Ref: Our concern

[Guest guest]

Dear Kousalya,

I have long wished that positive networks and their " other " mainstream friends

debated and discussed issues and concerns led by and focussed on those living

with the virus. The presesnt pattern is for others in the mainstream to include

a few positive persons in a purely symbolic manner and attend international

meetings where a " India Satellite Meeting " is also arranged (at great cost I

might add).

Why not have such meetings in India and the agenda is developed by positive

networks themselves and " others " also attend and endorse the same. Positive

Persons from India are then elected to represent India, supported and funded by

" others " , some of whom may also be elected to go along purely on the basis of

merit. At international fora then we can and will form coalitions with other

positive networks and debate and discuss issues in a satellite meeting on " India

and the HIV situation " .

Such an India meeting was arranged at Pune a few months back by one positive

network, where the composition of delegates was 60% positive people and 40%

" others " . It left much to be desired. Many positive people from the Northeast

travelled a great distance at great cost to their health. Yet they were not

allowed a full participation by the hosts as they were HIV+ve due to drug use,

and this was not in the agenda. We have miles to go in getting all those who are

infected and affected a suuportive and inclusive body that represents their

aspirations. We need to start this at the earliestr. Most funding agencies

should be challenged to support this very important step.

I am glad you have taken the lead in encouraging some discussion on this matter.

God bless!

Anand

UNODC

E-mail: anand.chaudhuri@...