Vice President, Shri
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat said that we must recognise that children
affected by AIDS of different ages, genders, cultural and socio-economic
backgrounds have different and specific care needs, which should
be provided. He further said we must appreciate and understand
the knowledge, skills and abilities that children possess. Shri
Shekhawat was inaugurating the National thematic Meeting on working
with Children Affected by AIDS in India here today. Vice President
further said that the unabated rise in the number of orphans and
children affected with AIDS calls for a stronger response and
a political will and commitment from the policymakers and the
government, donors, non-governmental organisations, religious
leaders, corporate sectors and various other organisations who
have a stake in securing the future of these children. He said
the consequences of the spread of the virus will be inexorable
and awesome. We all have to take an urgent note of this reality
and develop awareness about AIDS and spread the message of its
prevention.
Vice President inaugurated
the meeting by lighting the lamp. On this occasion, Mrs. Meenakshi
Datta Ghosh, Additional Secretary and Director, NACO also gave
a country perspective on the issue. Mr. Ros Monichoth, Khmer Buddhist
Association, Combodia; Ms. Jael Mararu, Speak for the Child Project,
Kenya and Mr. Musala Mallikharjuna, Young Speaker from Andhra
Pradesh shared their experiences regarding the impact of HIV/AIDS
on children.
