HIV Lessons for Covid-19

The Indian Express     27th May 2020     Save    
QEP Pocket Notes

Context: Fundamental principles utilised in response to HIV/AIDS must be replicated in dealing with the covid-19 health crisis. 

HIV/AIDS Lessons for Covid-19 

  • Marginalised and vulnerable focused strategy: by meeting the needs of access to information and services, respect for their bodily, social, and economic integrity.
  • Shaping inclusive and nurturing health systems and social environments: Centring on frontline personnel and those whose lives are turned chaotic by harsh measures such as lockdowns.
  • Collective and bottom-up approach: Considering marginalised and vulnerable as allies and empowered partner in a fight against covid-19. 
  • Strengthening them with reliable, relatable, destigmatising and evidence-based information and services, the rights to avail these, and a health and social system.
    • Matured health bureaucracy: greater engagement with patients to ensure patient centric policy and practices.
    • The Dominant role of an empowered and active community: demanding health related rights.
  • Failure of disease-centric response: as it failed to transform health systems more broadly.

Conclusion: Covid-19  crisis provides an opportune time to strengthen the public health and social security system by the humane and inclusive approaches for greater community health and the public good.

QEP Pocket Notes