HIV/AIDS in women and children in India

Abstract

Management of HIV in India has significantly improved with many international and local programmes supporting prevention and treatment. However, there are areas in India where women and children living with HIV endure a myriad of medical, psychological and social challenges. Women in rural poor areas in India have little control over important aspects of their life. Often, they have little decision‐making powers within their families on matters that affect them personally. They find themselves unable to negotiate to protect themselves from harm or risk of infection. Those who are known to have contracted HIV are reluctant to access health care for fear of discrimination and marginalization, leading to a disproportionate death rate in HIV women. India is arguably home to the largest number of orphans of the HIV epidemic. These children face an impenetrable barrier in many Indian societies and endure stigmatization. This situation encourages concealment of the disease and discourages children and their guardians from accessing available essential services. This article provides an overview of the relevant literature and presents an insight into a complex mix of issues that arise directly out of the HIV diagnosis, including the role of social attitudes in the spread of HIV, and in creating barriers to accessing care. The review identifies international programmes and local initiatives that have ensured better access to antiretroviral therapy and have led to prolonged survival and reduction in the vertical transmission of HIV in India.

HIV infection and hepatic enzymes abnormalities: A hospital based study among the HIV infected women of India

“…4 It is also estimated that the 2.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS in India, of which nearly 40% were women. 5 The dramatic increase of the HIV infection among the women is due to the biological vulnerabilities, poor socioeconomic states, and dominant sexual practice of males. The other cause of the HIV infection among the women is transmission of HIV infection from the male partners having risky sexual behavior during occupational migration.…”

“…The other cause of the HIV infection among the women is transmission of HIV infection from the male partners having risky sexual behavior during occupational migration. 5 …”

Women living with AIDS in rural Southern India: Perspectives on mental health and lay health care worker support

“…Though research thus far has indicated high HIV prevalence rates among sex workers, long distance truck drivers, men having sex with men, and injection drug users, married women are increasingly at high risk (Mothi, Lala, & Tappuni, 2016). The majority of new HIV cases in India – 87% – are a result of heterosexual contact (Mothi et al, 2016).…”

“…The majority of new HIV cases in India – 87% – are a result of heterosexual contact (Mothi et al, 2016). However, routes of transmission for heterosexual men and women are distinct.…”

“…However, routes of transmission for heterosexual men and women are distinct. While risky sexual behavior, such as having multiple partners is associated with HIV transmission in the adult male population, the majority of adult WLA in India contract the virus through one of two paths: having a monogamous sexual relationship with a husband who has engaged in unsafe sex outside of marriage, or engaging in sex work (Chakrapani, Newman, Shunmugam, & Dubrow, 2010; Mothi et al, 2016). …”