INP+ celebrates its 13th Anniversary

[Guest guest]

 

On May 6, 2010, the Indian Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS (INP+)

celebrated its 13th anniversary.

Since inception - in 1997 in Chennai by a group of 12 PLHIV - INP+ has grown to

become one of Asia's largest PLHIV network, reaching over to more than 220,000

PLHIV in India. INP+ has expanded from a single office to include 28 affiliated

state level PLHIV networks, 2 union territories, and more than 280 district

level PLHIV networks.

 

Over the past 13 years, INP+ has been at the forefront advocating for the rights

of PLHIV in India . INP+ has advocated (will keep advocating) for improved

access to better services for PLHIV. As a national network, INP+

Succeeded advocating for access to free first-line ART and continues to advocate

for access to free second-line diagnostic/treatment services

Is instrumental in developing the National GIPA policy/operational guideline

Is advocating for the HIV/AIDS Bill to become an act

Strengthened networking and partnership with policy makers, donor agencies and

other civil society organizations both national and internationally.

 

Throughout its history, INP+ has worked to become more inclusive and

representative of the entire PLHIV community.

Today, almost 50% of its beneficiaries are women, as well as 40% of its Board

members. INP+ is also strengthening its partnership/alliance with other

community-based organizations and networks for marginalized communities on the

issues of marginalized communities living with HIV.

 

Based on the lessons learnt and experiences gained, INP+ is moving forward

steadily and strongly overcoming all the hurdles with the overall goal of

improving the quality of life of PLHIV in India.

Murali

e-mail: <msw_murali@...>