Re: Fear and discrimination in TN

[Guest guest]

This what we all read today should not really be a shock as most of

us who work in the field are aware that people may be vocal that

there is no discrimination but the reality is that those who speak

most about it are the ones who do the maximum damage. Discrimination

is rampant and when we read these few reported incidents we actually

need to reconsider whether to believe the surevy reports which are

published 100% or just believe some part of it. It seems that the

latter would be more appropriate. People being chained in Jabalpur is

yet another such case.

What really is the issue then? Just that people have not changed

their attitudes, beliefs and therefore behaviour reamins the same.

Can we expect people to change when our so called role models

selected for the cause - HIV/AIDS destigmatization and non-

discrimination don't actually practice what they support. We are

experts at lip service. Why don't we come down from the glass

chambers and walk down the dirt ridden streets to see,

feel,experience understand and then try and address the issue.

Its great that the Delhi government and NACO have put together a bill

for AIDS care with respect. We also hope that action would be taken

against those not conforming to the bill. We in India have a

rule/legislation for evry thing but we lack the committment to follow

it through - i.e. implement it and ensure that it is practised. I

strongly believe that having rules does not change behaviour or

thinking, till such time that we follow it to the core.

Our media should chip in and do their bit for positive reporting to

reduce stigma and discrimination.

Sandhya Bhalla

E-mail: Sandhya.bhalla@...

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

I have with interest followed the sad reporting on stigma and discrimination of

people living with HIV. It is especially sad to read that a missionary school

expelled and HIV positive child.

In some documents elaborated by the Lutheran World Federation and by the

Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, stigma and discrimination is called " a sin

and against the will of God " .

I believe that one way of eradicating stigma (this is what we want to

do, eradicate it, we do not want to mitigate it, we do not want to

reduce it, we want it uprooted, eradicated) is to involve religious

leaders and ask them to carefully study their sacred books and see what

there is in those addressing love and care for people who have come down

with a certain condition. Most religions embrace the sick ones, thus I

think a call to religious communities is in place. And yes, I also know

that there is much education that has to be done for/with them too.

All the best

Calle

Calle Almedal

e-MAIL: <almedalc@...>