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HIV/AIDS ‘worst’ among have-nots
KATHMANDU, JUL 01 -
A majority of the 60,000 HIV victims in Nepal are marginalised and underprivileged groups such as women, children, the poor and the illiterate.
At an interaction organised by APACHA (Asian People’s Alliance for Combating HIV and AIDS) Nepal here on Thursday, speakers pointed out that poverty, social discrimination and economic deprivation resulted by perpetual political instability had caused the proliferation of HIV.
“Political instability and unemployment have made about one million Nepalis migrate to India and Gulf countries. They return with HIV and transmit it to their spouses,” said APACHA Chairman Sitoshna Timalsina.
Social activists and government officials present at the event accused the government of ignoring the alarming rate of HIV/AIDS cases for the remittance sent by workers in foreign countries.
“Instead of considering the negative consequences of foreign employment such as HIV/ AIDS, the government sings praise of remittance for its contribution to the economy,” said Dr. Ramesh Kharel of the National Center for AIDS and STDs Control.
The participants laid stress on creating awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention, creating opportunities of employment in the country and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor for reducing HIV-infection rate.
“People in remote districts, especially women, need to be made aware of HIV/AIDS and their economic condition should be uplifted so that they do not involve in sex trade out of compulsion,” said APACHA Member Pandav K.C.
Posted on: 2010-07-02 08:39
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