AEGiS-15IAC: View and Comment on immediate Need for Venerable group widow spouses of IDUs.

15th International AIDS Conference


Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

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View and Comment on immediate Need for Venerable group widow spouses of IDUs.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10091)

Chingsubam CB
SASO, Imphal, India

BACKGROUND: Manipur is known for one of the highest HIV infection rate among the IDUs in India. The transmission from the IDUs to their spouses is of a 'modus operandi' and the number of spouses & children becoming infected and affected by the pandemic are increasing. Epidemiological report of SACS, 1986 to September 2003 shows 15,847 HIV cases out of which 2,633 are women and 3.85% are children. These vulnerable groups has been discriminate & stigmatize by the family & society, especially by their in-laws and always taken advantage by men other anti-social of their condition and unable to find themselves protection and security. Unfortunately some of them fall in the flesh trade for survival.

METHOD: Baseline survey in 29 localities of Imphal west, Questionnaire interviews, FGD, interaction, GD widow SHG

RESULTS: 45 (26 widow, 14 children), 26 (25 to 35 ages), 22 violated by family (rights to property), 19 illiterate, 9 FSWs, 23 not supported by families including 12 children, 23 unable to afford OI/ARV

CONCLUSION: Over all health care setting in Manipur is quite inadequate comparing the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Clients are unable to afford OI medicine due to poverty. Demands are high supply is inadequate from the funders. Chances of getting free ARV in the near future are quite dim in the present context. Need for a comprehensive service for these vulnerable sections i.e., health care, education, economy and psychosocial support to prevent further spread of blood borne diseases in view of the public health issues.

Keywords: AEGIS, Widowhood, Health Services Needs and Demand, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Spouses, HIV Infections, Human Rights, HIV Seropositivity, Demography, India, Humans, Female, Male, Child, economics, organization & administration

040711
D10091

Copyright © 2004 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.