A Big Thank You for Our DG, NACO, for her promises in supporting PWN+

[Guest guest]

Dear All

Voices of Positive Women, Responses from NACO

A Big Thank You for Our DG, NACO, for her promises in supporting PWN+

Women living with HIV AIDS from nine states in India gathered in Chennai for a

strategic planning workshop organized by Positive Women Network., the only

national network formed and working for the past 10 years with women living with

HIV AIDS. The key focus of the workshop was to revive the movement of women

living with HIV AIDS and get active in representing the issues of women and

children living with and affected by HIV AIDS from grassroots to national level.

On the third day of the workshop, we, the WLHA members came to know of the

National Project Directors Conference organized in Mahabalipuram, Chennai where

Project Directors of all states were present. Then PWN+ approached for an

appointment for meeting with Ms. Sujatha Rao, DG, NACO and other Project

Directors to share the concerns of women living with HIV, DG gladly agreed to

meet us on 16th July 2008, during the lunch time.

Three key concerns were expressed by Ms. Kousalya, President, PWN+;

1) NACO and SACS should provide Drop-in Centers which are women and children

friendly and support Positive Women Networks formed in 52 districts and 9

states;

2) NACO should actively involve women living with HIV AIDS from drafting to

implementation of GIPA and Gender Policy;

3) Special programs to address concerns widows and orphans should be implemented

at the earliest.

On listening to our requests and listening to the State level network leaders,

DG agreed to support PWN+ networks in 52 districts, DG, NACO and also directed

all state Project Directors to support the movement of women living with HIV in

each state and strengthen Positive Women Network (PWN+).

We, the members of PWN+ would like to say “THANK YOU, MAM” for gladly accepting

our requests and also promising to deliver our requests by the first week of

August. We also want to thank all Project Directors of SACS with the hope that

you will support the concerns of women living with HIV AIDS.

Looking forward for Promises to be delivered;

With thanks and regards

P. Kousalya

President, PWN+

e-mail: <poswonet@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear Kousalya and all PWN+ Group members.

Re: /message/9038

Congratulations for sharing your concerns with DG NACO and all the Project

Directors. This is the first step and then you moved making your concerns heard

and surely putting  in action would take place  soon.

 

I am sure you would be ensuring that the GIPA movement where you get involved

is, as active participants starting with policy to implementation.

Some of the important issues that need to be focussed are when women learn about

the HIV status at a ANC. There are several care and support issues including,

confidentiality in the health setting, disclosure, family support etc.

Similarly the ongoing support for follow-up cases of women at counselling

centres. A long list of such issues can be drawn. This would help in drafting

and implementing policy on GIPA and gender issues. Many of these were discussed

during the development of the NACP III documents .

 

My best wishes to you all.

 

Nita Mawar

Dr Nita Mawar, M.Sc. Ph.D.

Scientist /Deputy Director-Senior Grade  and HOD,

Social and Behavioural Research Division

National AIDS Research Institute (ICMR)

73-G,Bhosari Industrial Estate PB1895

Pune 411026

Ph. 91-020-27121072,27121342 fax 27121071

Mob. 919371069542

Email:nita.mawar@..., nmawar@...

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Re: /message/9054

Congratulations, PWN+ for your major breakthrough with NACO.

However, isnt it an irony that after so many years of recognising the critical

need to incorporate GIPA at all levels of decision making, programme planning &

implementation etc that our PLHA comrades are still compelled to 'seek',

'request' and 'be assured' in this manner?

Like many of you, I will be waiting for what next? The slogan 'keep the promise'

will go through the testing here.

 

Cheers,

 

Neichu Angami

E-MAIL: <neidzangami@...>