Gujarat state network of people living with HIV/AIDS (GSNP+)

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GUJARAT STATE NETWORK OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (GSNP+)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Formed in 6th February 2003, GSNP + is a

network of, for & by people living with HIV / AIDS with a vision of

improving the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS in

Gujarat. It is based in Surat and members drawn from all classes,

castes, creeds and religions. Women have significant representation

in the network and they take part in the decision making of the

organization.

CURRENT ISSUES: The most prominent issue facing PLWHA today in

Gujarat is the lack of safe space to come together & share & learn

from each other. Very few PLWHA have access to appropriate

information and education for issues around basic facts and the HIV

progression of the virus in the body, information concerning living

with HIV, access to treatment and protecting the rights of PLWHA.

GSNP + is community based non-profit organization formed of, by & for

people living with HIV / AIDS. The primary mission of GSNP + is to

improve the quality of life for PLWHA in Gujarat. The fundamental

principle guiding the work of GSNP + is the centrality of PLWHA in

decision making process that effect their lives. Consequently GSNP +

is organized & managed by PLWHA.

GSNP + aims to improve the quality of life for PLWHA in Gujarat by

providing opportunities for empowerment, taking control of issues

effecting their lives. Empowerment of PLWHA concern not only health

related issues but the protection of human rights, involvement in the

development of policy, non-discriminatory access to the legal &

health care system & the education of the wider community.

As well GSNP + aims to improve a voice for PLWHA at the local &

regional levels in order to facilitate systematic change in critical

areas such as care & support, access to treatment & addressing issues

of discrimination in society. Finally GSNP + aims to provide PLWHA

with a sense of community, politically empowered & growing in

strength of spirit.

PROJECTS: GSNP+ presently working on two projects proposed by

Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) & UNDP, New Delhi.

1)NEED ASSESSMENT STUDY FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV / AIDS.

(Objective-3)

Six different NGOs of Gujarat State have undertaken this project.

Around 1000 HIV+ people will be interviewed from all over Gujarat

state.

This project has been started from 1st of July 2003.

The Researchers of this project are also positive & they will take

interview of HIV+ people.

GSNP+, Surat is going to take interview of minimum 200 HIV+ people.

GSNP+, Surat has selected 4 sites in South Gujarat.

1.Surat,2 .Navsari,3. Valsad,4.Vapi

This project is for the period of three months only. (July-August-

September)

2) Enabling Environment Project for People Living With HIV/AIDS:

(Objective-4)

In this project we have to select 20 HIV+ people from the group of

HIV+ people, who can save at least 2000 Rs. In a year & after that

GSACS will add same amount in that account. The main aim of this

project is to prepare the HIV+ people to save money for their future

needs. So that they can use this money when they will be in the stage

of AIDS or it will help them to take treatment, ARV treatment etc.

This project is for the period of one year. ( April 2003 – March 2004)

The staff of this project is one Project officer, one Counselor & one

Accountant. & accept Project officer both the staff is HIV+.

The main idea was to provide counseling to positive people by

positive people. So that it can be very effective.

Mr. Umesh Patel

President GSNP+

318, 3rd Floor, Meghani Tower,

Cinema Road,

Near Delhi Gate,

Surat.

Ph.No.: (0261) 2454873

E-mail: gsnpplus@...