Sonia prescribes…

Calling AIDS an issue that dominates headlines across the world, Sonia expressed the UPA Government’s resolve to fight the disease. ‘‘On assuming office a little over 50 days back, the new government drew pointed attention to the need for strengthening our effort to fight AIDS. This will be accomplished through a variety of means including increased funding, greater involvement of NGOs, more widespread education and better health facilities,’’ she said.

Sonia added: ‘‘ We talk about strategies, programmes, thrusts and priorities. But let us not forget that ultimately we are talking of men, women and children, almost invariably from disadvantaged and deprived sections, whose sufferings have to be felt and handled very sensitively.’’

Her five-point strategy to fight AIDS included the need to target stigma and discrimination, greater insight and social commitment, gender equality in the fight against the disease, sensitive and effective public health system and the need to spread awareness. Highlighting the achievements of the country in the field, the Congress leader expressed happiness at the fact that some Indian companies have gained global recognition for developing generic drugs.

Acknowledging the role of NGOs in the fight, she said: ‘‘As a head of an NGO — Rajiv Gandhi Foundation — which has been active in mobile counselling and testing, it’s a matter of some personal satisfaction that UNAIDS has included this mobile clinic programme in its toolkit of local responses to HIV/AIDS as one of the best global practices.’’ Expressing a sense of honour for having shared the occasion with ‘‘the living legend’’ — South African leader Dr Nelson Mandela, Sonia said: ‘‘The strength of your convictions, the passion of your beliefs and the intensity of your commitments have been a beacon to all of us.’’ After the ceremony, Sonia went to meet Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra.