Pubdate: Tue, 15 Aug 2006
Source: Times of India, The (India)
Copyright: Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 2006
Contact:  http://www.timesofindia.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/453
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?143 (Hepatitis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

NO DIGNITY IN LIFE, AND DEATH

AIZAWL: In Mizoram, a misplaced belief has robbed HIV-positive people 
of dignity even in death. AIDS victims here are being buried in 
polythene bags, apparently to prevent the virus from leaving the 
corpse in search of a healthy body.

Calling the practice a 'disgrace', Mizoram People Living with AIDS 
Society (MPLAS) president Malsawmdawnga said: "There are instances of 
people being buried with their bodies wrapped in polythene bags. This 
is really humiliating."

He added that like others, HIV-positive people too want to live and 
die with dignity, without any discrimination or hatred. According to 
government figures, Mizoram, a predominantly Christian state, has 
1,352 HIV-positive people. Unofficial estimates, however, peg the 
number at 5,000.

"HIV does not spread as easily as Hepatitis B, although those dying 
of Hepatitis B are given normal burials," said Malsawmdawnga.

The government-run Mizoram AIDS Control Society admitted that such 
incidents are taking place, but said that awareness about the disease 
has increased.

"Awareness level about HIV/AIDS is about 83% in the state although we 
need deeper knowledge rather than being simply aware of the 
consequences," said K Ropari, head of the AIDS Control Society. But 
statistics don't reflect the ground realities.

"Though instances of burial in polythene bags still happen, but 
compared to the last two years, the practice has reduced 
significantly," said Vanlalmuana, general secretary of Positive 
Network of Mizoram, an NGO formed by HIV/AIDS victims.

"Aizawl has learned that stigmatisation of HIV/AIDS patients does not 
help. In Aizawl, we are accepted by the society, but there are many 
horror tales from rural areas," Vanlalmuana added.

"Landlords evict people the moment they learn of their tenants' 
HIV-positive status. There are some localities where people refuse to 
accept bodies of those who have died of AIDS," Vanlalmuana said, 
adding, "people living with HIV/AIDS here continue to face 
discrimination at every step."

The two organisations of HIV-positive people even slammed doctors and 
hospital staff. "HIV-positives are treated as outcasts.

Even family members and close relatives discriminate against the 
HIV-positives," said a college student, who recently tested positive. 
"I am not going to reveal my HIV-positive status to my family, or I 
too will be thrown out," he confided.

In this state of just 890,000 people, sharing of needles by 
intravenous drug users has been cited as the primary reason for the 
alarming rise in HIV cases.

The plight of HIV-infected people has become more serious, with 
self-styled vigilante groups taking law into their hands to punish 
drug addicts and drug-traffickers, leading to at least half-a-dozen 
deaths in the last one year.

"People have failed to understand the problem of AIDS and are 
equating it with drug addiction and punishing them in public," 
another HIV positive youth complained.

The Mizoram AIDS Control Society said it is trying to sensitise 
people across the state to be compassionate towards people with HIV/AIDS.

"Stigma does not really help in fighting the disease. The need is to 
be aware and sensitive to the problem," said Betty L, an anti-AIDS campaigner.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman