UNGASS report & Number of people on ART under NGO

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum members,

Deep concerns have been raised about the number of people on ART under NGO. My

aim is not to agree or disagree to that number, but to mention that this number

was provided by the members of the civil society in a consultative meeting held

on Oct 27-28.

The participants of this meeting were divided into 6 groups and the Policy index

was administered to them. The group discussed and came out with their expert

judgement This was the methodolgy used to arive at the figure and all other

indicators.

As I understand, this number includes people receiving ART under the Global Fund

supported NGO initiative and offered through YRG Care, ARCON and Freedom

Foundation.

On the contrary, if any one else have a better estimate, please feel free to

share that information in the forum.

Thanks,

Sherry ph

Program Manager (HIV/AIDS)

Futures Group

1 D-II, Park Wood Estate,

Rao Tula Ram Marg,

New Delhi 110 022

Ph: 011- 26712165/71/75

Fax: 011-26168931

sjoseph@...

[Guest guest]

Re: UNGASS report & Number of people on ART under NGO

Dear Forum:

The response to the messages on the Number of people on ART under NGO

is even more disappointing. The methodology described to collect information on

UNGASS implementation, and numbers of people on ART is too simplified.

Demographers would suggest sound methods to address such evaluation

reports. Such simplistic approach to a deadly epidemic will defeat

the national and international efforts to control the epidemic.

The authors of the report should be sensitive to the fact that throwing a figure

of 50,000 people who are on ART through three NGOs in India will be quoted all

over the place. UNAIDS and WHO will start adding these numbers to their

achievements of 3 by 5.

Has the Global Fund evaluated these three NGOs for the implementation of Rs.90

crore project and the number of patients they claim are on ART? Each of these

three NGOs have only 2 or 3 doctors, and claim to provide ART to several

thousands of patients!!

Instead, the fact is that the private sector is the largest provider

of ART in India. Yet, it neither gets Global Funding nor national

funding to improve its recognition and quality of service.

Anonymous