*EPF208 12/14/2004
Transcript: U.S. Confirms Its Support for India's Fight Against HIV/AIDS
(Agencies working with Indian organizations) (360)

The United States is confirming its support of India in that country's response to the challenge of HIV/AIDS. A statement released December 14 said various U.S. agencies are working with Indian governmental and nongovernmental organizations, citing specific efforts in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

Following is the text of the State Department statement.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
December 14, 2004

MEDIA NOTE

United States Supports India's Fight Against HIV/AIDS

As part of our broad and growing relationship, the United States is committed to supporting the people and Government of India in their national response to the challenge of combating HIV/AIDS.

Through President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the United States has contributed over $20 million in 2004 to support India's fight against HIV/AIDS. As part of the Emergency Plan, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and other U.S. agencies are working with the Government of India and with non-governmental organizations to share knowledge, research and resources. India and the U.S. have been partners in biomedical research and combating diseases for over 35 years.

In Tamil Nadu state in southern India, the U.S. has joined forces with the Indian Network of Positive People and the Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine to convert one wing of the hospital into India's first Family Counseling Center, providing clients and their families with pre- and post-test counseling that focuses on HIV transmission, disease progression, treatment options, health management, nutrition, and risk management. The U.S. is also working with Pathway in pioneering a comprehensive, community-based approach to improve the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Pathway provides its clients and their families health care and services that are close to home. This includes teaching skills in providing home-based care to lessen the burden on the established health care system.

The United States is committed to combating HIV/AIDS, the greatest health crisis of our time, and to bring new hope to those suffering with HIV/AIDS.

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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