Response to Unsterile Health Care and Unexplained HIV Infections in India

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

This is to invite your attention to the Unsterile Health Care and Unexplained

HIV Infections in India.

A recent AIIMS study reports the widespread use of unsterile injections in India

and the risks to contract HIV through these. An ongoing investigation in

Kazakhstan reports that hospitals infected more than 50 children with HIV.

We know that common unsterile health care is a risk to transmit HIV. We know

people living with HIV who cannot understand or explain how they have got

infected. However, knowing something and doing something about it are two

different things.

In order to stimulate thinking and to gather ideas about what to do,

e FORUM is hosting a one-month open email forum on " Response to Unsterile Health

Care and Unexplained HIV Infections in India " .

The following five questions are offered to stimulate, but not limit,

your response.

1. What are the known risks to contract HIV through some common practices in

medical and cosmetic services?

2. What material is available and what more is needed to inform the public about

these risks?

3. How should state/national data on unexplained or suspected nosocomial (health

care acquired) HIV infections be documented?

4. What opportunities do you see for people with unexplained or suspected

nosocomial HIV infections (e.g. children with HIV-negative mothers) to track the

sources of these infections and to seek compensation when applicable?

5. How should NGO and Government AIDS programmes respond to the fact that people

in India continue to be infected through unsafe health care?

Mariette Correa

1016, Muddo

P.O. Carona

Bardez, Goa - 403523

India

Tel: 91-832-2293766

email: mariettec@...