Morality In The Time Of HIV Virus

Despite the disturbing statistics, the Union health ministry seems to be claiming a victory on the HIV front. It says the Sentinel Surveillance 2004, conducted by Tamil Nadu State Aids Control Society (Tansacs) during August-October 2004, indicates that the prevalence of HIV among the general population has come down to 0.65 per cent in 2004 as against 0.75 per cent in 2003. However, experts say "the epidemic is stabilising, not declining".

In fact, the developments over the last three months, where the political class has given a moral and cultural colour to the issue of sexuality and sexual practices, could set the clock back vis-a-vis HIV awareness and prevention. An effort to belittle the issue of safe sex—pre-marital or marital—doesn’t augur well, given the findings of a 2004 survey on stis conducted by Aids Prevention and Control (APAC). According to APAC, which has been assessing the prevalence of STIS and HIV among the general population, says 10.63 per cent of the overall Tamil Nadu population has STIS. According to Tansacs, "persons suffering from stis are much more vulnerable to the HIV/AIDS infection."

The APAC survey, which was conducted in the sexually active 15-49 age group, found that stis are equally prevalent in rural and urban TN.

Ironically, as the world observes AIDS Day on December 1, TN is animated by pseudo debates on morality and culture.