Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - December 2, 2005
Suvojit Bagchi, BBC News, Delhi
They say the US President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief is wrong to stress sexual abstinence and fidelity rather than use of condoms.
The plan, which is operating in over 120 countries, was introduced in India in March.
More than five million people in India are HIV positive. Only South Africa has more people with the virus.
'Impractical'
Under the emergency plan, the US government will provide $30m to some 200 non-governmental organisations working on controlling the disease in India.
Many Indian experts say the policy is 'impractical' and works against the federal government's Aids control programmes, which revolve around increased use of condoms.
"The plan is against use of condoms. This is directly against the policy of the National Aids Control Authority (Naco) of India," says Dr Smarajit Jana, a member of Naco and the National Aids Council, the highest body monitoring the disease in India.
Some Indian officials also say the US programme discourages sex workers from complaining about police harassment.
But Janet Hayman, coordinator of the plan in India, says Indian experts have wrongly interpreted it.
"Among the high risk groups we are doing targeted interventions and those interventions require the use of condoms," she says.
But the plan's first message to youth is to abstain from sex and to delay sex until they are married, she added.
Ms Hayman said the US would continue to support the Indian government in its Aids prevention measures, and would "not prohibit" partner countries from providing services to those at high risk of contracting HIV, including sex workers.
Federal health minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, told the BBC that India would see more "condom campaigns" in the coming years.
And he said that India's Aids prevention policy was not "dependent on any other country."
051202
BB051218
Copyright © 2005 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.