPORARY e-discussion just for this purpose. "

I think you should run it as part of e-FOURM - that way even if

members do not want to have direct input they still have direct access to what

is happening.

Many people have Ideas which they might think are not worthy but in the true

context of the whole matter their small part may produce the begining of

something amazing.

I feel you have the beginings of this.

May God bless you all.

Thanks

Freeman

E-mail:<k.freeman@...>