More men than women of course, but more women than earlier. In an effort to address this relatively new aspect of the epidemic, voluntary groups are working in collaboration with government to explore the possibilities of setting up needle-exchange centres in several parts of the country. In a radical departure from what has been the norm, most authorities are willing to try things that work without getting drawn into controversies. Non-judgmental, voluntary, anonymous, confidential, and counselling are the new buzzwords that sit with surprising comfort on the bureaucratic tongue. This has, without doubt, helped heal some of the traditional distrust that inevitably exists between activists and government.
Problems still remain though.
One is the absence of a policy that mandates informing infected people of their status and restricts the persistent disregard for patient confidentiality. Shantini holds an executive position in a corporation. She is married and is the mother of two small children. She is also HIV positive. Talking to her, it seems impossible to believe that this beautiful, articulate, and obviously intelligent woman should not know something that will affect her life so drastically.