Will you let your child study with HIV+ kids?

[Guest guest]

Will you let your child study with HIV+ kids?

CNN-IBN

Posted Tuesday , June 26, 2007 at 03:17 Updated Tuesday , June 26, 2007 at 03:46

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FRESH SETBACK: Panelists said it was wrong to turn the children away for the second time.

DEMYSTIFYING THE DISEASE

HIV is Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Not all HIV+ individuals have AIDS.

HIV can remain in latent state for many years.

AIDS doesn't spread through casual contact (hugging, handshake, 'dry' kissing, sharing toilet, exposure to coughing and sneezing of AIDS patient)

AIDS virus is extremely 'unstable' in an open environment.

Mosquito bite does not spread AIDS.

Tattooing does not increase the risk of AIDS.

Sexual intercourse with a virgin does not cure AIDS.

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It was hailed as a victory just a couple of months ago when five HIV positive children were re-admitted to at the MDLP school at Pampady in Kottayam district of Kerala. But the issue is back in focus again.

The children, aged between five and 11, have been forced to leave their school because other parents said they would not let their children study with them.

With the government threatening to derecognise the school, it's a catch-22 situation for the school authorities. The school management simply does not know what to do and has so far failed to convince the parents.

So will you allow your child to study with HIV positive classmates?

CNN-IBN debated that big question on the show India 360 conducted by Sagarika Ghose. On the panel to discuss the issue were Curien, member of the Asha Kiran, CEO Naaz Foundation Anjali Gopalan and Principal, St 's School, Annie Koshi.

Now win situation

Annie Koshi was asked if she were principal of that particular school, and majority parents said they will not allow their children to study with five HIV positive children, who studied in the same school, what decision would she take?

"Yes I would admit those students. But the question that you need to put to me is – is the state equipping schools to admit HIV students. Do hospitals admit patients with HIV? And if hospitals do not admit patients with HIV, what is the message that goes out to society," said Koshy.

But the larger question is - should the school come down heavily and say we will protect these children and go against the wishes of the parents or should the school force the children out and honour the majority of the parents' wishes?

"It's not the easy way out, and it's not just a moral question. I would admit them. It is the school's duty to condition them, to make them understand about AIDS. But at the same time it would be a tragedy if I have a problem, and I am not able to look after the children. It's the school's responsibility to look after every child in the school," said Koshy.

But what kind of support should one expect from the government so that schools can cater to HIV positive students?

"Schools should be adequately equipped as far as their infirmaries, doctors and nurses are concerned. Actually looking after health issues of other children also while looking after these five children," Koshy said.

She added, "They should also ensure that the closest hospital will not say no when I come with the child. They should admit and should be equipped to handle these. They should do proper propaganda and dissemination of information to the public about what are the implications about having children with AIDS, and that there are no dangers to other children."

Second home

The Asha Kiran Orphanage is the one looking after the five children. It is here that the children had to make do with private lessons at their charity home after the school had turned them away the first time.

Curien said that there was no stiff opposition from the school. but it was the parents who had taken it upon themselves to see that the five children leave the school.

"The school authorities have no problem. But the problem is with the parents. They say if we allow the AIDS affected children to sit next to their children, their children will also develop this disease," said Curien.

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/06_2007/is-it-right-to-boycott-hiv-kids-in-schools-43588.html