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Call for nomination for IAS Governing Council Election

The International AIDS Society (IAS)Governing Council Election: Call
for Nomination

Nominations accepted for the 2006 IAS Governing Council Election.
Have you been an IAS member for at least one year?, then you are
eligible to nominate a candidate.

The International AIDS Society (IAS) is the world's leading
independent association of HIV/AIDS professionals. The IAS is the
organiser of the IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment;
and is custodian and lead organiser of the International AIDS
Conference.

The 2006 IAS Governing Council Election

If you have been a member of the IAS for at least one year you are
invited to nominate yourself or other IAS members for the vacant
seats in your region. Nominated individuals must have been IAS
members for at least two years.

Kindly read the rules and instructions carefully before proceeding
with the nominations.
Nominations will be accepted from Friday, 17 February 2006 to
Thursday, 9 March 2006.

Instructions

Please log on to the URL of the IAS Nomination page
http://www.iasociety.org/page_1.asp?pageId=30. Sign on with your
user name and password.

Step 1: Use the "Search Name" box below to find specific IAS members
from your region. Alternatively, use the drop down list to find IAS
members from a specific country in your region.

(To find all IAS members from your region, or a specific country,
leave the "Search Name" box empty.)

Step 2: A list of IAS members that are eligible for nomination will
appear.

Step 3: Click on the name to read more about the IAS member.

Step 4: Click the "Nominate" button to nominate.

Step 5: Click the "Confirm" button to confirm your nomination.

Please note that nominations cannot be revoked.

Repeat the same process to nominate more IAS members.

Please note that you can nominate a maximum of two IAS members other
than yourself.

Please log on to the URL of the IAS Nomination page

http://www.iasociety.org/page_1.asp?pageId=30

IAS Web page
http://www.iasociety.org/

Dear Members

Thank you for the supportive replies through the forum.

I would like to state once again that I have not condemned any arguments posted
by anybody regarding GHTM. At the same time there needs a clarification that I
have not mentioned anything about the services or the activities at Government
hospitals at Maharashtra which I am not aware of.

But my effort was to speak out the grounds where we collaborate with GHTM and
its features as we try our best for making the services qualitative. As the
situation is people come to GHTM all over from South India as well as
Counselling cases were reported also from Maharashtra how can I change my
statement.

FCC at GHTM had provided Counselling to people from Maharashtra like in the
categories of Migrant labourers and referrals had been made to concerned
networks. Family Counselling Centre is instrumental for an effective referral
programme that we could refer PLHIVs accessing services there to all the
Southern states to their concerned
districts.

Also we are having functional linkages with all PLHIV networks affiliated to
INP+ along the country. Life focus centres are functioning in Tambaram,
Hyderabad and Trivandrum as State resource centres.

So I would like to clarify that my point was to stress that GHTM, Chennai
provides a conducive environment to work with in collaboration which also works
towards quality service for people living with HIV. Our aim is also to provide
better facilities for PLHIV to access treatment and improve the quality of life
of people living with HIV.

Also I would like to appreciate the commitment of GHTM Chennai, in providing
quality service for people living with HIV. Also the project as a whole is not
supported by GHTM. It is supported by CDC-GAP and in GHTM it is a collaboration
for the FCC at Tambaram like Govt. Chest Hospital is collaborating with us in
establishing FCC at Erragadda, Hyderabad. Thank you for the supports.

Prasanthkumar Nellickal
Project Manager, FCC
INP+, Chennai
E-mail: <om_saivam@...>

Dear friends,

Congratulations for this initiative and I am sure this will give an
opportunity to these women to live with dignity making positive
contributions to the society.

As you may be aware that we are running a hospice for children with HIV
at Gwalior (just next door to Rajasthan) and shall be starting a care
home "Snehalaya" soon for disabled and destitute children, homeless
women and the aged details on www.helpchildrenofindia.org

We will be happy to accept any of these women to live with us in our facilities,
if any one needs a place to live. We shall provide for ARV treatment if
required. They will help us in our work and live with dignity with meaning full
life and contributions to the society.

Please ask any one who needs help to contact us or let me know with their
details. We will be happy to make necessary travel arrangements too if required.
Thanks,
with regards,

Dr.B.K.Sharma,
Gwalior Childrens Hospital Charity,
14,Magdalene Road, Walsall,West Midlands. WS1 3TA(U.K.)
Tel. +44(0)1922 629842 Fax. 01922 632942
Mobile. 07729929982
Email: gwalior.hospital@...

Monday, February 27, 2006, agencies

Gere fears AIDS epidemic hitting India

NEW YORK: As President Bush prepares to travel to India this week; actor Richard
Gere is applauding the leader's focus on the AIDS crisis there.

Gere may not agree with Bush on everything, but he "certainly can praise him"
for mentioning HIV/AIDS in the "same breath" as terrorism, the actor and
activist said to an international media organization.

Bush has said he hopes to address the AIDS crisis with Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh. "India is a country that I care about deeply. We're talking
about a population in India that is close to a billion people. If this crisis
hits them to the degree it's expected to, we've lost Asia," Gere added.

He hopes to use his celebrity to bring attention to the crisis. "What I felt
that I could bring to this that maybe someone else couldn't was the ability to
talk to people at a high level in government, in business and in my own
community of actors," he said.

Collaboratively and in Solidarity
Jagdish Harsh
jharsh@...

Source: www.siliconindia.com

Dear Forum Members,

We are encouraged and motivated to share this information with all of you that
Positive Women Network of Rajasthan (PWNR+) has been formally started. PWNR+ is
legally registered society under Rajasthan Society Registration Act. 1958 with
operational areas spread all over Rajasthan state. PWNR+ is formed by and for
People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Rajasthan. The primary objectives of
PWNR+ are to improve the quality of life for PLWHA, especially women in
Rajasthan. PWNR+ is entirely organized and managed by people specially women
living with HIV/AIDS in Rajasthan.

PWNR+ aims to improve the socio-economic status and quality of life of PLWHAs in
Rajasthan by providing opportunities for their empowerment, skill building,
training and taking control of issues affecting their lives. Empowerment of
PLWHAs concerns not only health related issues but the protection of their Human
Rights, involvement in the development of policy, non-discriminatory access to
the legal and health care system and the education of the wider community.

For effectively and successfully reaching the objectives, PWNR+ has already
started its efforts and work to establish District Level and Block Level Network
of PWNR+ with an integrated approach for their overall socio-economic
development and strengthening including issues related with their health and
human rights etc. Different committees i.e. Ethical Committee, Technical
Committee and Executive Council etc. have also been formed.

We the members of PWNR+ are extremely positive about receiving your all possible
support and guidance to strengthen and develop our Network in Rajasthan.

We are looking forward for your kind support and guidance in above regard.

With Regards

Sincerely Yours

Members of  PWNR+
E-mail: <pwnrajasthan@...>
   <pwnraj@...>

Dear Friends,

I would like to hear whether any PLWHAs have been taking homeopathy
medications for their problems ? If yes, then what has been the
results ? If no, then are there groups who are interested to take up a
study on the effects of homeopathic remedies in improving the quality
of life in PLWHAs ?

Regards

Dr.Mitra
E-mail: <drsunshine@...>

Call for a strategy to combat AIDS
The Indian Express
Hyderabad, February 24, 2006
-------------------

The 9th National Convention of Indian Network of NGOs on HIV/AIDS (INN) held in
the city of Hyderabad, stressed on the comprehensive prevention, treatment, care
and support for HIV+ve people.

Talking today at the Convention of INN on AIDS, Regional Director of UNAIDS,
Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific, JVR Prasada Rao, said “HIV/AIDS
is not yet a high priority for political parties in India, and commitment to
respond effectively to HIV/AIDS pandemic is still not reflected in the agenda or
mandate of any political party. There is a huge degree of stigma prevailing
within the healthcare sector and need for sustained funding for comprehensive
response to HIV/AIDS is very high. There is poor utilization or maximization of
existing infrastructure, services and resources for an effective response to
HIV/AIDS”.

The Convention attended by 400 NGOs from all over the country discussed the
issues like: private-public partnership for financial resource mobilization and
building capacity, cross-regional partnerships for providing care to migrant
population, providing training facilities to service providers, care and support
community volunteers and members from vulnerable communities. They also
discussed the expansion of anti-retroviral therapy in a sustainable way.

The INN demanded that the Government of India raises budgetary allocation at the
national level to HIV/AIDS, and engage other ministries like defence and
economic affairs, among others. They wanted these ministries to earmark funds
for an effective and sustainable AIDS response programme for multi-sectoral
collaboration.

Dr Radium Bhattacharya,
President
Indian Network of NGOs on HIV/AIDS (INN)
----------------------------------------
Secretariat of 9th National Convention of INN, Hyderabad
February 23-25, 2006
Email: inn94@...

National Network of Sex Workers – South India
(a network of sex workers’ and support organizations)
13 royal park apts., 34 park road, tasker town, bangalore–51,
ph: 22868680/5123913*

Sex workers’ Self Respect Journey, 28th February, 2006 (Tuesday)

10 AM   PUBLIC RALLY from Chikka Lalbagh (Majestic) to Malleshwaram Ground

2 PM      PUBLIC MEETING at Malleshwaram Ground, Bangalore


We, women/hijra/men sex workers are observing the International Sex
Workers’ Day on 28th February 2006 by holding a mega rally and a public meeting
in Bangalore. A large number of us from all over Karnataka are joining together
to draw attention to the violence, oppression and injustice towards us.

Sex work, is universally recognized as one of the oldest profession. In India,
sex workers prior to the advent of the British rule were treated with respect
and social acceptance.  British colonial rulers not only framed laws that
discriminated against our people but also marginalized us.

We constantly face severe police violence, goonda violence and extreme social
rejection. This growing intolerance and harassment is an everyday reality
whether you are a heterosexual couple in Meerut or a homosexual/bisexual man in
Lucknow or a bar girl in Mumbai and Bangalore.

Hounded by the goondas and constantly harassed by the police, we are in danger
of not only getting marginalized but also becoming far more vulnerable to
HIV/AIDS. As we are forced to run from street to street, adopting safer sex
practices, accessing health care services or even using condoms becomes almost
impossible in spite of our best efforts to save our lives. As a large part of
our earnings go to police, goondas and the Government (as court fines), we are
forced to work long hours and serve more clients. Constantly we are made to
compromise with everyone because of the fear of being foisted with false cases,
insulted and humiliated in public and denied even basic dignity and respect

The Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (ITPA) crminalises most aspects of our work
by equating us with traffickers. Trafficking - the business of forcing children
and adults against their will into various forms of work including sex work, is
totally unacceptable to us. To make matters worse the Central Government (Union
Cabinet) has decided to amend the ITPA to punish our clients with a maximum of
six months in jail and Rs. 50,000/- penalty. This state repression denies us our
basic right for survival and livelihood. In a democracy, the government must
duly consult all concerned and affected people before amending any law. We
demand that the Union Government consult us immediately and to keep the spirit
of democracy alive.

Too long, we have been mute spectators. We decided to break this
silence.  We have been forming our own organisations, strengthening our
communities, engaging with the society at large and supporting
Governmental efforts in combating HIV/AIDS. We have been extending
solidarity and support to the struggles of various marginalized people including
women, dalits, adivasis, minorities, the poor, workers and others.

We will not stop till we achieve equality and justice

Sex workers rights are workers Rights

Nothing about us, without us

Our body is our right; we determine our destiny

Come; join us, lets build a peaceful, just and equal society

Suraksha Bangalore
E-mail: <sangama@...>

Dear Forum,

We shall be grateful if you kindly provide us the
information on the following points/issues:-

1. CDs on HIV/AIDS in Hindi - Names of CDs, Place of
availability for purchase, and price if not available
free of cost.

2. CD/Cassette on FOlk Songs and Folk Dances on
HIV/AIDS in HIndi, Bhojpuri, Maithili and Bengali
languages.

3. CD of Feature Films on HIV/AIDS in Hindi.

4. Information on CD - 4 count and the ART Therapy.
What is VIral load and its relation to ART.

5. Names of Some Books on MSM and IDUs giving
information on all aspects of these categories.

6. Some guidelines/or names of books giving full
knowledge on how to work in the community with
Commercial Sex Workes, MSM and IDUs.

7. Names of Books on Needs Assessment.

8. A Book on how to prepare a Proejct on AIDS.
Thanking you,

UMA SHANKER
Project Manager
SOSVA AIDS Project
New Delhi
E-mail: <sosva_north@...>

23-02-06

Dr. Sujatha Rao
Additional Secretary & Director General
National AIDS Control Organization (NACO)
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India, 9th Floor, Chandra Lok Buildings
# 36, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001

Dear Madam,

Greetings from MILANA!

I am writing this letter on behalf of MILANA – A Family Support
Network of People Living with HIV & AIDS in Bangalore. MILANA aims
to build an enabling environment for people living with HIV & AIDS
and thus help them live a life of dignity and respect. We would like
to share with you a few observations we have come across concerning
some of our members who are on ARVs. We have 265 families enrolled
in our Network of which 56 members are on ARVs. Out of these, 30
members avail ARV treatment from the Free ARV Rollout Program of the
Government at Bowring Hospital, Bangalore.

Of late, quite a number of members have reported drug reactions from
Emcure's Emtri drug that is being given by the ARV unit. We
interviewed 20 out of 30 of our members who are taking ARV treatment
from Bowring Hospital. About 50% of them have been having reactions
from the drug Emtri.  Prior to this, the drug Cipla's Triomune 30
triple-combination was administered to the patients. The common
reactions reported among all the members to Emtri are swollen
extremities, cough, vomiting, weakness, and tiredness, loss of
appetite, headaches, skin allergies and giddiness.

As a network working with HIV positive people, we are greatly
concerned about the health of each and every member in our network
and these side effects are worrying. We are aware that some bodily
reactions are common when a patient is on ARV medication, but the
magnitude of the number of people having reactions together have
urged us to write to you.

We hope that you will take the appropriate steps.

We look forward to hearing from you soon and to your kind
cooperation.


Yours sincerely

Jyothi Kiran
E-mail: <milana_bgl@...>

On behalf of MILANA

Annex: signature of the network members
Copy  to Mrs. T. Mukthamba, Project Director, KSAPS

Dear FORUM,

This message ref: Mr. Prasanthkumar Nellickals  posting on 'Stigma &
discrimination of PLWHAs in Chennai'

Thank you for your clarification on the above issue. We are sure if INP+ is
there, it will take all possible measures to reduce stgima and discrimination on
People Living with HIV/AIDS.

But we beg to differ on your statement that "People access services through GHTM
from various parts of the country including Karnataka, Andhra, Tamilnadu,
Kerala, and even Maharashtra".

May be the other states doing good job with the support of GHTM, but in
Maharashtra we really do not know what is happening. Udaan has been working for
long in Mumbai, Pune, Thane and other district with its partners but till date
we have for the first time heard this word in the context of Maharashtra. We
really do not know the exact work which is being carried out.

We will be happy to get more information regarding this from you so that we can
also access the services for PLHA, being provided under this GHTM Supported
project.

Thanks again,
Best regards,
Ms. Jaya N.
Project Manager
E-mail: <udaantrust@...>

Dear all,

The account of the initiative taken by INP+ seems to
be an encouraging step to counter stigma and provide
some relief to the PLAs.

Mr. Vardhan may be right in his own way but stigma can
only be tackled by countering it in all possible ways
and bringing more confidence in the PLAs to lead a
positive life.

Setting up service and relief centres in hospital
situations infact becomes the first step to counter
stigma since its very open-ness and sheer existence
becomes symbolic to fight and countering prejudice and
hush hushness.

The real further fight though is quite formidable and
a long journey has to be traversed.

In big city situations such settings have done some
positive work. But,at many places the burden to
continue and sustain such services have somehow been
falling to the lot of the +networks. Though here also,
the INP+ seems to be spearheading the drive, but it is
getting good collaboration and participation from
other stake holders. Though not enough, this
significantly paves way for further work in this
formidable area. Once good work begins anywhere, the
momentum can strengthen the effort.

Godspeed!

Sincerely

Amrik Kapoor
NEW DELHI
E-mail: <amriksingh35@...>

Agonizing wait for ARV drugs
The Indian Express
February 23, 2006
--------------------
For more than 50,000 AIDS patients in the State [Andhra Pradesh] who are in need
of the life saving anti-retroviral drugs (ARV), the painful wait seems endless.
The Delhi-based National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) couldn’t fulfill it’s
promise of supplying ARV drugs to 50% of those who need it to stay alive.

The 3by5 initiative – a free ARV roll-out programme could meet the drug
requirement of just about 4,000 HIV+ people in the state. Further the number of
centres where ARV drugs are disbursed are limited to four, instead of the
promised nine in the state.

The drugs are given to HIV+ people who are in stage III and IV of AIDS. The
dosage of ARV drugs costs about Rs 1500 a month. It is of great help to boost
one’s immunity who otherwise become more prone to opportunistic infections like
those of TB. HIV+ people living in poorer parts of India often have no access to
clean water and sanitation, have malnutrition and already weak health status,
and are susceptible to a variety of infectious diseases. This places them at
greater risk of HIV-associated OIs and is believed to significantly shorten the
interval between initial HIV infection and the onset of AIDS-related conditions.
AIDS-Care-Watch campaign members in the State, claim that government is not
doing enough to keep HIV+ people alive.

Talking to Indian Express, Sukumar David of Indian Network of NGOs on AIDS
(INN), said NACO could supply ARV drugs to 15,000 people only against 7.1 lakh
[710,000] HIV+ people who needed these drugs across the country. The second
generation of ARV drugs is not available in the country yet.

When contacted, the AP AIDS Control Society (APSACS) officials said “There was a
mad rush at our ARV outlets. So we have started supplying the drugs only to
those who are in dire need of them. In a normal patient, the CD4 (a measure to
check one’s resistance) is 800. We are supplying ARV drugs only to those whose
CD4 is 200”. The ARV drugs are available at the outlets at Osmania General
Hospital, Government Chest Hospital at Erragadda, Government General Hospital at
Guntur and King George’s Hospital at Vishakhapatnam.

“We did not promise to supply ARV drugs to all patients. NACO promised to cover
one lakh [100,000] patients in the country under it’s AIDS control programme.
But it is not time bound” the official said.

Staying alive during wait for ARVs is now even more critical
Hyderabad | February 23, 2006 9:35:31 AM IST

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the joint United Nations
Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) announcement last year that
the '3by5' initiative is ''unlikely'' to be achieved by the end of
2005, places greater urgency on the need to scale up access to other
comprehensive healthcare options that could help people with HIV
stay alive while they wait for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday in connection with the
three-day ninth national convention of INN beginning today, Dr
Radium Bhattacharya, President of Indian Network of NGOs on AIDS
(INN) said '3by5'initiative had promised to provide ARV to 3,55,000
people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) in India by end of 2005, whereas
NACO's free-ARV roll-out programme could barely manage to reach
15,000 PLHAs.

''We need to keep PLHAs alive by all possible means till expanded
access to ARV reaches them. Along with ARV expansion it is vital to
strengthen and expand comprehensive care and support services for
people living with HIV, and help them stay alive longer'' she said.
Most of the deaths caused by HIV/AIDS are attributed to preventable
treatable causes like those of TB, diarrhoea, malnutrition or
hunger. ''It is high time we make multisectoral AIDS response on
prevention, treatment, care and support a reality in India to help
control the pandemic, she added.

The 3by5 disappointment indicated that where large unmet ARV needs
persist, a broad package of other readily-available treatment and
care options should be urgently provided to keep PLHAs alive while
they wait for ARV programmes to deliver on their promise.

India for instance, is one of the 22 countries home to over 80 per
cent of the world's tuberculosis (TB) cases. While striving to meet
ARV needs, care services should also provide prevention and
treatment of the HIV-associated opportunistic infections (OIs), such
as tuberculosis (TB), which HIV-positive people in India are
especially susceptible to.

http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=258381&cat=Health

Dear Forum

I don’t like to condemn the arguments presented by Mr. Varadhan as stigma or
discrimination but would like to add some initiatives taken by Indian Network
for People Living with HIV/AIDS (INP+) with the support of GHTM authorities for
providing proper Counselling and better services for PLHIVs accessing Tambaram
Sanatorium for testing and treatment.

INP+ run a Project namely Family Counselling Centre Project with the support of
CDC-GAP. The goal of the programme is to enhance the quality of life of PLHIVs
in the country through possible ways of collaboration with GOVT Health
Infrastructure by establishing Family Counselling Centres, Life Focus Centres,
Positive Living Centres and strengthening the PLHIV networks. To this end 2
Family Counselling Centres have been established so far with the support of
concerned authorities of Govt Hospitals. First one was in GHTM, Tambaram,
Chennai and the second one is in Govt. Chest Hospital, Erragadda, Hyderabad. One
significant fact about these 2 hospitals is PLHIV access is very high compared
to any other hospitals in the country.

The initial attempts were effective that in Tambaram FCC there are 12
professional counsellors where INP+ provide 6 of them and others supported by
TANSACS and other NGOs. From the dependable data of INP+ Counsellors it is known
that almost 50 % of the clients coming for counselling are Telugu speaking which
is a major constraint for us that we are forced to recruit multi linguistic
Counsellors.

From the current year’s statistics INP+ could provide so far a total of 21808
Pre-test and 9269 Post-test Counselling sessions through 6 INP+ counsellors.
Also INP+ Counsellors are deputed in the ART Centre and Ward on full time basis
and they are providing counselling in treatment preparedness, adherence and
follow up with out any mess. Also I would like to mention some facts with
evidences that will prove the level of services provided to PLHIVs at GHTM,
Tambaram.

If there is so much discrimination in the GHTM such number of people will not
turn to Tambaram and we have  documents showing day by day increase in the
number of PLHIVs. Superentendent of the Hospital has called for further
expansion of the programe for providing care for every single PLHIVs accessing
the Hospital.

People access services through GHTM from various parts of the country including
Karnataka, Andhra, Tamilnadu, Kerala, and even Maharashtra.

Clients are respected and every counseling session is done after getting the
consent from the client and proper follow up is maintained for the PLHIVs by the
counsellors, medical and paramedical staff.

A help desk is placed by INP+ with support of GHTM inside the campus to help the
clients identify and access different services available inside the Hospital.
This was an innovative step by GHTM and INP+ to enhance access to services even
to the rural community and illiterate masses.

Also referrals are made to INP+ affiliated District Level PLHIV networks and
other service providers from GHTM and a supportive resource cum drop-in Centre
(Life Focus Centre) is placed just opposite to the Hospital campus where PLHIV
get information on life after infection, and linkages are made to local/regional
service providers. From GHTM so far 4568 PLHIVs  have accessed services at LFC
(Current year) which would have not been possible with out the support of GHTM
authorities and their concern.

Currently 2364 clients are receiving ART (as on Jan 06) at GHTM and there is a
regular increase in this number also.

Group Counselling sessions and Group Education sessions are provided in the
wards for the inpatients, family members and bystanders on a regular basis.

I am mentioning these facts here to substantiate the suggestion of Mr. Varadhan
that in these kinds of issues in spite of complaining each other healthy
linkages only will contribute. We expect your valuable inputs which can be
included in our future programmes.

Prasanthkumar Nellickal
Project Manager
Family Counselling Centre Project
Indian Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS (INP+)
Chennai
e-mail: prasanth@...

Dear forum,

This is Dr Sugata Mukhopadhyay from CARE India New Delhi. I am the Technical
Specialist of the HIV/AIDS program of RACHNA.

I am grateful if someone from the forum can provide me the detailed information
on the present status of the 3by5 initiative in India. I am very much interested
to know the treatment scale up process to enhance universal access of ARV drugs
to the PLHA of India.

With warm regards,
Sugata
E-mail: <sugataids@...>

Dear FORUM,


This refers Ernest Noronha's message seeking "Info required on possible recourse
from harassment from donor agencies"

You should be able to complain directly to the higher-ups in the donor
organisation - via emails, etc. and do so immediately

You may also want to air what happened in this and similar eGROUPS and e FORUMS.

Lastly, if you felt that the harassment was criminal or with criminal intent
(e.g. physical abuse or threat of violence) you may straightaway file an FIR
against the individual responsible or ask for legal opinion.

Hope this helps
Best regards,

Amitrajit Saha
e-MAIL: <amitrajitsaha@...>

Dear Forum ,

We celebrate a Tribal Jatra Called Medaram Sammakka Saralamma Jatra
once in two years.

Nearly 10 million people visit the tribal shrine within the span of
one month from different parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring
states.

The Distric AIDS Control Committee under the chairman ship of
District Collector organised the AIDS awareness conpaigns in the Jatra.

The Awareness is in the form of Kala Jatha, exhibition, Drama , Song
and other folk artforms.

We distributed booklets, phamplets and condoms.

A AASHA team of 20 student volunteers from Khammam Districts
conducted a innovative compaign to reach the people.

It was a best oppertunity our AIDS cOntrol committee has utilized.


"NARASIMHA SWAMY THAMATAM"
E-mail: <tnswamy123@...>

Press Release: Announcement of Plan to Train Nurses in HIV/AIDS Care
and Treatment Across India

February 19, 2006, New Delhi, India
President Bill Clinton and the Government of India announced today a
plan to train nurses in AIDS care and treatment through a
partnership established between the National AIDS Control
Organization of India (NACO) and the Clinton Foundation. President
Clinton and Ms. Sujatha Rao, Additional Secretary & Director General
of NACO, made the announcement at the All India Institute of Medical
Sciences (AIIMS) where they met with people living with HIV/AIDS and
Indian health care workers.

The Clinton Foundation, under a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Government of India that was signed in September 2004, is assisting
NACO in the nationwide scale up of the Government's free
antiretroviral treatment program. This announcement represents the
latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by the Clinton
Foundation and NACO and will be focused on delivering a training
program on HIV/AIDS care and treatment for nurses in Government AIDS
treatment centers, and the faculty of nurse training institutions
across the country.

Speaking today in New Delhi, President Clinton said: "Nurses are a
critical link in the delivery of care and treatment for people
living with HIV. Nurses not only deliver clinical care needed to
keep people alive, but they also act as counselors and play an
important role in reducing the myths, stigma & discrimination
surrounding this disease. I am honored to be working with the
Government of India and look forward to expanding our partnership
with them by giving a greater number of nurses the skills and
knowledge they need to deliver high quality care and treatment for
AIDS patients."

Since May 2005, when President Clinton last visited India on behalf
of his Foundation's HIV/AIDS Initiative, the number of people
receiving care and treatment through the Government's free national
AIDS program has increased from 7,000 to over 25,000, and is
targeted to reach 100,000 patients in 2007. Despite these successes,
serious challenges remain, and it is estimated that over 5 million
people in India are infected with HIV. In order for enrollment in
its antiretroviral treatment program to increase to planned levels,
the Government recognizes the importance of providing nurses with
the training they need to support the patients in need of care and
treatment.

During today's announcement, Ms. Rao commented: "As our ART program
expands, nurses will need additional training to meet the needs for
counseling, reporting and proper referral. The efforts of NACO and
the Clinton Foundation will address these needs and enable the
Government to continue delivering high quality care to Indians
living with HIV/AIDS."

Over the next few months, NACO and the Clinton Foundation will
develop the training materials for this program and subsequently
roll out the training program. The curriculum will cover a variety
of topics, ranging from the basics of HIV transmission to the basics
of anti-retroviral treatment and will place significant emphasis on
counseling.

BACKGROUND ON THE CLINTON FOUNDATION HIV/AIDS INITIATIVE
Since 2002, the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative has been
assisting countries in implementing large-scale, integrated care,
treatment and prevention programs. It partners with 20 countries in
Africa, the Caribbean and Asia. Individual governments take the lead
and the Foundation provides technical assistance, mobilizes human
and financial resources, and facilitates the sharing of best
practices across projects. The Foundation also provides access to
reduced prices for HIV/AIDS drugs and diagnostics to over of 50
countries.

In addition, the HIV/AIDS Initiative launched in April 2005
pediatric and rural programs. The pediatric program aims to assist
countries implement widespread treatment for children living with
HIV/AIDS, beginning with a program to donate ARV treatment for
10,000 children in the program?s first year ? approximately doubling
the number of children on treatment in developing countries outside
of Brazil and Thailand. The rural program endeavors to extend access
to high-quality care and treatment to people living beyond the reach
of traditional healthcare services; in Rwanda, the rural program
partners with Partners In Health.

The HIV/AIDS Initiative relies on hundreds of part-time and full-
time volunteers; there are presently more than 300 people in
developing countries and the U.S. working for the Initiative.

For his leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, President Clinton
has been honored with the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Award for
Humanitarian Contributions to the Health of Humankind from the
National Foundation for Infectious Disease as well as the 2005
Pasteur Foundation Humanitarian Award.

Read more about the HIV/AIDS Initiative.
BACKGROUND ON THE NATIONAL AIDS CONTROL ORGANISATION
Established in 1992 as a national response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic,
the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) is the nodal
organisation for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs
in India. An integrated multi-sectoral programme in is in operation
with several developing partners like the World Bank, DFID, USAID,
BMGF, CF etc.

Dear Forum,

I would like to know whether there is any organisation, governing body
where complaints can be filed against misbehavior/ harassment from
staff of donor agencies and vice versa.

If there is any can some one from the forum guide me as to where and
how such an organisation can be accessed or any other alternate
mechanism which can be approached in the case mentioned above.

Regards,

Ernest Noronha
E-mail: <ernestnoronha@...>

Dear Forum members,

Few days back I send a mail regarding the discrimination and stigma faced by
PLHAs in CHENNAI.

It is not to hurt any one but we have to think seriously what can be done to
this issue. Bcoz in future we are going to face more issues like this, it has to
be reviewed in such a way where the PLHAs get the treatment benefits alone, for
living we have to educate them and give a job placement to them where they are
also get some belonging to wards the community. Also there should be some
policies on the NGOs using the PLHAs for their research and study purpose.

They use the clients there after there is no service given to them so that the
client is left in dark. These NGOs can build the network with other service 
providers for further referral service to them which shows lot of care and
support.

Since the staffs are less in numbers in these govt hospitals, where Govt can use
the network groups and NGOs and CBOs to assist the care to them in the center's.
Also care programe to be brought as a priority ,The PLHAs are the sufferer, so
more training to given to them and then bring them to the field to serve.

In the GOVT hospitals the systems Like Consent forms to be created while
admitting the clients and  counseling and there should be restriction of the
visitors, to be allowed.

To deal we have to form a net work to address this issue and bring  to the
notice to the govt and funders.

More suggestions are needed to address from the forum.

Regards
Varadhan
E-mail: knsvaradhan@...

INVITATION

Public Lecture: Equity Considerations of AIDS Vaccine Research in
India. By Dr. Joe Thomas

Date: February 23rd  2005:
Time:  6.30 p.m -7.30 p.m (followed by Dinner).

You are invited to a lively discussion on the goals and objectives
of Indian AIDS Vaccine research agenda.  An effective AIDS Vaccine
(preventive and therapeutic) could provide us with an additional
tool to fight the pandemic. But, have we got our AIDS Vaccine
research strategy correct?

What should be the criteria for selecting an AIDS vaccine trial
candidate is neither a rhetorical question nor a value-neutral
assumption. It is a question of life and death. But the question we
tend to forget is, whose life and whose death we are talking about?

Selection of an AIDS vaccine candidate should not be based on bio-
medical considerations alone. Health equity considerations must also
be taken into consideration in selecting an AIDS vaccine candidates
and the vaccine research strategy.

By presenting a comparative analysis, Dr. Thomas would argue that
therapeutic AIDS vaccine research  has a greater equity value over a
preventive AIDS vaccine research in the Indian context. An exclusive
reliance on a preventive AIDS vaccine research will have a serious
opportunity cost. In the long run that would also compromise the
AIDS research capacity of the country.   GoI should present a white
paper on AIDS Vaccine research in India and establish an independent
authority to protect the best interest of the clinical trial
participants.


Date: February 23rd  2005

Time:  6.30 p.m -7.30 p.m (followed by Dinner).

Venue:

Conference Room No.I
India International Centre (IIC) New Delhi
India International Centre
40, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi - 110003
http://www.iicdelhi.nic.in/

Organized by:  ActionAid International -India

RSVP  by E-MAIL: Sunil Sharma" <sunils@...>
                      Tel:  - 41640571 to 576

Dear FORUM,

The abstract of a recently published review of
research studies on private sector involvement in TB
and HIV/AIDS care is presented below.  The two chronic
infectious diseases, separately and in synergy,
contribute in large degree to prevalent adult
morbidity and mortality in India.  In order to manage
the growing burden of ill health it has become
increasingly necessary to enlist the services and
support of the private medical sector.  The paper
draws on experiences of involving private
practitioners in TB care, outlines strengths and
weaknesses of private care provision for HIV/AIDS, and
discusses opportunities for the public and private
sectors to work together to provide better care for TB
and HIV/AIDS.
_____________________
Public-private partnerships for equity of access to
care for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS: lessons from Pune,
India

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine
and Hygiene, Volume 100, Issue 4, April 2006, Pages
312-320

Authors: Kabir Sheikh, John Porter, Karina Kielmann
and Sheela Rangan

Summary: The private medical sector is an important
and rapidly growing source of health care in India.
Private medical providers (PMP) are a diverse group,
known to be poorly regulated by government policies
and variable in the quality of services provided.
Studies of their practices have documented
inappropriate prescribing as well as violation of
ethical guidelines on patient care. However, despite
the critique that inequitable services characterise
the private medical sector, PMPs remain important and
preferred providers of primary care.

This paper argues that their greater involvement in the public health
framework is imperative to addressing the goal of
health equity. Through a review of two research
studies conducted in Pune, India, to examine the role
of PMPs in tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS care, the
themes of equity and access arising in private sector
delivery of care for TB and HIV/AIDS are explored and
the future policy directions for involving PMPs in
public health programmes are highlighted. The paper
concludes that public-private partnerships can enhance
continuity of care for patients with TB and HIV/AIDS
and argues that interventions to involve PMPs must be
supported by appropriate research, along with
political commitment and leadership from both public
and private sectors.

PDF copies of the article are available from the
corresponding author:  kabirsheikh@...

---------
Kabir Sheikh, MBBS (MAMC), MSc Public Health (LSHTM)
PhD Candidate, Health Policy Unit and DfID Tuberculosis Knowledge Programme,
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Consultant, Resource Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS, New Delhi
121 Sundar Nagar
New Delhi 110003
Tel: (+91) 11 41507185
Mobile: (+91) 9810953885
e-MAIL: kabirsheikh@...

Gujarat State Network Of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GSNP+) is the state level
network of PLWHA in Gujarat. The network was formed in 6th February 2003 in
Surat and at present it is working in the various districts of Gujarat through
District Level Networks.

After starting work with PLWHAs we identified marraige as a one of need of
PLWHAs and also it is their human rights. The marraige of HIV positive person
with HIV positive person is also play major role in the positve prevention. So,
In Gujarat GSNP+ initiated new step by starting marraige beaura for PLWHAs in
Gujarat.

Still now we organised 7 marraiges and one added on 14th january.

Three enagement also done and they will marry soon. It was an example for
removing stigma and discrimination also.

Mr. Umesh D. Patel is the president of the GSNP+ and also board member of Indian
Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS-INP+. Mrs. Rani Parekh is the board
member of GSNP+ and Positive Women Network-PWN+. On the day of love i.e.
valentine day both done marraige and started new life.

I am congratulating them and wishes happy married life on behalf of whole GSNP+
parivar. They also played major example for the society by seting an example
which reduces not only stigma and discrimination but cast diffrence in the
society.

Jitendra M. Mehta
Project Officer
GSNP+
E-mail: <gsnpplus@...>

Dear FORUM,

This message ref: Dr. Rajesh'S posting on, "Oriya migrants' project   in Gujarat
/TAHA details requested"

Thanks for the information on the welcome developments. My best wishes for that.

Just to re-iterate, you may be aware that a MOU was signed, with objectives
similar to the current one, by the respective SACS of Orissa and Gujarat a few
years back. This was when I was in SMA Orissa and we thought we had made an
important beginning. However, the MOU remained on paper and migrants & their
families kept on getting infected.

I am happy that there is involvement of the chief secretaries and ministers for
sanction and continuity. Also the involvement of other agencies for an enabling
environment. However, the project if it wants to avoid the pitfalls of the past,
and make a long term sustainable difference, the following needs to be taken
care of.

The most important issues concerning the migrants (or any vulnerable group) are
structural issues. These issues like they being part of the unorganized labor
force, Lack of access to legitimate entitlements, Lack of power to negotiate for
their term of employment, etc. These in turn make the migrants vulnerable to
physical and psychological pressures (which in turn determine the risk of HIV).
Further, the unorganized nature of this group stands as a barrier not only to
their effective response to HIV, but also to all other issues. Unless we address
these, we are not going to achieve much in the long term. Whether we have more
hoardings or more effective BCC, would not matter in the long run if it is
focussed on HIV. We might win some battles, but that all that we will achieve.

These are usually the most neglected aspects of HIV intervention because;1. Our
lack of understanding of the structural issues and their impact on the migrant.
2. Our perception that it is difficult to address / achieve. 3. Our perception
that we have to do everything.

If we really think that the project can make a difference, we have to think and
do differently. It can be done. It can be done by building the agency of
migrants.

We need to re-orient our strategies to put the migrant at the center of the
intervention. To re-orient the HIV intervention to focus on having an effective
workplace intervention, which enables workers to access and utilize the
entitlements that are already provided by law to her/him all over India.

Regards
Nabesh Bohidar
E-mail: <n_bohidar@...>

Dear Forum members,

On behalf of Rajasthan Network for People living with HIV/AIDS, I would like to
bring to your notice that we are loosing many friends due to ART complications. 
The ART drugs which is being given through  NACO program has been interupted
from time to time.

PLHA here are facing hard time with the Efavirenz based regimen "Emcure".  From
about six months, this drug has been started and it is been given along with
Zidovidin.  PLHA who are on this regimen are facing heavy side effects like
blood vomitting, diarhoea, rashes, weight loss  and so on.   Six are
hospitalised and some are dead.

We will be investigating more on this and planning for filing a case against the
people found with fault and would also claim for compensation.

INP+ team has already brought this in notice of Dr. Sujata Rao (PD of NACO).  
We demand that these drugs should be investigated and immediate actions should
be taken.

Brijesh Dubey,
President - RNP+
Rajasthan, India
E-mail: <rnpplus@...>

Dear Forum,

Lives in Focus (http://www.livesinfocus.org/) today posted a piece
that looks at a prevention program's use of illustrations to empower
young girls about the AIDS epedemic.

In an age of menu-driven DVD tutorials, I found it revealing to see
how simple, culturally recognizable illustrations are powerful and
inexpensive tools for explaining the epidemic. This series features
several scans of the educational material that show how HIV spreads,
how to protect oneself, and what adjustments one can take to remain
healthy despite being HIV+.

About Lives in Focus (http://www.livesinfocus.org/): Lives in Focus is
a website that is documenting the lives of Indians affected by the
AIDS epidemic and the challenges that stigmatized AIDS patients face
in India. The website also interviews activists and doctors struggling
to fight the epidemic.

The project uses video, audio and photographs to present the voices of
those who are rarely given space or time in traditional news media.

Sandeep
e-MAIL: <sandeep@...>

Dear Forum,

The issue of mainstreming may be properly facilitated now in view of the
enthused responses from all the members of the National Council on AIDS(NCA) in
its very first meeting held in the Parliament House Annexe on 16th
February,2005.

The National Council on AIDS(NCA) is a 54 member body headed by the Prime
Minister of India as its Chairman.The Vice-chairperson is the Union Minister of
Health and Family Welfare.The cabinet ministers of 29 union ministries
,Dy.Chairman,Planning Commission,Chief Ministers of 7 states and 15 CSOs are the
other members.

The main functions of the NCA are to mainstream IV/AIDS issue in all ministries
and departments by considering it as development challenge and not merely a
public health problem, to lead the multi-
sectoral response to HIV/AIDS in the country with special referenceto youth and
the work force and to review the inter-sectoral commitment.

The CM of Gujarat was represented by the Health Minister of Gujarat(Mr.Ashokbhai
Bhatt) and the APD,Gujarat SACS(Dr.Rajesh Gopal).The collaboration with milk
cooperatives(Amul etc.) and PDS(welfare
basket with ORS,iron tablets,chlorine tablets etc being made freely available at
all fair price shops(about 18,000)in Gujarat was shared by the Minister.

I am personally delighted see that the slogan coined by me in 2004(HIV/AIDS is
everyone's responsibility)is being recognized more stongly and we all are
ensuring a concerted response to reverse the epidemic.

Dr.Rajesh Gopal
Gujarat State AIDS COntrol Society,
Ahmedabad,Gujarat
Rajesh Gopal <dr_rajeshg@...>