World AIDS Day

December 1 is World AIDS Day.

India has a population of one billion, around half of whom are adults in the sexually active age group. The spread of HIV in India has been diverse, with much of India having a low rate of infection. However the highest HIV prevalence cases are found in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur and Nagaland.

The Global Steering Committee has adopted: `Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise' as the focus, a tagline which will be used in the coming years. The theme for this year is' Accountability'.

World AIDS Day is crucial for accountability. The world needs to be informed and made aware that all the leaders know that the public and civil societies are watching and that we are very serious about the promises that we have made. This message is for all kinds of leaders from all the stakeholders including civil society and the business sector, the multilaterals like the UN and all the governmental leaders.

World AIDS Day provides us an opportunity to pause and review the work undertaken so far and to renew our commitment and promise towards those battling HIV/AIDS and those who are still ignorant of their vulnerabilities.

TNAI has endorsed its position statement on HIV/AIDS, which poses a challenge to the nurses as they are working directly with infected individuals, families and the community. The nurses must accept this challenge by preventing spread of HIV infection; providing care to patients infected with HIV/AIDS and providing support for their families and friends and participate in effective education and counselling.

Sheila Seda

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