Draft NACO Gender Policy- Call for Feedback

[Guest guest]

Dear Members,

With the growing complexity of the HIV epidemic , there have been changes in

policy frameworks and approaches during various phases of NACP. The focus has

shifted from a national response focusing on prevention and raising awareness

under the Medium Term Plan (1990-92), NACP-I (1992-99) and NACP-II (1999-2006)

to a decentralized response with a focus on behaviour change and an increasing

engagement of NGOs and networks of people living with HIV/AIDS.

The third phase of the National AIDS Control Programme, NACP III (2007-2012)

aims to halt and reverse the epidemic in India over the next 5 years in line

with the commitment to MDGs, by integrating programmes for prevention, care,

support and treatment through the following strategies:

1. Prevention of new infections in high risk groups and general population

through: a. Saturation of coverage of high risk groups with targeted

interventions (TIs), and b. Scaled up interventions in the general population

2. Providing greater care, support and treatment to a larger number of people

living with HIV/AIDS.

3. Strengthening the infrastructure, systems and human resources in prevention,

care, support and treatment programmes at the district, state and national

levels and

4. Strengthening a nation-wide Strategic Information Management System

The guiding principles for NACP-III include the “Three Ones”, equity, legal,

ethical and human rights, PLHA and civil society participation. One of the

critical factors determining the effectiveness of NACP III is focus on gender

equity.

Towards this, with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),

India and United Nations Fund for Women (UNIFEM), South Asia Regional Office

Policy Guidelines on Gender and HIV have been drafted. The objective is to

provide a set of guidelines that will ensure that all activities carried out by

NACO are gender sensitive. Policy Guidelines on Gender and HIV is a short

document that includes rationale of looking at HIV from a gender lens. It

outlines certain guiding principles, implementation arrangements and a

checklist.

We are happy to share the draft policy guidelines with you and look forward to

receiving your feedback on the above document by 29th March, 2008.

[Editors note: You may access a copy of the document at the following url

/files/ ]

Mayank Agrawal

Joint Director (IEC)

National AIDS Control Organization,

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,

Government of India,

36, Janpath, 9th Floor, Chanralok Building,

New Delhi - 110001(INDIA)

Phone : +91-11-23731810, +91-11-43509914

Fax - +91-11-23731746

e-mail:mayanknaco@...