Uttar Pradesh’s First HIV+ Network Formed

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Uttar Pradesh's First HIV+ Network Formed- Managed & owned by HIV+ people only

Uttar Pradesh finally caught up with the developments that were happening in

other states w.r.t. ideal HIV+ network. In recent past a few initiatives have

been taken but these initiatives always had HIV- people holding the key

positions.

But this is the first network where none of the people are HIV-. It is not even

remote controlled by any HIV- person.

The network got registered itself on April 07, 2005 in the name of " UPWPLHAS "

and is affiliated with INP+.

The president of this network is Mr. Nares. There are 15 people actively working

within this network and has a potential to tie up with 500 HIV+ people and their

families within a year. During the registration it was initially proposed to be

named UPNP+, in tune with the rest of the states.

In UP the word network could not be used if it is registered under societies

registration act.

At present it is felt that around ten fellowships (plus a lump sum for medical

expenses & travel) would facilitate the network's reach out initiative to

organize other HIV+ people in the state and link them with existing services and

also provide a much-needed

space for themselves. It was a very difficult decision for them seeing the

feudal & closed nature of UP's society and lots of challenges to be faced in

future.

Please join me in not only congratulating the members of the network but also in

various finding ways and means to support them.

For further information please feels free to contact myself (Suman Jana) for the

time being, till the network has its own facilities (by a month)- Email -

sumanjana@...

Phone - 09335277257

(The network has authorized me to post this message in the net)

Suman Jana

e-MAIL: <suman_jana@...>