Status of PLHIVs deliberated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 13 2011: With more number of people dying from Hepatitis infection than HIV/AIDS, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs) have proposed that treatment for Hepatitis-HIV/AIDS co-infection should be made free.

Participating in a interactive deliberation session on the status of people living with HIV/AIDS, specially children held under the aegis of World Vision India at Manipur Press Club here today, HIV positive women from Churachandpur, Imphal and other places of Manipur proposed that treatment for Hepatitis-C, specially for those co-infected with HIV/AIDS should be made free.

They pointed out that Hepatitis infection has killed more people than by HIV/AIDS.

However, as the treatment for Hepatitis is expensive, many co-infected people could not afford it.

Furthermore, they pointed out that the benefit of Widow Pension Scheme taken up by the Social Welfare Department is beyond the reach of widows living with HIV/AIDS if they don't have access to their local MLAs.

They also demanded specialised doctors for treatment of HIV infected/affected children, free test for Haemoglobin, free legal service assistance to HIV/AIDS widows among others for their welfare of HIV positive women and children in the State.

Earlier initiating the deliberation, advocacy director of World Vision India Reni Jacob observed that clearance of the long pending HIV/AIDS Bill in its original form will contribute to reducing the impact of the epidemic and also protect the rights of the people living with HIV including children.

Jacob said that along with others, World Vision India has urged the Government to create a platform for greater involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA), both at the State and National level, in accordance with Paris Declaration, 1994 .

Speaking of HIV/AIDS situation in Manipur, Jacob maintained that now it is a very grave situation with frequent reports of PLHIVs killed over properties and other reasons coming up.

Jacob expressed concern that even if ART has been banned all over the world, even by the World Health Organisation (WHO), because of its side effects, it is being used still in India including Manipur.

Advocacy Associate of World Vision India Daisy David pointed out that rate of Hepatitis co-infection with HIV in North Eastern region is as high as 90 percent.

It is an urgent concern that inspite of the treatment offered, PLHIVs are dying of liver complications caused by co-infection and side effects of ART.

This issue need to be addressed by the State offering free PCT testing and treatment for Hepatitis-C co-infection, Daisy observed.

She exhorted PLHIVs and other people working for the welfare of PLHIVs to exert pressure on the National AIDS Control Organisation.

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