RTI Replies from NACO

[Guest guest]

Dear

Friends,

 

I would like to share some of the

replies given by NACO to my RTI Application (after 80+days). I attempted to get

information on some of the very crucial programs started by NACO. It would be

interesting to know from forum members regarding the status of the above

program in their respective states.

 

Query:

We understand that NACO had launched Adolescence Education Program (AEP) IN

2008. Accordingly advocacy kit, facilitator’s guide, ready reckoner, teacher’s

workbook and feedback formats were developed. How many SACs are implementing

the AEP and how many of them are using the kits developed by NACO?

Answer:

During 2009-10, as per the reports, 47,000 schools were covered under the AEP.

The states have been asked to implement the program as per the revised toolkit

sent by NACO in 2008. However the program is suspended in 5 states

 

As usual, a lot is being done by

NACO, especially in developing manuals and toolkits, but what happens after

those are developed is not known. It is shame that there has been no effort by

NACO to address HIV among young people in school setting.  While the names of the states are not

mentioned in the reply, I assume they must be either five out of Gujarat,

Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra.

These states had opposed NACO’s module on sex education in 2007.  NACO even advertised for “interventions for

out of school youth”. There is no information as to whether these are started.

 

Query:

I understand that “1097” is National AIDS Helpline. Please give the list of

districts where this is functional. Please give reason for non-functioning in

districts if any

1097

is a toll free HIV helpline number functioning in some states through SACS. The

reason for non-functioning of the helpline in some states/districts may be

obtained from respective SACS, the list of which is available on NACO website.

 

Helplines !! A lot of SACs and

even some CBOs/NGOs try to start their own helplines, knowing the benefits of

doing so. Some of them are paid helplines. Surprisingly, NACO has not really

shown interest in “1097” helpline. Also, readers would remember that “1097” is

regularly advertised by NACO though advertisements given on TV, newspapers, IEC

material nationally. So much money is being spent on these advertisement and no

efforts is done by NACO to see that states are running this helpline. This is

irresponsible of NACO.

 

I remember 1098 helpline operated

by Childline has been so effective throughout the country. There has been some

agencies appointed to man these and I have personally found this helpful in

helping so many children.

 

Given the wide spectrum of

services and programs in HIV programming, I feel that this helpline should be

re-activated where this is non-functional. Is NACO listening? F. Borges (Nagpur)Email: peter.borges@...