The National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) has published a White Paper on Comprehensive Health-Related Services for Transgender (TG) Persons. This White Paper describes the requirement for comprehensive services for TG persons. It highlights their needs and reviews the experience of ongoing comprehensive services offered to the communities by different programs and partners. It also recommends the service delivery packages for TG persons as per the need.
Notably, the UNAIDS, Gap Report on Transgender Health, 2014 sheds light on the significant health disparities faced by transgender (TG) individuals in India. Some of the findings of the report are as follows:
High Burden of Disease
TG persons experience disproportionately high rates of mental health issues, sexual health problems, and reproductive health concerns.
HIV Risk
The report, citing UNAIDS data, reveals a concerning prevalence of HIV among transgender women, with an estimated 19% infected and a 49 times higher chance of acquiring it compared to the general population.
Social Exclusion
Many TG individuals are denied legal recognition of their affirmed gender, leading to difficulties obtaining identification documents and increased vulnerability to arrest in countries criminalizing gender expression.
Mental Health Impact
Transphobia, discrimination, and violence have a significant negative impact on the mental health of transgender people.
Economic Hardship
Social exclusion often pushes young TG women into sex work, further increasing their risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The White Paper calls for the development of a comprehensive package of services to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of transgender communities in India.
It has set forth the following objectives:
- Provide an overview of various strategies adopted by different partners in India
- Discuss the community demand in the current context
- Recommend the package of services delivery and approaches for transgender persons in India
This White Paper sheds light on the need to address the health disparities and social challenges faced by transgender individuals in India. By implementing the recommendations, healthcare access, social inclusion, and overall well-being can be significantly improved for this community.
