INP+ 9th AGM elects its office bearers

[Guest guest]

INP+ 9th AGM elects its office bearers And conduct various programmes

Chennai: The 9th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Indian Network

for People Living with HIV/AIDS (INP+) the largest body of PLHA in India was

held in Chennai on 27th. The AGM began with a candle lighting ceremony in

remembrance of the departed souls of fellow members and leaders of the network.

The AGM elected its following office bearers.

1. President : Mr. KK Abraham

2. Vice President : Ms. Jahnabi Goswami

3. General Secretary : Mr. P.V Ramesh

4. Joint Secretary : Ms. Udita Devi

4. Treasurer : Mr. Elango Ramachander

5. Executive Members : Mr. Manoj Pardheshi

: Mr. Boby Singh

: Mr. K.O ph

: Mr. Bridgesh Dubey

: Mr. Umesh Patel

: Ms. Naina Raut

In adjunct to the AGM five days long programmes were held to take

note of and strengthen strategies to address wide range of issues concerning

PLHA in India. Representatives of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) from

various states and revenue districts across the country camped in the city till

lstOctober to take part in the programmes.

On 28th Mr. Syed Afsar Mohamed, South Asia Regional Director of

International Labour Organisation (ILO) Mr. Ravi Subbiah Programme

Officer elaborated on work place issues revolving PLHA in India and means and

channels for advocating to ensure an enabled work place environment. Later Mr.

KK Abraham, president of INP+ led the PLHA representatives in understanding the

need to develop strategic advocacy plans to voice different issues at various

levels.

Over 350 PLHA rallied a march on 29th from Munroe Statue to state

Guest House in Chennai. Popular Tamil mini screen actor Mr. Shyam Ganesh flaged

off the rally at 4.30 pm. Rally was organised to invite attention from media,

public and the Government on issues faced by PLHA in accessing various services,

treatment, medicine and care and support.

The Rally aired the slogan " Access to PLHA a Dream or Reality " ?!. While the

claims of Government suggest a notion of comfortable provisions of medical care

and treatment, only 12000 PLHA in India are getting Anti Retro Viral treatment

and a deserving five lakh population are just left out to dream of their chance

to access.

Following days PLHA camp discussed on issues concerning expanding and

strengthening the PLHA networks and explored the ways and means in

making it possible to see the services, medicine, treatment, and care and

support available, accessible and affordable to all PLHA in India and ensuring

Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS in policy making and

programme implementations.

On 30th Dr. Sudhakar, National AIDS Control Programme Phase III

(NACP III) planning team member elaborated the process and progress of NACP III

planning. PLHA members gave their feedbacks and reflections of PLHA on NACP

III development.

INP+'s efforts in bringing People Living with HIV/AIDS to a platform

where they can break open their silence and face life positively has

resulted in helping many become agents of change. Large number of People Living

with HIV/AIDS started fighting back for themselves and their fellowmen at

hospital settings, community settings and work places making it possible for

evolution of an enabled environment around them.

Started in 1997 INP+ has spread its network across 18 states and 80

revenue districts making it possible for more than 13000 People Living with

HIV/AIDS to come together in solidarity, for peer support and giving a

strengthened voice to many otherwise unheard voices.

Mr. K K Abraham

President

Indian Network For People Living with HIV/AIDS (INP+)

Phone:044 24329580/81 Mobile: +91-9840066386

Fax: 044 24329582

Email: inpplus@...