Date:26/02/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/02/26/stories/2004022614300300.htm

New Delhi

`AIDS scenario grim in India'

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, FEB. 25. To understand and evaluate the impact of HIV/AIDS among the most vulnerable sections of society -- women and young girls -- and take a critical look at the situation, the Centre for Social Research (CSR) today organised a seminar to identify areas that need to be strengthened.

The seminar -- `HIV Prevention Options for Women' -- looked at the factors affecting the spread of the virus among this particular section and concluded that the picture in India was rather a grim one.

Members also noted that the unchecked spread of the virus among women could be attributed to various factors including inadequate access to information and education, stigmatisation of preventive measures, violence, trafficking and prostitution.

Among those who participated in the seminar included the Additional Secretary and Project Director, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Meenakshi Datta Ghosh, the National Programme Officer, UNIFEM, South Asia Region, Suneeta Dhar, and the Training Manager, Gender Training Institute, Centre for Social Research, Kunwar Viqar Naseem.

Speaking about the current scenario in the country, Ms. Dhar said: "HIV/AIDS is a crisis without parallel. Its effects are witnessed at all levels -- from the individual to the family, to the community escalating up to the State and international levels. At present, 4 million individuals in India are infected, which equates to 10 per cent of worldwide infection rates. If this trend continues, it is estimated that between 2015 and 2050 about 49.5 million Indians will die of the disease.''

Speaking about what can be done to check the spread of the disease, speakers claimed that the answer could be found in a holistic approach. "Cross-sectoral collaboration among government institutions, non-government organisations, international donor community and community-based organisations could be used to boost the initiatives undertaken by the government,'' pointed out Dr. Ghosh, at the seminar.

The speakers also pointed out that encouraging men and women alike to accept responsibility for the protection of themselves and their family and communities would go a long way in ensuring the sustainability of various prevention programmes initiated by the government in the country.

"The vulnerability of women to this virus is an issue that must be addressed by a strong political will that is supported by an effective grassroots advocacy campaign to develop inclusive policies that address the spectrum of issues that affect women,'' said Dr. Ghosh.