HIV&AIDS Prevention Programme In Orissa

HIV&AIDS prevention programme in Orissa:

I published this brief below in AIDSINDIA Forum, and I have received many responses about the state of HIV&AIDS programme in Orissa.

Many of them are surprised that this state of affairs continues with the planners and educationist and wonder what would be the common man's opinion about HIV&AIDS.

Many of them are not surprised as they are working in Orissa and have heard these kinds of biased, wrong and irresponsible statements from those who are planning as well as those implementing the HIV&AIDS programme.

Many of them believe that this is a serious issue and needs to be taken at every level. Two of them have stated that they were a part of the mentioned meetings and have heard the remarks and were shocked when they heard it, but kept quiet in the meeting as they really did not know how to respond to it.

What do you do when you hear statements like this? Simply keep quiet or stand up and respond to the statement, this was one of the questions that a reader has asked me.

I can only tell you what I do when irresponsible statements like this are made. I stand up and respond and ensure that the statement is clarified. Red Ribbon clubs, workshops organized by Universities, and any other meetings are important place where people gather to hear facts; it is important that we stand up and ensure that at least correct and accurate information is provided to all.

ODISHA-One will be organizing a series of one day media workshop where we will be discussing not only about HIV&AIDS reporting but also about misrepresenting factual information about HIV&AIDS and the resulting stigma and ongoing discrimination.
Mr. Loknath Mishra, a leading member of the consortium is going to lead this process. We hope that these kinds of initiative even though they are small will help and support the prevention process

Sarita