NACO may sponsor Afro-Asian Cup. But, for what benefit? at who's cost?

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

" NACO may sponsor Afro-Asian Cup, " says The Times of India Report on 05.08.2005.

The news sounds youthful and attractive, but for what benefit? At who's cost?

India is home for 52 lakh People Living with HIV/AIDS. In spite of the

government efforts only 12000 People Living with HIV/AIDS in India are getting

ARV treatment, from a population of 5 lakh People LIVING with HIV/AIDS deserving

the treatment.

The NACO's plan to sponsor Afro Asian Cup if becoming a deal costing $4 million,

I wonder more than 35000 of my fellow People Living with HIV/AIDS could be

provided with ARV for a period of one year.

The growth of HIV has shown registered slowing down. Which is a success of

collective efforts of NACO, NGO's and the improved commitment of People Living

with HIV/AIDS. Along with the prevention efforts, current priority should be to

make it possible the reach of treatment and care at primary health centers where

it is required.

The entire proposed care and support program for PLHA is through the Global

Fund. The question of local ownership and contribution to the care and support

program is left untouched.

It is sure that the campaign will have a short-term viewership and will help

branding NACO and the red ribbon. What else are we going to achieve by it? What

product is NACO or the Red Ribbon going to sell if they achieve a good branding?

Who are the people watching a cricket match?. Yes there was a point if we

attempt branding the movement of People Living with HIV/AIDS; for it may help

bringing visibility to People Living with HIV/AIDS, the most effective way in

containing HIV and reducing stigma and discrimination.

As reported in a website for a quick

view,(http://www.infochangeindia.org/bookandreportsst78.jsp) if we recollect the

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, it says " The National AIDS Control

Organisation (NACO) failed to spend more than half the World Bank money

available to it in the year 2002-03.

The report further says that the Information, education and communication

consumed the bulk of the $84 million in Phase I, and absorbed large chunks in

various Phase II components. Yet, the audit claims, there is still only

superficial awareness about HIV/AIDS, many misconceptions and low levels of

knowledge particularly about the links between sexually transmitted diseases

(STDs) and HIV.

NACO's use of the electronic media highlights " utter whimsicality and selective

patronage in decision-making, " the report observes.

The NACO-BBC-Prasar Bharati awareness partnership, reported to cost over Rs 100

crore (most of it outside the NACO budget), does not figure in the audit. But,

details of smaller media expenditure are illuminating - Rs 4.27 crore on

sponsored telecasts of classical music and dance concerts at a particular cult

shrine for short-message inserts; Rs 2.24 crore on just two chat shows. " Poor

viewership, " is the CAG's assessment.

Similarly, the audit notes, there is poor listener ship for radio programs that

cost Rs 5.78 crore. Some programmes like the NACO Film Hit Parade are not even

evaluated. On family health awareness campaigns, the CAG observes: " Short notice

and wrong selection of places failed to attract even 20% of the targeted

population. " As for information and broadcasting field media units, Rs 5 crore

was spent with no monitoring, the audit reveals. "

I also understand that there was a high rate of shortfall in the setting-up of

community care centers for persons living with HIV/AIDS in those areas where HIV

infection rate was comparatively high.

In the above context it is obvious to doubt whether the proposed sponsorship for

Afro-Asian Cup is an easy attempt to spend the money entrusted with NACO. It is

also a matter of concern that how NACO arrives at hasty decisions.

The decision making process at NACO should become a mater of national debate.

K.K Abraham

President, INP+

E-mail: <inpplus@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

I congratulate Mr.Abraham for his bold statement .

We neeed to concentrate on providing awarness programmes for those who sit

under the banyan trees in the rural part of the country!

Care and support for the majority is far from satisfactory and this should be

the prime objective of authorities in the country.

All decision making processes in the country that involves HIV/AIDS must be

taken after consultatation with the representatives of PLWHA - it may be

education,awareness,research protocols,drug trials and research agenda)

N.M. Professor

TN DR MGR Medical University

Chennai

E=mail: nms_mds@...