Alliance India participates in rally to raise awareness about forthcoming HIV bill
24 September 2007
On 31 August, Alliance India took part in a rally organised by INP+, the Indian network for people living with HIV, which aimed to raise awareness about legal reforms in India and to exert pressure on the government to accelerate the forthcoming HIV bill through parliament. Over 300 people living with HIV and people working in the AIDS response attended the rally, which took place in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
The bill seeks to put an end to HIV-related discrimination, dealing with discrimination in employment, healthcare, education and other settings. It will also cover informed consent for HIV testing, treatment and research, confidentiality and access to treatment. The bill will provide for a safe working environment for healthcare workers, make special provisions for women, children and young people, and hopes to put in place innovative grievance redressal mechanisms.
Naresh Yadav, president of UPNP+, the Uttar Pradesh network for people living with HIV said that people living with HIV in India are facing discrimination and neglect. “The law has failed to provide support and not many options are available for HIV-positive people. The forthcoming HIV bill will be a big support to the positive community.”
The rally culminated in a public meeting where KK Abraham, president of INP+, informed participants about the bill, which has been drafted by the Lawyers Collective HIV/AIDS Unit in consultation with vulnerable groups, healthcare providers and non-governmental organisations.
