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1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

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The Secretary also pointed out that this disease is communicated through sex<br />

unlike small pox, which can be contacted through touch, sharing of physical<br />

items and through air. Furthermore, HIV can be prevented with the use of<br />

condoms, which can be availed from any medical center in any part of the<br />

country. To further benefit the general public and in particular those living in<br />

the urban areas, condoms would be made available in the shops from the 9 th<br />

Five Year Plan period onwards.<br />

The Dzongdas of Samtse and Punakha said that death is natural once people are<br />

born. Whether one is infected with the deadly disease HIV/AIDS or not, it is<br />

only a matter of time that the body and soul will be separated by death.<br />

All the members know very well that the varying fortunes in life are results of<br />

the merit of previous lives. The disease HIV/AIDS is not communicated<br />

through mere touch, sharing and exchange of things, food etc. It is a karmic<br />

fruition of one’s actions. If the identity of those who have been infected as a<br />

result of obstacles to one’s life and luck is revealed, it would only cause them<br />

great misery and shame. It would be better if the present practice of the Health<br />

Department were continued unchanged. Otherwise it would not only be against<br />

the convention and norm of the world but would also be a violation of human<br />

rights. Moreover, it could also disrupt filial as well as marital relationships.<br />

The Chimis of Wangdue Phodrang and Chukha expressed the great concern of<br />

the people that AIDS has reached Bhutan. Nonetheless, ‘while good luck may<br />

have been lost in drey, it has not been lost in phue’. Her Majesty the Queen,<br />

Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck and the health staff led by the Health and<br />

Education Minister makes so many efforts to ensure that the people become<br />

aware of the disease and take every preventive measure. The Chimis said that<br />

the people express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for this. The<br />

practice of maintaining the confidentiality of the identity of infected persons<br />

should be continued. However, in order to prevent the spread of the disease,<br />

153

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