AIDS: a serious challenge to public health
Ghosh, T.K.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association 84(1): 29-30
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5847 PMID: 3009627 Document Number: 374292
Current socioeconomic conditions in India would make an epidemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) an overwhelming national disaster. Although no cases of AIDS have been detected in India to date, efforts must begin immediately to prevent such an occurrence. The Government must launch health education campaigns about behaviors that place individuals at risk of infection. Screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of travellers coming into India from affected countries should be given serious consideration. Since urban areas located at ports are likely to be the sites of introduction of HIV into India, these areas should be targeted for health education campaigns. Of concern is the adoption by certain sectors of the urban upper class of a Western life-style, including homosexuality and intravenous drug use. Unlike developed countries, India lacks the scientific laboratories, research facilities, equipment, and medical personnel to deal with an AIDS epidemic. In addition, factors such as cultural taboos against discussion of sexual practices, poor coordination between local health authorities and their communities, widespread poverty and malnutrition, and a lack of capacity to test and store blood would severely hinder the ability of the Government to control AIDS if the disease did become widespread.