New Delhi: Just a few days before the World AIDS day, an eye-opening report says at least 2.3 million people in the country are living with the virus. Many survivors have been fighting for quality of life.
At least 2.3 million Indians live with HIV/AIDS, though the latest UNAIDS report states that the rate of infection in India has come down. It's no longer a death sentence, as survivor and activist Shiba P can attest.
"All you have been told by the doctors or others that if you are positive, you have 5 to 10 years to live. But here I am now after 20 years. Getting treatment available within the healthcare sector in our country I think is a huge thing," Shiba said. In theory, first line anti-retro viral treatment is available free of cost at centres across the country, but on the ground, access can be a problem. And given the need for second line treatment and frequent infections, as the immune system struggles to cope, cost becomes a factor. Activists and survivors have been pushing for an AIDS Bill to be passed in the winter session of Parliament. That is even as the Supreme Court is hearing a case involving global pharma giant Novartis, which will affect India's generic pharmaceutical industry, and with it millions of patients in need of life-saving AIDS drugs from Africa to Brazil. "If Novartis wins, it can in future set down all the generic medicines. India is known as the pharmacy of the world," Shiba said.
At least 2.3 million Indians live with HIV/AIDS, though the latest UNAIDS report states that the rate of infection in India has come down. It's no longer a death sentence, as survivor and activist Shiba P can attest.
"All you have been told by the doctors or others that if you are positive, you have 5 to 10 years to live. But here I am now after 20 years. Getting treatment available within the healthcare sector in our country I think is a huge thing," Shiba said. In theory, first line anti-retro viral treatment is available free of cost at centres across the country, but on the ground, access can be a problem. And given the need for second line treatment and frequent infections, as the immune system struggles to cope, cost becomes a factor. Activists and survivors have been pushing for an AIDS Bill to be passed in the winter session of Parliament. That is even as the Supreme Court is hearing a case involving global pharma giant Novartis, which will affect India's generic pharmaceutical industry, and with it millions of patients in need of life-saving AIDS drugs from Africa to Brazil. "If Novartis wins, it can in future set down all the generic medicines. India is known as the pharmacy of the world," Shiba said.