Editorial
AIDS situation
Firming up the resolve to meet it
THE news that 143 AIDS patients were diagnosed in the country in the last one year, while 39 of them died, does indicate that the deadly health hazard is making an inroad, despite the claim by health authorities that it is not a major problem yet.
The injecting drug users have been identified as the most vulnerable, though the general awareness level has gone up. This is largely due to the fact that the users are not going by safety regulations and a huge a number people are exposed to HIV/AIDS, particularly in poor urban areas.
It is rather disquieting to learn, as stated by the health minister, that corruption overshadowed some HIV/AIDS prevention programmes in the past. Obviously, things have to be set right in this critically important sector as HIV/AIDS is treated as a major threat to public health throughout the world today.
The government is reported to have long, short and medium term plans to cope with the AIDS situation. We believe the strategic plan for 2011-15 that will include some key programmes like extending services to the high risk group, arranging the necessary funds and, most importantly, enhancing institutional capacity, is the most important component of the government's plan to combat HIV/AIDS. Identification of the highly vulnerable people is a task that has to be undertaken on a priority basis. Equally important is eliminating the risk factors responsible for the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The country's geographical location is also a matter of concern as some of our neighbouring countries are grappling with AIDS epidemic. So, there is the need for regional cooperation in containing the menace. Movement of people across the border and poorly maintained brothels are among the risk factors that have to be attended to keep things under control.
Another aspect that needs great improvement is the social outlook. AIDS patients usually feel ostracized because of the overall social milieu. And this also obstructs treatment or management of AIDS. Many patients are reported to have died abandoned and uncared for.
The drive against HIV/AIDS has to be launched keeping in view the social realities. While the government can provide the logistics to deal with it, it is the people who have to ward it off through giving up the practices known as risk factors.
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