Re: Use of Matrimonails for raising awareness about testing for hiv in a vctc

[Guest guest]

Dear Everyone,

It is a matter of great concern whether ' Matrimonials should be used for

raising level of awareness for HIV testing in VCCTC' . I feel that even if we

implement or launch such a strategy there may be lot many loop holes, such as

cases under the window period may not be declared as False negative in VCCTC,

those people at risk would not come to VCCTC for testing, launching such a

programme would result in lot of Sigma and Discrimination against people who

have been tested HIV+.

Thus, according to me, I feel that before launching such a programme there is a

need first create extensive awareness about HIV/AIDS and also initiate set of

programmes for Care and support for People tested HIV+ Because at present we

encourage people to go to VCCTC for testing their HIV status but what happens if

they turn HIV+, we atleast in Bihar do not provide them much of services but we

simply leave them to face Stigma & Discrimination from their respective

Community and Families.

This simply hinders people coming forward to VCCTC for testing their

HIV staus. This similar kind of problems may occur in Matrimonial section and

discourage people to come to VCCTC for testing their HIV status.

Thanks for reading this message.

Kavita

Asst. Director, RATNEI

IHO

E-mail: <kavitakirti@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

I think that it is a very interesting idea mooted by Mr. Suresh Kumar. Advocacy

with the newspaper (maybe also on web matrimonial sites - for consistency

purposes) concerned (maybe all - mandatory) that in the matrimonial pages they

should announce the need to take the HIV test before tying the knot is

important.

This could be almost like (cigaretter smoking is injurious to health) in all cig

packs. The MOHFW at the Centre may seriously take up this

point for implementation. As for his other concerns about security that this is

enough, can be addressed when the person concerned comes to the VCTC for

testing. Here the person may be counselled about the other details oh HIV/AIDS

prevention.

The virus has spread to the general population now and India is almost (debated

point still) the country with the largest numbers of infected

persons, and there are a large numbers of youth getting married on a daily

basis. Hence this would be a good platform to reach out this very important

group - youth - who are also very high as - at risk - as the stats are now

showing.

Can we please have some more opinions on this.

Sincerely

Mallika

E-mail: <mallika_lal@...>