AIDS in Tibetan society

His Holiness at the 46th founding anniversary of the TCV (Photo: Sangjey Kep)

Dharamshala: Speaking at the 46th founding anniversary of the Tibetan Children’s Village here, earlier in October, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke strongly on the need to contain the spread of AIDS in Tibet. Coining the word Reg-thug-gi-nai, instead of Sinbu-truk-pai-nai , for AIDS, His Holiness exhorted people to show love and compassion towards the AIDS patients, and urged those infected with HIV to avail medical-help and not to hide behind the veneer of shame and guilt.

"AIDS is not a crime, nor are those infected with HIV criminals. The Tibetan society needs to reform its attitude," a top Tibetan health official responded, when asked if we Tibetans still view AIDS as an alien disease, rather than a clear and present reality, as occasional news stories on the prevalence of AIDS in the exile community continue to raise heckles in various quarters.

A file photo of Mr. Tenpa C. Samkhar addressing a conference

For instance, after a recent news article in a Tibetan newspaper, Bod-Kyi-Dus-Bab, quoted the district AIDS project officer as claiming that out of all tests conducted in the zonal hospital of the town, as many as 14 local Tibetans, in addition to two from other districts, have tested HIV positive. The officer further claimed that 85% of the patients have acquired the infection through unsafe intercourse.

"People need to be more loving and compassionate towards the HIV/AIDS patients." At present, the social stigma, which views this medical condition as a scourge on humanity, is the biggest challenge before our efforts to encourage the AIDS patients to come forward, so that we could not only contain the infection, but also help the patients in leading a quality life for a longer span, the secretary of Health Department of the Central Tibetan Administration, Tenpa C. Samkhar, said in an interview to the official English bimonthly, Tibetan Bulletin. [Excerpts from the interview will soon be posted on TibetNet.]

It is also learned that this year, out of a group of about 60 Tibetans, who had to obtain medical clearance before making a foreign visit through official channels, two had tested HIV positive.

The health secretary also noted that the Tibetan media must also act responsibly, for there is a fine line between creating mass awareness and mass phobia. While at one hand, media must assume the responsibility of promoting mass awareness on AIDS, it should not sensationalize or exaggerate the issue to such an extent that it creates consternation among the general populace.

Mr Samkhar however quickly added a rider to his comments, saying that his views were not criticisms, but rather constructive suggestions, in a spirit of collective responsibility.

Since the launch of AIDS programme, the Department has been through numerous initiatives ranging from creating awareness to treatment assistance through its wide network of 8 hospitals and 40-odd health centres spread across India and Nepal. Some years ago, the Department has also produced a short film on AIDS, Sangpo.

However, when it comes to combating the spread of AIDS in Tibet, the Department finds itself in a tight spot. Even though statistics on the prevalence of AIDS in Tibet is not available, the assumption is, AIDS is already widespread, given the massive influx of Chinese migrant workers, particularly those hailing from the regions where AIDS is highly prevalent, in addition to the rising number of prostitutes, due to a booming sex industry, further exacerbated by lack of mass awareness about AIDS.

Although there is evidence to suggest that some form of awareness activities, like distribution of brochures, are being carried out in Tibet, especially by the NGOs, the authorities need to do far more, given the gravity of the problem, Mr. Samkhar noted.

"The brunt of the onus no doubt falls squarely on the Chinese authorities. They must also be aware that AIDS does not discriminate between a Tibetan and a Chinese."

Moreover, Mr. Samkhar also pointed out that at present, AIDS is not a top priority for the Health Department, as the most common diseases in the exile community are hypertension, (lung) TB and cancer (particularly gastro-intestinal).

  (www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.)

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