Updates of India Sattellite at IAC Bangkok

[Guest guest]

Hi,

This is a quick Update from Bangkok, International AIDS conference,

The best ever India satellite was held on the 11th July 2004 at the IAC

Bangkok. Best not only in terms of the fact that a really big and nice

venue was made available this time, or the number of Indian Deegates

attending, but best also in terms of the presence of the leaders and the

degree of commitments that they made. Other than Margaret Alva [Ex MP],

who went on a tangent about how other problems were more important as

they were killing more people than AIDS, the rest of the gathered

speakers, Namely Gere, The Director of the Global Fund [sorry

Forget his name right now], Mr. of the Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation, Mr Shinday, the CM of Maharashtra, Mr. Rama from INP+, The

new health Minister of India Dr. Ramadoss, and The Secretary Health & FW

Mr. JVR Prasada Rao, were all good and inspirational, and more

importantly exhibited an hereto before unseen degree of commitment

towards the pandemic and those affected. The Director of NACO, Ms M.D.

Ghosh came in very late, towards the end of the program, and Graced the

stage with her presence, But did Not Speak.

The New Health Minister Mr Dr. Ramadoss was a striking contrast to the

last health minister to grace [or is it dis-grace] an India satellite.

When Mr. Shotgun Sinha Came to the Barcelona India satellite, it was to

beam at us, make an inane speech, sign six autographs, and then quickly

make an exit when PWAs started making demands about ARVs and other

issues of which he seemed rather clueless anyways.

By contrast the new Minister was very well informed, but more

importantly came across as someone who was willing to listen and learn.

He Spoke with us who were present there and did not speak down to us.

The change of disposition in the centre is quiet visible in the calibre

and commitment of its minister. Hope this commitment is sustained.

The questions raised were many and on many topics. Of importance was one

pertaining to the expansion of ARV to all states raised by Doctor

Dhaliwal of International AIDS Alliance, to which it was explained that

the resources did not exist to expand the program to the whole country

at this stage, but gradually the whole country would be covered.

I raised the issue of 377 Indian Penal Code, how NACO was not filing its

reply in the Delhi HC Case, and asked the health minister if the new

government was willing to take a re look at the medieval affidavit filed

by the last government? Mr. Prasada Rao stepped in and pre-empted the

minister from replying, saying in his place that the minister is too new

in office to be answering this question, and that of course like

everything else, the whole issue of 377 and the HC petition would be

looked at again as the new government is in office, and that after that

NACO would file its reply. I am keeping my fingers crossed as this could

mean good news, but I am not starting my celebrations yet as it could

equally likely mean the historic doublespeak we have always faced. I

wish the minister was allowed to speak himself, as then we could bring

him to honour his commitment

Ms A Gopalan of Naz India did a very commendable job of moderating, even

though it was a rather thankless job. More so when at the end of the

meeting a lot of people could not be accommodated for questions as the

speakers had to leave for the Prime Ministerial Reception.

But a good meeting none the less. Thanks to Saathii.

" Aditya "

E-mail: <adit@...>