Positive Prevention Campaign launched in Nagpur by YMCA

[Guest guest]

December 2, 2007

Lakshya HIV Campaign launched in Nagpur

Lakshya HIV Campaign' - a new initiative for Nagpur was launched on 1st December

2007 at Centre Point Hotel by the YMCA. The program is based on the concept

“Positive Preventionâ€. The Lakshya HIV Campaign described the response to

the epidemic in Nagpur as 'woefully inadequate'.

The Lakshya HIV Campaign aims to increase the self-esteem, confidence and

ability of HIV positive people to protect their own health and to avoid passing

on the infection to others. It needs to be implemented within an ethical

framework that respects the rights and needs of people living with HIV to enjoy

sexual relationships, have reproductive choices and live a full and healthy

life.

The Lakshya HIV Campaign' is calling on the people to show ever-stronger

commitment and take a lead in fighting the epidemic .It will be implemented in

the 13 talukas of Nagpur district and parts of Vidarbha. P. Fernandes,

Chair of the Lakshya HIV Campaign said, " The Lakshya HIV Campaign, through its

components will work to make sure that the courage of people living with HIV,

across the district is matched by action from people from society " .

F. Borges, Program Manager for the campaign presented an overview of the

program. He further said, " I regard this as one of the vital campaign in Nagpur.

Six of the eleven districts of Vidarbha are graded “A†in the classification

by NACO. We either all pull our weight to fight HIV together or we face the

consequence of the epidemicâ€.

Dr. Vandana Bhatia, Care & Support Specialist, Avert Society commended the

efforts of YMCA various NGOs in the city who are working for the cause. She said

that the role of people living with HIV is vital to fight the epidemic. Dr. E.

Mohammed Rafique from UNAIDS Office, New Delhi also stated that the GIPA

(Greater Involvement of People living with HIV) principle adopted by India

should be implemented at each level of the program.

Earlier, in the day, Dr. E. Mohammed Rafiqe and Rituu B. Nanda conducted a

regional workshop on United Nation's SOLUTION EXCHANGE initiative, for the AIDS

Community of Practice in India. 60 participants from various parts of Vidarbha

participated in the workshop which focused on issues and challenges facing the

successful achievement of the National AIDS Control Program objectives, with

respect to preventing new HIV infections; assuring quality treatment and care of

persons living with HIV; and mitigating the impact of HIV on individuals,

communities and the country as a whole.

The program was also attended by Rev. Sharad Sontakkey, President, Wg. Cdr.

Ashok Waghmare, Vice President and Mr. Prakash Bhandarkar, Hon. Treasurer of the

YMCA. Mr. Vijay Dhulla, Finance Manager and several representatives from various

NGOs took part in the program.

Regards,

F. Borges

Programme Manager, HIV/AIDS

The Young Men’s Christian Association, (YMCA)

140, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nagpur – 440 001, Maharashtra – INDIA

Phone: +91-712-2524 834, 2548 789, 2540 024; Mobile: +91-9923414559

E-mail: peter.borges@...; Skype: peterfloriano;

Website: http://www.ymcanagpur.org