International Agencies and access to tratmetn in India

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

WHO policies are an " abomination " . None of the international Agencies here in

India seem concerned about the many problems related to treatment access.

There is " lip service " but no action, and there is a passive acceptance of the

governments ridiculously low targets, and lack of commitment to provide ANY

second line treatment to those who already need it, after two years on first

line medications, and in some cases, more, if they were buying in the private

sector prior to

when the government began free first line treatment just two years ago.

In a recent public activity on World AIDS day, I called for a response from

Piot to this problem here, he could say something about " comprehensive

treatment " needing to include second line meds and urge the Indian authorities

to re think their policy.

The WHO staff member " seconded " to the National AIDS was agreeing with this

lethal policy in a meeting we had this week with the National AIDS program

Director here.

He is from WHO, he should know better, but he said that there is " no need at

present for second line medications " ...they will come " in the future. " Yet up to

3,000 people need them NOW!

Eugene and I were astonished that he is from WHO and would support this policy.

AGUA BUENA

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