Saadhan Helpline: Mumbai. A Case Study

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Saadhan Helpline: HIV/AIDS Information and Counseling in Mumbai -

A Case Study

Description

As part of its Operation Lighthouse Project, Population Services

International (PSI) India has run a Saadhan Helpline for HIV/AIDS

prevention in Mumbai, India since December 2002. This case study

examines the context, history, experiences and plans for the future

of the project. It includes the results as of spring 2003, lessons

learned in the start up and implementation process, and

recommendations for replication.

The project included not only the telephone helpline itself, but also

custom-designed computer tracking software that serves as an HIV/AIDS

information and counseling resource for counselors, as well as

documenting information on callers and call content for monitoring

purposes. Organisers explain that information extracted from the

monthly reports can be used for developing HIV/AIDS prevention

interventions. Two PSI communication campaigns helped to promote the

helpline through advertisements on billboards, wall paintings, train

panels and as press inserts.

Rationale

PSI selected a helpline as a tool to exchange information about

HIV/AIDS because they say it is a low-cost, anonymous, and

confidential channel that offers personalised interaction with a

professional. This medium is especially helpful, they say, in that

the concept of talking freely to a doctor is not common in Mumbai,

especially about sex and HIV/AIDS. To compound information barriers,

people do not wish to be seen at places associated with HIV/AIDS due

to associated stigma.

PSI is interested in helping others replicate this HIV/AIDS helpline.

AHelpline Set-up Manual includes guidance on estimating helpline

demand as well as suggestions for recruitment and training of

counselor and management staff.

Source(s)

PSI India site

Contact Information

Population Services International (PSI)/Mumbai

2nd Floor, C Wing, Modern Mills Compound

Sane Guruji Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 11, India

Tel.: 011-91-22-2306-3187

Helpline tel.: 011-91-22-2389-4371

Fax: 011-91-22-2308-0702

e-mail:lighthouse@...

e-mail: schaganti@...

http://www.comminit.com/healthecomm/case-studies.php?showdetails=104