Focussed attention on population with heightened vulnerabilty to HIV

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

As we all appreciate that HIV is not just one epidemic but a continuum of

multiple extant epidemics with myriad socio-economic determinants with varying

weightage across the geographical areas.

All the interventions in general and communication in particular must be ensured

with proper segmentation,targetting and positioning of messaging.A focused

attention,say for a particularly vulnerable position appears to be a judicious

approach.

Lack of access to basic health care services, stigma associated

with homosexuality and HIV/AIDS, barriers to effective mental health care, and

high rates of substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections and poverty all

increase the risk of HIV/AIDS in native communities in the US and create

obstacles to HIV prevention and treatment.

Would like to share the statement of Director,NIAID,NIH(USA) regarding

observation of annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on 20th March as

can be accessed from the link as below

<http://www.nih.gov/news/health/mar2009/niaid-13.htm>.

For more information about (US)National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, visit

<http://www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/days/native/index.html>. 

Best wishes,

Dr.Rajesh Gopal.

e-mail: <dr_rajeshg@...>