Sunday Times, South Africa - June 18, 2000
Ranjeni Munusamy
The project director of India's National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Prasada Rao, said over 100 government officials - including the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr CP Thakur - doctors, researchers, representatives of non-government organisations, AIDS activists and People Living with HIV/AIDS (PWAs) would represent the country.
The chairman of the conference's scientific programme, Professor Abdool Salim Karim, said prominent Indian scientists who had confirmed their attendance werevirologist Dr M M Samuel and Dr Isabelle de Zoysa of the Population Council in New Dehli.
Samuel previously visited South Africa at the request of the former Minister of Health, Nkosazana Zuma, toadvise her on possible clinical trials for Virodene, the "wonder drug" then believed to be an AIDS vaccine.
De Zoysa is conducting research into microbiocides, methods women can use to protect themselves against being infected with HIV.
Also in the Indian delegation will be human rights lawyer Dr Mandeep Dhaliwal and prominent AIDS activist Dr Suniti Solomon.
According to the NACO, it is difficult to estimate the exact prevalence of HIV in India because of the varied cultural characteristics, traditions and values, specially regarding sexual matters.
The organisation said the western African model of making estimates could not be easily applied to India.
However, the NACO's rough estimate is that about 3.5 million people are infected with the AIDS virus.
The Indian government, with the World Bank, last year implemented an elaborate US300-million AIDS awareness and education programme, in an effort to arrest the growth of the disease over five years.
However, latest statistics show a steady increase in the incidence of the disease.
The state of Maharashtra is the worst hit, closely followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Manipur.
Rao said although a stigma was attached to AIDS awarenessprogrammes, door-todoor campaigns in Indian villages had been well received.
"We conducted health awareness camps in all the states and theseattracted about fourmillion people. In the next phase of the project, we expect a turnout of about 100 million people. The awareness camps are very popular because people want to know about AIDS issues and preventive measures," Rao said.
Although antiretroviral drugs are cheaper in Asia than in the west, India does not provide AIDS treatment to people infected with HIV.
"Because the drugs have to be administered lifelong, in most casesindefinitely, it is too expensive for the government to provide free treatment. However, we do provide treatment for opportunistic infections such as TB and pneumonia," Rao added.
000618
ST000604
Copyright © 2000 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.
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 2000. 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, 2000. 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. .