Re: Time to address stigma faced by PLHIV from PLHIV!

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

Re: /message/11086

Many of the networks of PLHA were formed not for the common goal of PLHA. Merely

for obtaining grant and 4 salaries. The fighting between these groups are for

the fund not for the common goal of the PLHA

 

Even some of the Govt officials (SACS & NACO) also work tandem with some of the

PLHA  groups in order to protect their personal gain (gain of the official) and

not for PLHA.

 

Naco may be more concentrate on the Interest of the Women PLHA than male

 

There is a social stigma among  Women PLHA -

 

1.Sex workers

 

2.Non sex workers

 

The culture and back ground of Non Sex workers ( Widower from poor family) are

different from Sex Workers

 

Sex workers canot address their emotion, social stigma and Economical problems

 

Naco has done a wonderful job to reduce the HIV stigma among General Public

 

But the stigma towards Sex workers is still there. We need Ms.Vasavadatha and

Ms. Magdalene for that Job.

 

The new (Vasavadatha or Magdalene) job to legalise sex work and also the

need of the sex workers in a society.

 

Hence we need Socaial NGO's who are ready to work without NACO Grant and may

utilise the fund of  REGP (Rural employment Gurantee Program) or similar fund to

protect the interest of Non sex workers

 

I hope I convey my message in good health

 

Regards

 

 

Ajith Kumar M

Mobile +91-9447168748

e-mail: <ajith_karamana@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends in Forum,

Re: /message/11086 

we all acknowledge the contribution of every one to mitigate the impact of

HIV/aids on the lives of many of our fellow country people.

As a person working with the HIV/aids sector for the past 9 months one cannot

deny the fact that what Ajay raising vital concerns to address is just an

another mail to read and forget.

 

networks at all level should see the depth of this problem/issue as an

opportunity to scale up or to look into the Organisation Development point of

view and timely and effectively address those concerns including what Ajay had

raised.

If not so..we will still keep running as its now and may be we may not know when

the balloon with burst if over filled with Gas that would actually sustain it

alive...

 

keep thinking Friends and let us look for a team work that limits such issues to

arise and brings fruit fullness and multiplication of our efforts positively for

PLHIVs

 

Regards

.w. Immanuel

+91 - 8056006028

e-mail: <msw_joshua1980@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Re: /message/11086

Mr. Ajay has raised some important concerns regarding the PLHIV

movement in India, relating it to GIPA. I too would like to place my

suggestions in the forum to NACO, SACS, PLHIV Networks and Development

Agencies.

By highlighting this, I would not give a clean chit to other

NGOs responding to HIV also. I hope all reading this, will take these

in right spirit.

(I say this, because I received some abusive emails last time I wrote the forum

about developments at Nagpur Network ofPositive People)

PLHIV networks need to unite for the cause. I have noticed that a lot

of new PLHIV networks are formed. Most of these networks are formed

out of rebellion.`

I could cite an example, where in Nagpur, apart from the main network formed and

affiliated to INP+, there are more than 5 registered PLHIV networks in the

district, with 4 of them based in Nagpur city.

I really do not know whether this really helps the PLHIV community, but my

interaction with PLHIV suggest that there is a lot of confusion as to who really

cares for their interests among these

networks.

Unfortunately, the sad part of the networks in Nagpur is that none get

along with each other. I do recollect the incidents years back, how

the PLHIV network members, physically assaulted each other, leading

even to complaints at Police station.

It has been noticed that PLHIV leading the networks, whose capacity

get built by various agencies through programs, do not really pass on

the skills/knowledge to the others in the network.

Most of the members remain ignorant of what is really happening at the network.

Further, those who initiate the network, would like to stick on for years and

there is no change in leadership.

I think, national leaders of the networks should make efforts to

sought out differences, unite the rebel networks to one fold. This

will help to advocate for the needs of PLHIV with united voice and I

am sure, this be effective.

Lastly, I would propose that an award be initiated by NACO to the

networks which have been very effective to encourage the hard work of

committed PLHIV leaders.

Regards,

F. Borges

Email: peter.borges@...

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

Re: /message/11086

It is important to address the issues faced by PLHAS and networks and

differentiate these from just stigma and address each issue separately and

comprehensively.

I am working in the field of HIV for the last 18years and had opportunities to

discuss issues of PLHAS from almost all states . I had opertunites to see this

from various angles too-- as a service provider, philanthropist, program manger,

external reviewer,friend, counselor ... etc

The issues raised by Mr Ajay is much more complicated than that of mere stigma

and discrimination. The dynamics between PLHAs in community, in service outlets,

in networks, in organizations, in family are worth studying and I hope some

social scientists will take up theses for detailed study.

Let me try to highlight few important areas of concern:

1 PLHAS are not a homogeneous group except for their HIV status and the stigma

and discrimination they face.

2 very few of them are visionaries or leaders--just like in any other

groups.

3 They get very little leadership training.

4 Many of them join and take up Net work not by choice but because of many other

compulsions including the monitory benefit -- the only job many of them can

aspire for is position in the network.

5 Some individuals work in the field of HIV make use of PLHAs . This

includes Individuals, networks, FBOs, government officials etc many of the time

with good intentions and unknowingly. The rivalry between groups and individuals

outside also sometimes reflects inside the networks.

6 We unfortunately could empower very few networks and leaders who are

empowered to understand GIPA and apply it appropriately.Many a time GIPA ends

up as " His masters voice " .

7 There exists stigma and discrimination between different groups of PLHAS just

liike any other groups-- stigma and discrimination is not just an issue of HIV

only it existed before HIV also---this is more visible against CSWs, women,

transgenders, MSMs etc depending on the dynamics of the group.

8 Rivalry and jealousy between groups and individuals do exists in PLHAS also

just like that exists among doctors,NGOs, CBOs, media, officials etc We cannot

expect only PLHAS be above all these.

How can we help them to solve these issues?

Let us try to empower PLHAS and their leaders to integrate with the society, let

us help them to mold great leaders . Also let us empower them to dream

understand and fight for their needs.

I understand INP plus and other networks are aware of the situation and are

developing strategies to address this.

I wish them good luck.

Dr Ajithkumar.K

--

Dr Ajithkumar.K

Asst Professor In Dermatology and Venereology

Medical college Chest Hospital

MG Kav,Trichur, Kerala ,India

Ph 04872333322 (res)

9447226012

e-mail: <ajisudha@...>