AIDS AND INDIA

Ever since the first case of AIDS virus came to light in 1986 and HIV infection became a major health crisis facing the country, the spectre of AIDS has loomed large. What has been more worrisome is that it affects the vulnerable sections of the population i.e. women and children, too. But as December 1 marked World AIDS Day, there was less cause for gloom. India has not only made considerable progress in tackling the scourge but has also led the decline globally. In the decade between 2000 and 2010 fresh HIV cases in the country were down by 50 per cent. Now, the news that more men in Punjab are opting for safe sex is reassuring as well.

Safe sex practice plays one of the most crucial roles in checking the spread of HIV, particularly among women. Of the total HIV cases in India, nearly 40 per cent are women and many of whom get the cases from their husbands. Safe sex offers protection against transmission of the virus to those women who are at risk. It’s heartening that Bollywood celebrities too are raising their voice for the cause and advocating safe sex through various social platforms. Aggressive awareness drives and high literacy rates do lead to a decline in infections.
Nevertheless, while the decline in infections needs to be welcomed, there is no cause for complacency. Even today India has 2.5 million HIV positive people and the challenges are many. UNAIDS has already cautioned India against being complacent. In the light of global donors backing out and the danger of new infections lurking by, it has asked the government to step up investment. Indeed, India, which has done a commendable job in fighting the menace of HIV/AIDS, cannot afford to fritter away the gains. Concerted steps and the early passage of the HIV Bill can not only ensure that the battle against AIDS is won; even the human rights of HIV infected can be protected. Zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths may become more than an aspirational goal.