Re: Surge in HIV positive cases in Kerala

[Guest guest]

Dear Members,

Why is Kerala talking of " high risk groups " when it is the behaviour that

needs to be addressed. All truck divers do not practice high risk nor do all

housewives have sex only with their husbands. We also know that a study in

TN showed that 90% of the HIV +ve women were married and monogamous and

their single risk factor was their husbands. Are the women a " high risk

group " ? Besides stigmatising certain groups, the approach makes others feel

they needn't worry as they are not a " high risk group " , whatever their

behaviour might be !!

Again, why are " expatriates " being singled out for high levels of HIV in

Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram? It will result in stigmatisation is in

other places where migrants (immigrants, returning migrants) are

stigmatised. From a prevention angle, is the minister saying that if you are

not expatriate you are not at risk? One might interpret what he says like

that !!

If you think I am talking out of my hat, here's a live example. Other

members might have experiences to add that might underline the point I am

trying to make..In Nepal, people talk about " Bombay-returned-girls " or

Nepali girls who go to Bombay to do sex work, similarly. The NGOs' IEC

materials also show the way HIV to be transmitted..from client to sex worker

in Mumbai to husband or boyfriend in Nepal when they return. With what

result......BTG's are stigmatised, those girls and men who remain in their

villages have as much unprotected sex as before and don't consider

themselves at risk as they have not been to Mumbai and of course Nepali

girls going to do sex work in other cities don't seem worried that having

unprotected penetrative multipartner sex places them at risk of infection,

as long as they are not in Mumbai.

Also, why do people disappear after a test and getting their result? Might

is be because they will be labeled as they are " expatriates " or " high risk

groups " ? May be many more people would come for testing and access the

" unique " services the government and others provide if an environment that

is supportive, non-discriminatory, non-judgmental and non-stigmatising is

facilitated.

Can someone from KSACs or the MOH explain?

Regards,

Jo Chandy

E-mail: docnep@...

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