In defense of marginalized populations, aganist US attempting impose restrictions on HIV funding

[Guest guest]

To:

Persons Concerned,

UNAIDS Head Office,

Geneva, Switzerland

Dear Madams / Sirs,

We are aware of the US attempting impose restrictions on the use of

their funds in HIV related work. Suffice it to say at the outset that

restrictions on use of funds to work with marginalized populations is

bad enough, but to to go to the extent of insisting NGOs sign documents to the

effect that they do not promote prostitution is denigrating and downright

insulting.

Almost two decades ago when HIV first raised its head in India, our

politicians buried their heads in a classic ostrich-act stating that the great

Indian culture would be a deterrent force against HIV, and that multi partner

relationships are non-existent and hence HIV is a non-issue. By the time ABC

was mentioned 15 years later, HIV had virtually shattered many of such myths

related to our lifestyles. But learning lessons is still far and few.

The adverse impact on HIV programs all over the country is unthinkable if funds

should stop people / organizations from working with prostitutes or injecting

drug users, (not to mention men having sex with men).

Meaning, majority of the NGOs working in the 1000 odd NACO interventions and

many more others funded independently would have to stop their work immediately,

if these restrictions come into force.

Marginalized populations have enough burdens of stigma and

discrimination as impeding factors to stem the spread of the virus,

despite efforts through targeted interventions. Can you imagine their

accessing treatment for STDs and OIs if people pull the rug from beneath their

feet?

The US policy seems to be coming around in a circle to the same point of

abolishing prostitution and enforcing abstinence. If it were so, it is bad

policy and needs vehement criticism and opposition from all those who see the

light at the end of the tunnel through working with marginalized populations. We

are combating WMDs all over again, but this time it will be our fight, not

funder-dictated. In it lies the good of our country and its people, and in it

lies our efforts to bring marginalized populations back to mainstream.

We sincerely request like-minded persons to sit up and protest against this move

by the Unites States and its funding agencies.

Sincerely,

R. Meera

Women's Initiatives (WINS)

Tirupati

E-mail: <rmeera102@...>