Tackling India's HIV epidemic

Editor—Although Potts and Walsh's article is a timely reminder of the issues at hand, the solutions provided are not evidence based and are indicative of patronising assumptions.¹ Indian policy makers should disregard the condescending recommendations put forward by the authors.

The article lacks empirical understanding of the sociocultural determinants and consequences of HIV infection in India, and the argument is fraught with conceptual poverty. Culturally insensitive recommendations expose the authors' ignorance about the complex social and cultural history of Hindus and Muslims in the subcontinent. Those who are familiar with the ground level, lived experience, or have access to large amounts of empirical data on the complexity of HIV infection in India would know that mathematical models might not be able precisely to predict the cultural and social complexity of risk and risk behaviours in India.

The focus of intervention should therefore be on people and communities that are vulnerable to HIV infection, and it should be evidence based. It should also be on enhancing access to care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, advocacy for increased use of generic antiretrovirals is essential, and India has the technical ability to produce generic antiretrovirals, which should be encouraged and legally protected from international trade bullying. Potts and Walsh do not present a compelling argument against facilitating treatment benefits to people living with HIV in India.