2nd line ARV: Still a dream for many

June 4, 2008

Dear All

The long awaited dream of PLHIV who are in need of 2nd line are come true in

words but not in action. India has started 2nd line with 2 (two) high prevelance

states Tamil Nadu and Maharastra out of 6 high prevelance states (if I'm not

wrong) and the remaining; states are supposed to initiate by April 2008 but till

date not a single word has been heard regarding the 2nd line with this remaining

states.

Regarding this issues some questions comes up in my mind that

1. What has happened with these states?

2. what are we waiting for?

3. People doesn't need 2nd line ARVS in those states?

4) Who is going to lobby for launching with these remaining states?

5) What is agenda for other states those are termed Moderate and Low prevelance

states?

6) Whether these states are going to be included in the program. Did the

manpower is not enough with the ART Centres or MO are going to train again to

prescribe 2nd line regime?

We are much depended on NACO policy- for access to treatment.

I am not saying NACO Policy on ARV treatment are not good. It is good but

sometimes treatment Policy saves lives and sometimes it kills people.

Lets wake up fellow PLHIV, AIDS Activists, PLHIV Networks and lets us stand and

shout for our rights otherwise tomorrow will be very late.

Taking the opportunity with this agend; I would like to mention some areas of

2nd line ARV in India.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation, India (AHF) is supporting some of the AIDS Activists

and Leaders for Free 2nd line regime.

I would like record my gratitude to AHF of their work. This is hightime to

highlight it to the concerned authority what is happening at the ground level.

So that some other agencies also could follow this example.

ly speaking I am not getting 2nd Line from AHF. Right now I'm sticking to

1st line regime for last 5 years.

But my friends are getting it AHF. With saying all these words I'm not promoting

AHF and I'm not employee of AHF but I'm just observing the works of AHF is doing

for our community (PLHIV). I think AHF deserve the highest rewards for serving

humanity.

Ratan

e-mail: <ratanng@...>

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