United States Supports India's Fight Against HIV/AIDS

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U.S. Confirms Its Support for India's Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Agencies working with Indian organizations

The United States is confirming its support of India in that

country's response to the challenge of HIV/AIDS. A statement

released December 14 said various U.S. agencies are working with

Indian governmental and nongovernmental organizations, citing

specific efforts in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

Following is the text of the State Department statement:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesman

December 14, 2004

MEDIA NOTE

United States Supports India's Fight Against HIV/AIDS

As part of our broad and growing relationship, the United States is

committed to supporting the people and Government of India in their

national response to the challenge of combating HIV/AIDS.

Through President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the United

States has contributed over $20 million in 2004 to support India's

fight against HIV/AIDS. As part of the Emergency Plan, the U.S.

Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and other

U.S. agencies are working with the Government of India and with non-

governmental organizations to share knowledge, research and

resources. India and the U.S. have been partners in biomedical

research and combating diseases for over 35 years.

In Tamil Nadu state in southern India, the U.S. has joined forces

with the Indian Network of Positive People and the Government

Hospital of Thoracic Medicine to convert one wing of the hospital

into India's first Family Counseling Center, providing clients and

their families with pre- and post-test counseling that focuses on

HIV transmission, disease progression, treatment options, health

management, nutrition, and risk management.

The U.S. is also working with Pathway in pioneering a comprehensive,

community-based approach to improve the lives of persons living with

HIV/AIDS. Pathway provides its clients and their families health

care and services that are close to home. This includes teaching

skills in providing home-based care to lessen the burden on the

established health care system.

The United States is committed to combating HIV/AIDS, the greatest

health crisis of our time, and to bring new hope to those suffering

with HIV/AIDS.

Created: 14 Dec 2004 Updated: 14 Dec 2004

http://usinfo.state.gov/sa/Archive/2004/Dec/14-403081.html