Psychological, social and material needs of people on ART in India

[Guest guest]

The India HIV/AIDS Alliance (New Delhi) in collaboration with the

Resource Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS (RCSHA) conducted a

rapid situation assessment to explore the psychological, social and

material needs of people on ART (anti-retroviral therapy) in India

(Manipur and Andhra Pradesh states).

This study explored the challenges faced by people on ART and the

quality of existing services. Findings revealed that perceived and

actual stigma and discrimination at community level, including that

from public sector health care providers, were key barriers to

accessing care, treatment and support.

The report concludes that building HIV treatment friendly communities

requires building on existing community strengths and structures, as

well as working at multiple levels. At the household and individual

level, the report recommends comprehensive " treatment literacy "

programmes, psychosocial support to people on ART, and strong

outreach and skills building programmes for women and girls, as well

as families and carers.

At the community level, including health care centers and hospitals,

increased sensitisation is needed to reduce stigma and

discrimination. Strong partnerships between civil society,

educational institutes and private companies are also needed in order

to effectively engage with communities. The report also calls for

advocacy at national and state levels as well as with donors to

provide support for community engagement, ART roll out and free

universal access at the point of delivery.

The final report can be downloaded from the Alliance's website at

http://www.aidsalliance.org/sw35982.asp.

Dr. Sangeeta Kaul

Senior Programme Officer: Care and Support

India HIV/AIDS Alliance

Kushal House, Third Floor,

39 Nehru Place, New Delhi 110 019

India

Switchboard: +91-11-4163 3081 Ext. 125

Fax: +91-11-4163 3085

Email: skaul@...

Websites: www.aidsalliance.org; www.aidsmap.com