Uttar Pradesh: Three HIV positive children die due to lack of care and support

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

As you all know, 1, 70,000 children (<15 years) infected with HIV/AIDS in India.

57,000 children are getting infected every year in India. Every day a big number

of HIV infected children are dieing without having access to proper treatment of

opportunistic infections precipited by starvation.

In Uttar Pradesh State, access to treatment of HIV positive children is very

initial stage. UPNP+ has conducted HIV and CD-4 test camp for the children in

seven districts (Uttar Pradesh). The testing camp was successfully completed by

UPNP+ with the support of Clinton Foundation, INP+, UPSACS and other

stakeholders. Positive people network has done HIV test to 670 Children and got

76 Children positive and 115 Children done CD-4 test. Main concern of the

testing campaign was that children linkage with the ART centre and having access

to proper treatment. Positive people network is always doing work for linkage.

Over 115 positive Children got new lease of life in Uttar Pradesh after test

campaigning.

But after the testing campaign, three HIV positive children (two in Allahabad

and one in Varanashi district) die due to not proper treatment and care through

the private and govt. hospitals.

This is regular cases that happening in the hospitals day by day even after

several technical assistance and capacity building efforts from

UPSACS.

This is not only common issue. The privet and govt. hospitals don't know about

HIV+ve children's treatment and care in proper way.

Drs and paramedical staff don't keep right information about HIV+ve child

treatment and care. It is more necessary to give proper training to the Dr. and

paramedical staff. Uttar Pradesh positive people network gave strong reaction in

this issue.

We seek the involvement of your renowned organization in the aforesaid

programme, which is working on HIV & AIDS and related issues to participate with

us.

Expecting your active participation in solidarity with the PLHAs in Uttar

Pradesh.

Thank you,

Yours Sincerely

Naresh Yadav

President, UPNP+

Uttar Pradesh

India

Mb: +91 9956257836

E-mail: upnpplus@..., labmart@...