Experts from all over the globe will descend on Durban next week for the International Aids conference. One of them, Dr Partha Nandi, physician and host of StarSat’s medical lifestyle television programme Ask Dr Nandi, shares some of his thoughts on its expected outcomes with Kamcilla Pillay
The medical expert has a diverse background. Born in Calcutta India, he immigrated to the US as a child. At the age of 16, he completed his high school education in Columbus, Ohio, where he was awarded a full academic scholarship to The Ohio State University and University of Notre Dame. To remain closer to his family, he chose Ohio State.
Nandi then travelled to Detroit, Michigan to obtain his medical degree at Wayne State University.
He completed his gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He practises gastroenterology and is the author of several publications in peer-reviewed journals.
He is a national speaker, educating physicians on various topics within medicine.
Nandi has partnered with the Ministry of Health in Jamaica and India, and collaborated with The World Health Organisation.
“I hope that this year’s conference highlights the fact that HIV/Aids is a global public health issue and that much work remains to be done in the fight against it.”
Nandi explained that the theme of this year’s conference – “Access Equity Rights Now” – would address some of the key goals in HIV medicine, including: educating those infected and those at risk of infection so infection can be prevented or effective treatment can be given early; increasing HIV/Aids research for effective treatment and prevention; and fighting the stigma created by HIV/Aids, hence allowing effective prevention and treatment strategies of all of our global citizens stricken with this infection.
When asked about the stigma attached to the epidemic – as was illustrated by Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen’s recent revelation of his status – he said the stigma stemmed from a lack of knowledge about HIV and its transmission.
“I strongly feel that individuals with HIV/Aids are treated improperly and unfairly because there is a fear that casual contact can lead to infection, that they may become infected and die if they are in contact with an infected person.”
There are also issues surrounding the values that link HIV infected patients with immoral behaviour, he said.
“Education is the key to fighting such stigma. Reaching our world citizens with the facts regarding HIV transmission and disease treatment is the key.
“We also have to unite, globally, in fighting the negative perceptions regarding the HIV-infected individuals.
“Only then can we effectively eradicate this infection from our planet and stop the epidemic.”
Nandi said KwaZulu-Natal had suffered some of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world.
“I feel that this is again due to lack of awareness and education regarding the virus and its transmission, along with beliefs and values that associate HIV with moral values. As in other nations and regions throughout the world, we have to inform our worldwide citizens in safe methods of prevention and effective treatment.
“We have to continue to fight against false beliefs and myths regarding HIV/Aids.
“By advocating for our patients and their families, we can make real changes in the effective fight against this epidemic.”
* Ask Dr Nandi is broadcast on StarSat’s Star One channel from Monday to Friday at 5pm and the Sunday omnibus from 8am to 1pm.