Re: 'Not again, - harassment among female IDUs who also involved in

[Guest guest]

Dear Chingsubam Bangkim / Colleagues,

Re: /message/9990

Thanks for providing the details about the Manipur IDU Sex workers

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is working on a comprehensive

strategy for HIV programming with the Central and State Police Forces across the

country. The strategy besides addressing vulnerability reduction of personnel

emphasizes proactive support by police to Government and NGO initiatives on HIV

prevention especially with most-at-risk populations, namely sex workers, Men

having Sex with Men and Injecting Drug Users.

An important element of this strategy is the designation of Nodal Officers for

NGO Coordination at the State and District level to " interface with civil

society on HIV prevention initiatives " .

This ensures long-term coordination between police and civil society in an

institutionalized manner for supporting communities with prevention, treatment,

care and support services and in achieving the targets of universal access.

As a part of this strategy, all states are designating Nodal Police Officers for

NGO Coordination. Almost all states have designated State level nodal officers,

though some are still in the process of designating district level nodal

officers.

The Ministry recognizes that " ....Formally designated focal points at the State

and district levels for civil society coordination can potentially facilitate

smooth functioning of non-governmental organizations working on different social

issues including HIV programming. "

Thus, this new structural intervention, will also contribute to enhance the

effectiveness of police in the implementation various social legislations

relating to women and children (e.g. Violence against women, child labour, anti

trafficking etc.).

As the initiative is new, and recognizing the frequent changes in personnel and

urgent law and order priorities, we expect the system to take root gradually. To

expedite the process of effective coordination, we urge civil societies to get

in touch with these nodal officers and engage them in their work.

We would like to request NGOs/ CBOs working on HIV prevention among most at risk

populations to seek assistance from these Nodal Police Officers in reaching out

more effectively to these populations.

The names and contact details of Nodal Police Officers for NGO Coordination at

State and district level is available on the NGO Gateway at

http://www.ngogateway.org/ngo/handle/1/884

In the instant case of Manipur, Mr Anant Prakash, Inspector General of Police

(Armed Police and Operations) is the State Nodal Officer for Manipur. His

contact details are 0385-2451093 Fax - 0385-2445025 Mob -+91-9862359060 e-mail

ap_annu@...

May I request you to please get in touch with him and I am sure he will assist

you and also take necessary action to facilitate effective HIV programming with

IDUs and Sex-workers.

It would also be useful to approach the Manipur State AIDS Control Society for

linking up these IDU sex workers with targeted intervention, to assist in

lowering their vulnerability to the risk of HIV infection.

We would be grateful for your assistance and feedback for enhancing the

effectiveness of this intervention by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Our contact

details are Sarita Jadav jadavs@... +91-11-41354545; Ranjan Dwivedi

dwivedir@... +91-9810505068)

With best regards,

Ranjan

Ranjan Dwivedi

Technical Advisor, UNAIDS

A2/35 Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, India-110029

Tel :+91-11-41354545 Ext 317

Fax :+91-11-41354534

e-mail: dwivedir@...

Web: www.unaids.org.in

www.ngogateway.org