Re: Maharashtra State AIDS society plans package for affected kids in Nagpur, Sangli

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

Thanks to  NACO for their concern on Children affected by AIDS (CABA).

And it is commendable that MSACS is keen to involve the PLHA Networks in this

pilot project.

But a very  natural question that comes to the mind is - isn't it too late to

pilot something like this, and isn't it time to get into full-fledged

implmentation, especillay when the mentioned numbers reflect an alarming

reality.

When there are as many 70,000 CLWHA in the country, how will a small pilot

project reaching out to a meagre 10 districts help?

We are alreday in the mid-year of NACP project period. If we pilot something at

this point, when shall we replicate and scale up the initiative?

 

I have witnessed NCPCRs' concern for CLWHA in the National Public Hearing on OVC

at New Delhi where NACO representatives are also there. 

 

Can we rethink for CABA?

 

Prakash Kumar Barik

Bhubaneswar, Orissa

09937134877

e-mail: <socialprakash@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

/message/11327

Whatever implementation plans are in the pipeline, there seems to be a lack of

concern in accepting and recognising the urgency to respond to the situation of

CABA in India.

The numbers do not add up - just two states have official figures of over 41000

CLHIV (MSACS says 19000 CLHIV, APSACS says over 22000) and NACO reports suggest

that between 21000 to 32000 Children may be infected through parent to child

transmission every year.

Yet, nationwide the official figure being repeated is just 70000 CLHIV under 14

years of age! We have 6 high prevalence states and many highly vulnerable

states. In fact, no state in India is free from the impact of HIV and AIDS and

children are affected everywhere.

Does this number reflect denial in recognising reality through gross

under-reporting?

Estimates of AIDS orphans and CABA in India vary widely with agencies putting

figures between 1.2 million to even 4 million. Whatever be the numbers, it is

obvious that millions of children are suffering due to HIV and AIDS.

As Prakash and others have pointed out, it is high time that immediate and

comprehensive national and state response ensures the rights of CABA as per

national committments to UNCRC.

NCPCR  has taken the lead in holding State level Public Hearings for CABA in

Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra and a National

level Public Hearing in Delhi.

Dr Rewari from NACO was also an active participant during the Delhi public

hearing. How this translates into government action for our nation's children

remains to be seen.

With concern and solidarity,

Meghna.

email: megirish2001@...