Kerala: NGO favours law for HIV-infected children

November 30, 2005

NGO favours law for HIV-infected children

Wednesday November 30 2005 00:00 IST UNI

KOZHIKODE: A Swizterland-based NGO, on Tuesday, called for a

comprehensive law to tackle problems being faced by socially

ostracised children infected with Human Immuno Virus (HIV) in the

country.

Talking to newspersons after releasing a book on an infected child

here, Countess Albina Du Boisrouvrary, founder and President of

Association Francois-Xavier Bagnoud (AFXB) said children infected

with HIV/Aids were increasing in the country and majority of them

were being ostracised by the society as a whole.

Hospitals were reluctant to admit them and school authorities

refused admissions following stiff opposition from parents of normal

children, she said.

Noting that there was no database available in the country despite

the situation taking an alarming proportion, she said a national

policy would be imperative to counter the deadly disease as well as

for the rehabilitation of orphaned children.

She said Kerala, which has set many exemplary records in the field

of education, health and tourism, should take the lead by

formulating an effective policy in this particular field as well.

The book titled `beloved meera' comprises a collection of 50

emotional letters in Malayalam including one from an 80-year lady,

another from a seven-year-old girl and a third from a convict in

Kannur Central jail to a 13-year-old orphaned girl Meera of Wayanad

district in the State.

" This is truly the most moving experience. My entire FXB India team

is deeply touched and encouraged by the overwhelming response and

support from the people, particularly of Kerala for Meera, " she said

about the response of the people after her story was telecast by a

private TV channel.

She said the book would be made available in other continents as

well after translation to English and other languages as well.

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