Copy of the Memorandum submittd to the Indian Prime Minister by the Coalition for AIDS Treatment Access (CATA)

[Guest guest]

MEMORANDUM RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED TO THE HONORABLE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA,

DR.MANMOHAN SINGH ON THE 22ND FEBRUARY 2008 NEW DELHI

BY COALITION FOR AIDS TREATMENT ACCESS (CATA) AND HIVAIDS ACTIVISTS IN INDIA.

The Coalition for AIDS Treatment Access lauds your landmark decision to take

on the responsibility to Chair the National AIDS Council (NAC) in 2006, the

highest authority to address HIVAIDS in our country. The NAC gave new hope

to the millions of people living HIVAIDS and to the general population of

India

In recognition of the positive initiatives that you have created to support

and assist people living with HIVAIDS in India. We appeal to your good office

to consider the following vital issues that require your leadership

intervention:

Whereas, HIVAIDS is a preventable disease, we call for revitalized prevention

campaigns that will reach communities at risk and will stop the transmission of

the deadly virus.

Whereas, it is unknown how many people in India are currently HIV positive and

in need of Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) care and support. We call for free

universal access to treatment for all and accessible HIV testing services that

will reach all of the communities including rural India.

Whereas, first line Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is failing and clients are

increasingly facing resistance nationally. We call for unlimited provision and

availability of life saving second line Anti-retroviral therapy for all needing

second line drugs.

Whereas, women and children are the most at risk to HIVAIDS. We call for an

increase in access to Antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment centers especially

in rural areas as well as - women specific and pediatric treatment centers.

Whereas, stigma and discrimination of people living with HIVAIDS continues to

exist especially in healthcare delivery system when related medical and surgical

interventions are required. We call upon your office to intervene to reduce

denial of services on the above

grounds.

Whereas, there is a pending HIVAIDS bill in the Parliament to safe guard and

protect the right of people living with HIVAIDS in India. We need your office to

intervene in passing the bill at the earliest.

Whereas, an acute need exists for a grievance redressal mechanism for the people

living with HIVAIDS in India.

We call upon you to establish a mechanism to bring together government and civil

societies including people living with HIVAIDS to address such issues.

Whereas, the HIV epidemic in India require multidisciplinary intervention

efforts from various ministries and departments. We call for a de-centralized

approach to increase responsibility in addressing HIVAIDS prevention,

education, treatment, care and support.

Whereas, the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) is responsible for the

provision of appropriate HIVAIDS prevention, treatment, care and support

services.

We call upon your office to make NACO more accountable, transparent and more

people friendly in providing comprehensive prevention, treatment in India.

We appeal to you for your immediate intervention leadership and support.

Respectfully submitted by:

Coalition for Treatment Access (CATA)

Secretariat Office: S 7 Panchsheel Park, New Delhi

110017Telephone: (011) 41745541/42 Fax: 41745543

Mobile: 9911331998

(CATA Convener - Dr. Mahesh Ganesan)

e-mail: Cata.india@...

CATA MEMBER ORGANISATIONS:

AIDS Healthcare Foundation – India Cares

Students Global AIDS Campaign

World Vision

UDAAN

Bharat Uday Mission

Youth For Justice

OPNP+

Love Life Society

ACCAD

NIPASHA

Amnesty International India

Naz Foundation International

Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM)

AIDS INDIA e_FORUM

Positive Lives Foundation

Centre for Legislative Research and Advocacy

Gwalior Children Hospital, Snehalaya

Project Concern International

EFICOR

Indian Medical Parliamentarian Forum (IMPF)

Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+)

Maharashtra Positive Network (MPN+)

Humana People to People India

SEVA

Saubhagya

UPNP+

CCBOS

Kahchh NP+

Pehel – A Jagran Social Initiative

Aligarh Positive People Welfare Society

Rajasthan PWN+

Jagriti HIV/AIDS Organization

Trinity Healthcare Charitable Trust

Rotract RI 3010

Baanyan Tree Productions

Aadhar

Gwalior Catholic Seva Samaj

India HIV/AIDS Alliance: Andhra Pradesh

Jeevan Sagar Trust, Bangalore

Citizens Foundation