Indian Prime Minister Meets with Coalition for AIDS Treatment Access (CATA); Assures Action on HIV/AIDS Treatment

A delegation from India's Coalition of AIDS Treatment Access (CATA), a diverse group of civil society partners who engage the collective advocacy interests of all the participating members towards better HIV/AIDS treatment, efficient treatment facilities and efficacy in treatment provision for people living with HIV/AIDS throughout India, met on Friday with Dr. Manmohan Singh, the honourable Prime Minister of India, at the 7 Race Course Road residences. The CATA delegation, led by Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, Asia Pacific Bureau Chief, for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and the President of India Cares, pressed the Prime Minister to help improve access to medical care and treatment for HIV and AIDS, including increasing access to both first and second-line lifesaving antiretroviral treatments in India.

During the meeting with CATA representatives, Prime Minister Singh said, "We are taking the issue of treatment for HIV/AIDS patients as a priority, and the provision of second-line treatment will be gradually extended to cover all those in need throughout the country."