NGO faces flak for radical approach8217; in AIDS programme

AIZAWL, AUG 16: A Manipur-based NGO is facing resistance from several quarters including the Government for its radical approach' in AID...

AIZAWL, AUG 16: A Manipur-based NGO is facing resistance from several quarters including the Government for its radical approach8217; in AIDS prevention. The Society for HIV/AIDS and Lifeline Operations in Mizoram SHALOM, has recently extended its harm reduction policy and programme8217;, specifically aimed at drug users, to Mizoram after a successful run in Manipur.

The aim of the programme is to reduce the possibility of spreading HIV among intravenous drug users by educating them about the risk of getting infected through syringe needle exchange, Dr Vanlalruata of SHALOM said.

A noble aim indeed, but the hurdle is in its approach. The NGO at first teaches drug addicts safe techniques8217; to inject or consume drugs rather than pulling them out of the quagmire at the very beginning.

8220;While the harm reduction programme is not opposed to long term goal of abstinence, it is a fact that some people will not stop using drugs immediately because they are either unable to or are unwilling. So why not educate them in reducing harm while they are in the process of achieving total abstinence?8221; defends Dr Vanlalruata.

As part of the programme, SHALOM had issued a set of messages for drug users in which they were urged to stop drug abuse immediately. The guidelines indicated not using the syringe as a medium for taking drugs and if that was unavoidable, personal syringes or those cleaned with water and bleach were recommended.

At a recent workshop organised by SHALOM for women on AIDS harm reduction, the needle cleaning method was demonstrated by a Dr Nuama which entailed flushing the needle nine times under running water immediately after use. 8220;Alternatively, if the syringe is not cleaned immediately, then it should be flushed twice with water, and filled with full strength bleach and shaken for 30 seconds,8221; he said.

But the church and the Government are not buying the approach of SHALOM, said Dr Nuama as they do not approve of the organisation teaching drug-users ways of injecting drugs that would not expose them to the danger of AIDS.

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In Manipur, SHALOM had to cease its operations in March, 1997, after running for 19 months when it met with opposition from insurgent groups as well.

But last year, it re-launched its drive after several groups promised support. Dr Vanlalruata said that in Mizoram, it may still take some time before a consensus is reached between various quarters on the acceptability of the harm reduction policy.