OneWorld.net (U.S.)

HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Asia is understood to be a problem of the sex workers, migrant labourers and truck drivers while the rest of the population is considered to be comparatively safe. Now it's time to mainstream HIV/AIDS awareness among the population, pulling together all the resources available at our disposal. Besides, a strong political commitment and a holistic policy is required to tackle the problem emphatically - with its third issue on HIV/AIDS, Mainstreaming ICTs continues with its efforts to serve the needs of its readers. The rapid growth and innovation in new technologies has given us numerous options to strengthen our ongoing and future programmes to fight HIV/AIDS. The National AIDS Control Organisation of India is leading the government initiatives and is being supported by many other government departments. Several non-governmental organisations are actively engaged in this field and have made significant contribution by spreading awareness and fighting the social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. The private sector is not far behind and is working closely with the governments, NGOs, and UN agencies. The donor agencies have committed funding to the projects and programmes aimed at combating HIV/AIDS.