Use Indian consultants at every level of of the National programme

[Guest guest]

Dear Moderator and Forum members,

I have been following the postings on 'Mapping exercises in Manipur'. First of

all Kudos to Dr. Ashok Rau for raising some very pertinent points. As usual his

posting always are intresting and thought provoking. I am in agreement these

points and am a very concerned person; I do see these as issues that are

relevant right across the country. As a person working in the HIV/AIDS sector

and having also written on the subject, I see that the policy makers,

bureaucrats at the national level be it NACO or otherwise need to take a

refresher course on HIV/AIDS, many a time while speaking to officials or members

of various committees I am supprised and dismayed at the lack of knowledge and

understanding that is there on issues around HIV/AIDS. It is time that we start

to acknowledge that there are pioneers and experts like Dr. Ashok Rau and others

who need to be part of various decision making committees, NACO needs people

like them to make use of resources that are rich with expperience and knowledge.

I feel disappointed and frustrated that the expertise of people like Dr. Rau

have been utilised by other countries while we keep looking every where else for

people who will provide us with solutions for an epidemic that is overwhelming

us at every turn. NACO an other State SACPS need to find a mechanisim to attract

people like Dr. Rau and others as Consultants at every level of of the National

programme.

Brain drain in a different context?

Warm Regards

Vineeta Singh

E-mail: vin_eetha@...