A Time for Hero's

[Guest guest]

A Time for Hero's

Dear Forum, I have been working on HIV/AIDS in India and abroad for

the last couple of decades. I have been in awe of the progress made

and the challenges still faced by India in the HIV/AIDS sector. Much

of the successes can be attributed to the immense level of

commitment and dedication of the civil society, especially a few

individuals and organization's.

NACO's resent much hyped announcement of the latest statistics on

HIV/AIDS in India has raised many concerns on how effective have our

strategies been in the last few years on slowing down the phase of

the epidemic. The predictions made of India and China being the next

wave of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a cause of very grave concern. If

current trends continue, then we will expect the battle to be fought

by a few individuals and Organizations. We will continue to get lost

in the rhetoric of what Government (NACO) should do or not do.

I believe these expectations are unreasonable. It is time to join

hands and have a more collective response. Last month I was in the

US where I read a news item about Dr. Ashok Rau and The Freedom

Foundation. Dr Rau was in the US to receive the prestigious Terry

Sanford Institute award. Dr. Rau and his organization are considered

to be pioneers in the field of Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS and are

one of the few actively involved in the battle against HIV/AIDS in

India.

I am very concerned that we might loose people like Dr. Rau and many

like him to the effect of brain drain or due to fatigue and

exhaustion. Dr. Rau has been a recipient of numerous international

awards and is an International expert working with many countries in

the region.

I know of many such people and organizations in India whose efforts

go unnoticed. We have enough expertise in our own countries, but we

continue to allow foreigners to develop and implement our local

strategies. I was shocked to note that there are no awards or any

form of reorganization by the Central or Local Governments in India

for people working in the HIV/AIDS sector.

Awards and Accolades are given in recognition and support not to

mention that it helps to further motivate people and organizations

to get involved. India has many unsung hero's that need to be

recognized, we as part of society need to be grateful and appreciate

the tremenderous effort that has gone into the field.

We need to acknowledge that there is a war, a war called HIV/AIDS.

We must understand that we will loose and win a few battles. The War

must be won. It is time to accept this and collectively salute our

Hero's !!

Regards

Vineetha Singh

E-mail: <vin_eetha@...>