(a) whether the theme of year 2000 World AIDS Day Campaign of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UN AIDS) is `AIDS men make a difference`;
(b) if so, the reasons for the focus being on men; and
(c) the steps taken to end or reduce to a greater extent the gender discrimination?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI N.T. SHANMUGAM)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) It has been felt that actively engaging men as partners in the efforts against spread of HIV/AIDS is the surest way to change course of the epidemic because men`s behaviour currently contributes substantially to the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS and also puts them on the front line of risk.
(c) Though the focus is on bringing about behavioural change in the men, the strategy through the World AIDS Campaign will be to promote understanding of the ways in which gender stereotypes and expectations affect women and men, and support work to enhance gender equality and equity.