The Bengal Network of Positives (BNP+) is born

[Guest guest]

26th August,2004.

Positive groups all over Bengal on one platform…The Bengal Network

of Positives is born

Some 72 members from En-joy (Howrah), 331 members from En-joy

(Kolkata) and 750 members from Kolkata Network of Positives (All

three being affiliated Network of Positive people of W. Bengal)

came forward to formally announce the setting up of a common

platform for the PLWHAs in West Bengal, BNP+ (The Bengal Network of

Positives).

The event took off in the presence and with the support of Mr.

K.K.Abraham the president of INP+ and Mr. Suresh Kumar Project

Director, West Bengal State AIDS Prevention and Control Society.

Mr. Tarit Chakraborty was formally elected as the President of this

newly formed network with 7 elected board members. Mr. Tarit spoke

about the need for positives to develop as a pressure group through

such networking for advocacy, promoting increased access to HIV/AIDS

care and treatment, combating stigma and discrimination and

promoting the greater and more meaningful involvement of people

living with HIV/AIDS in the decisions that affect their lives and

the lives of their communities.

Mr. K K Abraham spoke about the tremendous need for Capacity

Building of these positive networks so that the positive people make

meaningful contribution to HIV/AIDS response, by providing

resources, information and empowerment. INP+ committed of taking up

the responsibility of training and organizing of this network and

also announced the formal invitation of the members of BNP+ to the

regional meet of positives being arranged by INP+ at Hyderabad.

He further went on to announce the GIPA Workshop being held by INP+

at Kolkata in the month of January,2005.

Mr, Suresh Kumar, Project Director,WBSAPCS talked about the need for

developing this network, the formation of which was long overdue for

the simple reason of networking leading to enhanced reachability, as

a group for strong advocates who ensure visibility, inclusion and

access rights for the positive people.

Menka Jha

NGO Advisor

WBSACS