National Consultation on HIV Social Research Priorities in India

[Guest guest]

National Consultation on HIV Social Research Priorities in India

December 17-19, 2009, Mumbai

On 17th December 2009, Sh. K. Chandramouli, Secretary (AC) & DG, NACO will

deliver the Keynote Address and inaugurate the National Consultation on HIV

Social Research Priorities in India.

The National Consultation on HIV Social Research Priorities in India is part of

a Tata Institue of Social Sciences ( TISS) and Actionaid joint National HIV

social research initiative. The overall goal of this initiative is to

contribute towards an HIV response, which is broad based social theory driven,

empirically validated, based on the life experience of people infected affected

and vulnerable to HIV, applying social science theory and methods for

explaining, monitoring, tracking, and evaluation of HIV response in India.

Recent years have witnessed a rapid escalation of HIV response in India,

particularly in the area of resource allocation and deployment of human

resources. The national strategy has thus far been based on epidemiological

information. However, it has been felt, that there is a need for a greater

understanding of the social determinants and the social context which enhances

the vulnerability of individuals and communities to HIV infection.

Sporadic research on the social aspects of HIV is taking place in India; yet,

limited analysis on the social processes which affect the dynamics of the

HIV/AIDS epidemic has contributed to actual policy making.

Greater analysis and data is crucial for policy and program development.

Essentially, in the area of vulnerability of marginalized populations, equity,

rights and ethics and how it matters in the HIV response, the governance of HIV

response, issues related to access and barriers to survival and the overall

structure of the emerging response.

The National Consultation on HIV Social Research Priorities in India has been

designed to create a space `of dialogue that leads to a decision'. This

consultation will work under the assumptions that it is participatory and

inclusive and action and outcome oriented. We plan on the active participation

of all attendees to meet the following objectives:

To outline and discuss the role of social HIV research in India to date.

Share information on latest social HIV research conducted in India

Identify gaps in the social HIV research component areas

Collectively create a manifesto of India's social HIV research needs

(A consensus statement on HIV social research needs in India)

LOGISTICAL INFORMATION

Conference Venue:

Hotel Jewel of Chembur, Banquet Hall

1st Road, Opposite BMC Office

Near Natraj Cinema, Chembur (East)

Mumbai 400 071

+91 022- 6709 9999, +91 022 2527 5000

NHSRI Contact:

Ms. Karilyn Owen

Research Fellow/ Research Consultant

Ms. Sucharita Belavadi

Research Assistant

+91 98196 09757 +91 97695 52598

E-mail: nhsri@...

____________

Dr. Joe

Co-principal investigator (The principle external investigator)

NATIONAL HIV SOCIAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE

Tata Institute of Social Sciences,

V.N. Purav Marg, Deonar, Mumbai - 400 088

Telephone Nos. : 91-22-2556 3289-96

Fax : 91-22-2556 2912

e-mail: joe_thomas123@...