ID :
192756
Mon, 07/04/2011 - 13:32
Auther :

PM for building linkages between MNERGA and AIDS programme

New Delhi, July 4 (PTI) Favouring that linkages be
built between MNERGA and HIV/AIDS programmes, Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh Monday said ministries should make
"HIV sensitive" policies and programmes to provide employment
and succour to victims.
"Linkages should be made between HIV and AIDS
programme and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Programme to facilitate employment of HIV positive
persons," Singh said addressing the National Convention of
Zila Parishad Chairpersons and Mayors on HIV & AIDS here.
The programme was organised by a forum of
Parliamentarians on HIV and AIDS, which was attended by
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and a host of union ministers.
Gandhi said the fact that the forum is represented by
people from all parties demonstrates that "our resolve" to
address issues concerning countrymen can be greater than "our
committment to any political party."
The Prime Minister said the nutritional needs of HIV
positive people, specially women and children should be
tackled by linking them with ICDS and other developmental
schemes.
"Other concerned ministries should also have an HIV
sensitive policy and programme so that the marginalised
populations infected and affected by HIV and AIDS are not
denied the benefits of these schemes," he said.
"There is a need to ensure that there is no stigma and
discrimination towards HIV infected and affected persons, the
Prime Minister said, adding, "No child should be denied
admission in schools and colleges because he or she is
afflicted with HIV or because his or her parents are afflicted
with this disease."
Noting that those belonging to the most disadvantaged
sections of the soceity suffer the most, Gandhi highlighted
the need for creating awareness about the disease.
The Prime Minister said, "We must ensure that no
person loses his or her employment because of HIV".
He said there is a need to ensure that women are not
doubly stigmatised.
He also underlined the importance of strengthening the
Panchayati Raj institutions and communities supported by them
in National HIV and AIDS programme to get better results.
Both the Prime Minister and Gandhi highlighted the
role of civil society in HIV/AIDs control programmes.
"If health has to become a truly people's movement for
people's benefit, civil society involvement and
Panchayati Raj guided programme delivery are absolutely
essential," Singh said.
Gandhi also hailed the "active civil society
initiative" in the AIDS control programme.
The Prime Minister noted the AIDS control programmes
have been able to reduce new HIV/AIDS infections by 50 per
cent in the last 10 years.
Gandhi said, "We are beginning to turn the tide in the
battle."
While hailing the success the country has achieved in
containing HIV AIDS, the Prime Minister said, "There should be
no room for complacency even though we have been able to show
a reduction in new infections."
Noting that there are 24 lakh people estimated to be
living in India with HIV/AIDS, Singh said, "There should be no
let up in efforts to provide services to these HIV infected
people and prevent others from getting the infection."
"We have a large population of young persons to whom
we have to reach out with awareness and other prevention
services. There are emerging vulnerabilities of migrants and
mobile populations which are not yet fully addressed. HIV
prevention services have to be scaled up for all those who are
at risk."

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