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| Right to a life of dignity in the face of HIV and AIDS |
Right to a life of dignity in the face of HIV and AIDS
Sri Lanka has a relatively smaller number of HIV/AIDS cases so far being reported, but it has the presence of all such factors that makes it high risk behaviour to contribute to the spread of the infection of HIV/AIDS. According to UNAIDS report, of the nearly 22 million populations, the number of HIV infected people are unbelievably- only 4,800 adults and children by the end of 2002. Since 1986, only 415 cases have been officially reported. Such under reporting could be attributed to lack of adequate facilities of counseling, testing facilities and prevailing fear of social stigma against the HIV positive people in the society.
In 1992, the Government of Sri Lanka initiated HIV prevention and control efforts through the National STD and AIDS control program (NSACP), under the Directorate of health. However, even after more than thirteen years of effort the general awareness and knowledge levels on HIV/AIDS among the underserved communities remain drastically low. There are extreme form of social stigma and discriminatory practice against the people living with HIV/AIDS and high risk populations. The recent tsunami has further added to the issue by the very uncertainty of the floating population living in camp situation in extreme unsecured and vulnerable conditions.
AAI-SL team has initiated the process of bringing in the experiences from other countries where AAI has gained substantial image through the community based processes. The initial assessment conducted by AAISL re-confirmed the fact that the general awareness level even among the health workers involved in the tsunami hit area is negligible. Our initiative leads to draw the attention of UNAIDS and all other agencies to initiate a dialogue to engage the concerned agencies through organising a forum for using the human rights perspective and practicing the social change mechanism by using the well established tools like Stepping stones and STAR. A clear strategic plan has emerged out of this interaction to follow up with long term plan to carry out the following activities.
PLWHA will increasingly claim and exercise their rights, including access to comprehensive treatment, care and social security.
By exercising their rights, women and girls vulnerability to HIV infection and impact of HIV & AIDS on their lives, including the burden of care, will be measurably reduced.
By exercising of their rights, all those who are vulnerable to HIV infection will have the necessary information and skills to protect themselves from HIV infection
PLWHA and other citizens will have the necessary organizations and movements to create sustainable and effective responses in the fight against HIV & AIDS
States and their institutions will be accountable and responsive to their citizens, particularly by respecting, protecting and promoting the human rights of people living with and affected by HIV & AIDS
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