Re: Gaps in the field of IDU and the PLHAs

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

It is in a positive step that members have started discussing the

issues and problems of IDUs. I think the platform provided here will

help the members to come with practical solutions.

However, I have a strong opinion that there are times when many

organisations started having half hearted policies and programs on

IDUs just to get attention or just to prove that they do care and

they have a policy on IDUs.

The issues of IDUs are complex and at times oversimplification may

lead the serious matter to go underground. The following questions

are some of the reasons why I am feeling a little bit concerned over

the past development (read Harm Reduction):

1. Are we assuming that the problems of IDUs are same everywhere?

2. Are we also assuming that Harm Reduction is going to work everywhere in

India?

3. What are NACO's policies towards tackling the limitations of

Harm Reduction, if at all they are going to induct it in NACP III? -

(Please don't tell me that harm reduction is going to solve the

problem of IDUs and its vulnerability towards HIV/AIDS)

4. Are we also assuming that HIV/AIDS (or Hepatitis) is the

only main factor for the death of many IDUs?

My intention of putting up these questions is to start a healthy

discussion and not to oppose any up coming programs and policies.

Infact, it is in a good initiative that NACO is trying to induct

Harm Reduction program in NACP III. My main message is that a

program will work better, if a good fair amount of homework is done.

Gay Thongamba

e-mail: <gthongamba@...>