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There are an estimated 5.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in India, second among all the countries in the world next only to South Africa and 90% of the reported cases in our country occur in sexually active and economically productive age group of 15-49 years and hence HIV/AIDS is not just a public health problem but a developmental issue with far-reaching social, economic and political implications. This was stated by the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss in New Delhi yesterday at the launching ceremony of an oral suspension for treating children infected with HIV/AIDS. The drop has been manufactured by a private pharmaceutical company.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ramadoss said that the Government is providing anti-retroviral therapy to people living with HIV/AIDS free of charge since 1st April, 2004 and till date, more than 5000 people living with HIV/AIDS have been treated through Government hospitals supported by National AIDS Control Organisation.
The former President of Zambia, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, who formally launched the product appealed to the International community to join hands to fight the dreaded disease that was claiming increasing number of lives every year.
EK/MK.
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