New York based human rights watchdog Human Rights Watch has claimed of increasing violence against HIV carriers in India, and that the same was threatening to undermine the generosity of international donors. The statement follows the announcement by the foundation run by Microsoft founder Bill Gates of a $ 100 million grant to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in India.
"Bill Gates is right that the AIDS epidemic is poised to explode in India. But his generosity will be undermined if the Indian government doesn't do something about the widespread violence against people who are affected by the disease," Joanne Csete, Director of the watchdog's AIDS programme.
Human Rights Watch claimed that it had documented numerous cases of police harassment and violence against HIV/AIDS outreach workers in India, as well as evidence that people infected with the disease face abuse and discrimination in the healthcare system. Many have no hope of treatment for opportunistic infections, let alone antiretroviral medicines, it added.
"It's a sad irony that India is one of the biggest producers of the drugs that have transformed the lives of people with AIDS in wealthy countries," said Csete. "But for millions of Indians, access to these medicines is a distant dream," she added.
India announced in March that some 3.97 million Indians are living with HIV, more than any country apart from South Africa. Human Rights Watch recently awarded the Indian AIDS activist, Moana Seshu for her determination and courage to prevent and treat AIDS.