Invitation: Launch of Alliance for AIDS Action at Hyderabad

[Guest guest]

Dear Sir / Madam,

Greetings from International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Andhra Pradesh

We are an International organisation working with 75,000 key populations (KP) such as female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDUs) and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs), in partnership with 36 NGOs across Telangana and Rayalseema, for the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Andhra Pradesh. The International HIV/AIDS Alliance has now started transforming its project offices into Independent organizations – adding to its vision – to create a network of sustainable, indigenous, independent organizations. In recent years it has become evident that the Alliance was opening new offices faster than transforming existing ones into independent organizations, and an essential component of the new Strategic Framework for 2005 – 2007 reasserts the importance of the original vision. This involves transforming current country offices into Linking Organizations.

For 2007, the Alliance decided to "fast track" this transition in two-to-three countries. It has now been well established that AP operation is in one of the strongest positions to be among the first Alliance Country Offices to become an independent LO owing to its stable programme, a strong and confident team, and donor confidence. It has evolved to become the Alliance for AIDS Action (AAA). This means that the governance and administration of the Alliance Andhra Pradesh has become more autonomous, while staying firmly within the Alliance. The vision of AAA is of a healthy society where people do not die of AIDS.

We are launching our Andhra Pradesh office into an independent organization on 2 April 2008 at Ravindra Bharathi, Saifabad, Hyderabad. On behalf of the Entire Alliance family, I extend a warm invitation to you to participate in the event. The Honorable State Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Mr.Sambani Chandrasekhar will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Since the beginning of our operations in Andhra Pradesh, one of the highest HIV prevalence states of India, our project has achieved significant success in community response and coverage due to the close integration between primary prevention and community based care and support. The projects have consciously encouraged the community to articulate its priorities, be assertive and lead in programme design and management-embodying the community centered rights based approach. This has led to rapid scale up, community mobilization and utilization of project services.

The Alliance vision of a world in which people do not die of AIDS is truly reflected in its three projects in Andhra Pradesh.

Avahan (India AIDS Initiative)

The prevention programme targeted at Key Population (KP) groups, such as Female sex workers, Men who have sex with men (MSM), People living with HIV & AIDS (PLHIV) and Injecting Drug Users (IDUs), is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Alliance, AP, is currently working with 36 (13 new) implementing NGOs across 141 sites in 14 districts spread across Rayalseema and Telengana sub region of the State. With 29% increase in coverage of Key Population from 56,942 in 2006 to 73670 in 2007, the program so far has covered 42,663 sex workers 24,079 MSM, 657 IDU and 7,521 People living with HIV and AIDS ( PLHIV).

The program also treated 54,132 episodes of STI (an increase of 78% over cumulative of 2006) and distributed 12,033,314 condoms (an increase of 16% in 2007) through 94 community based clinics, 70 CBOs and 103 drop-in centers. A state level sex workers network and three district level organizations of sex workers, MSM and PLHA have also been strengthened during the reporting period.

Alliance developed a new strategy to address the challenges faced by key populations in advocating against police harassment, stigma, discrimination and access to social services. The Core Advocacy Group concept is a model for involving community members at all levels, building their skills and empowering them to take action, with key population leadership at the core.

Alliance also uses innovative methods like Magnet Theatre and Shadow teams to raise the awareness among community members about their rights and creating an enabling environment to access the services.

START AP Project

This is an innovative project in partnership with APSACS and District hospital at Karimnagar for providing quality ART services to Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs).To achieve this, District ART Center at Karimnagar has been relocated and renovated to make it more accessible, comfortable and friendly for PLHIVs. A part time pathologist, community liaison person and other support staff have been appointed. A new drop in center has also been opened for the community member's visiting the ART centre

Now, a referral system is being established in partnership with APSACS to ensure treatment compliance and reduce dropouts. The project aims to link existing prevention program in the district with treatment services, support and coordinate community mobilization of marginalized populations and general populations to ART services.

CHAHA Project

India HIV/ AIDS Alliance is one of the Principal recipients of the HIV/AIDS component India Round 6 of Global Fund along with National AIDS Control Organization and Population Foundation of India (PFI). This programme is implemented all over the country under the name, "CHAHA". The CHAHA Project focuses on children & women who need access to treatment, care & support services. It also looks at comprehensive care & support services for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDs.

The Core service delivery areas of the CHAHA Project are

• Providing care and support services for children living with HIV/AIDS & those affected by HIV, incl. orphans & vulnerable children.

• Creating a supportive environment: Stigma reduction in different setting

• Developing information systems & conducting operational research

The Project was initiated in July 2007 in Warangal, Karimnagar and Khammam Districts through LODI, Reach and Jagruthi respectively, the implementing NGOs (iNGOs). The Project has so far reached to 145 children.

We look forward to your participation in this significant event with great anticipation as it will help us reach closer to our vision of an India where the disadvantaged, discriminated and excluded are supported and enabled to grow up playing an active and positive role within family, community and nation. Your support will go a long way in ensuring that every single human being in India lives a life of dignity.

The agenda for the AAA Launch is as under:

Agenda for the AAA launch on 2 April 2008, Venue: Ravindra Bharati, Hyderabad

Time

Programme

Person responsible

1400 – 1430 hrs

Cultural programme by the community members

M. Kishore

1430 – 1440 hrs

Distribution of Red Ribbons / Badges

Rama Siddella

1440 – 1450 hrs

Welcome address

Prabhakhar Varma

1450 – 1500 hrs

Overview of International HIV/AIDS Alliance

Alvaro Bermejo

1500 – 1510 hrs

Lighting of the Lamp by Sri.Sambhani Chandrasekhar, Hon'ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

1510 – 1520 hrs

Alliance in India – Country & Local Context

Fiona Barr

1520 – 1530 hrs

Emergence of Linking Organization

Orr

1530 – 1540 hrs

Unveiling of Alliance historical document "Sustaining Community Action" by the Chief Guest

Hon'ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

1540 – 1600 hrs

Address by the Chief Guest

Hon'ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

1610 – 1620 hrs

Curtain raiser –A Short film on AAA and its work

Nagendra Varada

1620 – 1630 hrs

Address to the audience

Project Director, APSACS

1630 – 1640 hrs

Address by the AAA Board President

Dr. C.S.Rangachari

1640 – 1650 hrs

Launching the AAA Website

Alvaro Bermejo

1650 – 1700 hrs

Vote of thanks

M. Sumitra

1700 hrs

Cultural programme (SKIT) by community members followed by High Tea

M.Kishore

This is for your kind information.

Thanks and regards

P Prabhakar Varma

Executive Director

Alliance for AIDS Action

Sarovar Center

5-9-22, Secretariat Road

Hyderabad 500 063, Andhra Pradesh

India Switchboard: +91-40- 66781161, 66686261, 23231356, 23231357 Extn. 134

Fax: +91 40 66686262