Red Ribbon Express(RRE). Zindagi Jindabad Campaign in Gujarat

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

The major hurdles in the control of HIV and AIDS are poor awareness about the

ways of transmission and the strategies to prevent HIV  and AIDS; as

aggravated by the prevalent gender inequality.

Myths and misconceptions about the infection, stigma and discrimination towards

people living with HIV (PLHIV) and what have you, are still the other obstacles

in the ongoing pursuits for all the prevention/control, care, support and

treatment measures.

To meet these challenges, major campaigns have been carried out throughout

India, viz, Red Ribbon Express(RRE) , Red Ribbon Caravans Zindagi

Jindabad[through the Information, Education and Communication( IEC) vans] under

the National AIDS Â Control Programme(NACP) .

Due to the active support of all the stakeholders, the largest number of

participants in the entire country i.e. 6.65 lakhs people visited the Red Ribbon

Express(RRE) in Gujarat.

 

Subsequently through the Zindagi Zindabad campaign 3000 villages in 15 districts

of the state were covered during an intensive 100 “day-campaign through the

five IEC vans.

With the immense success of the response of the Red Ribbon Express and the

intensive district campaign for HIV awareness in Gujarat last year, activities

for the same have been chalked out this year also as an integral part of the

launch of ˜Zindagi Zindabad- a mid media campaign across the country this

year.

As per the initiatives of the GSACS and regular and sustained guidance from the

Project Director, GSACS( Dr. Amarjit Singh, IAS Principal Secretary and

Commissioner, Family Welfare and Commissioner, Health, Medical Services and

Medical Education) all the preparations have been ensured.

To ensure its success in Gujarat , district level organizing committees have

been formed under the chairpersonship of the District Development Officer(DDO) .

The committee consists of different stakeholders to facilitate a multi-sectoral

response.

The campaign scheduled from 1st September, 2009 to 31st March, 2010 will be

effectively carried out in Gujarat. District wise schedules have been prepared

accordingly. A total of five IEC vans will cover 6000 villages, 22 districts in

1000 work days (200 X 5 vans). 

The campaign comprises an exhibition, folk and video shows and interactive

sessions. Interpersonal Communication is the key approach to bring about

generation of awareness to facilitate behaviour change.

The Project Director,GSACS has directed all the stakeholders in the districts

also about the areas which need to be strengthened for further enhancement of

effectiveness of the campaign which are as follows:-

1.Pre-arrival announcement – two days before the arrival of the van.

2.Participation of the all Block/village level concerned functionaries.

3.Community mobilization during interactive sessions/shows especially with

active involvement of the other sectors like PRI, AWW, W & CD, Social welfare

etc.

4.Prompt repairs and maintenance of the vehicles and equipments.

5.Logistic -management of the troupes/communicato rs.

The expenditure for the same will from the funds released to DAPCU (District

AIDS Prevention & Control Unit)/SAPCU (Surat AIDS Prevention & Control Unit for

Surat city) for Intensive District Campaign (IDC). Funds from National Rural

Health Mission will also be used to strengthen the activities.

 

We all hope that the opportunity will be effectively utilized for creation of

greater awareness about HIV and AIDS amongst rural masses particularly the women

to strengthen the endeavours for containment of HIV and AIDS with active

involvement of the community .

 

The launch of the mobile vans to carry out the intensive district campaign in

Gujarat is scheduled at 6 PM on 31st August (Monday) at Circuit House

Annexe,Ahmedabad where Hon'ble Health Minister of Gujarat Sri Jay Narayanbhai

Vyas will flag the mobile vans off.

Best wishes,

Shwetanshu Dixit

E-MAIL: <shwetanshudixit@...