Re: Kerala Village Panchayat: A role model for HIV care

[Guest guest]

Dear Ajai & Forum

Re: /message/12198

Greetings from Vasavya Mahila Mandali

I am very happy to know about village level best practices to mainstream the HIV

activity by reduction of social stigma and discrimination in Kerala. I have

related best practice which we implemented in Children Healthy and Happy

Programme (CHAHA) in Andhra Pradesh.

As we know that Stigma and Discrimination is a multi dimensional issue of People

Living with HIV (PLHIV) and their families. So PLHIV forego their rights and

opportunities to access the Government and Civil Society Services.

They face stigma from immediate community, making them to migrate from their own

villages that lead to reduced physical and psychological well being. This is

happening in many villages.

Youth Club of Bejjipuram a Partner NGOs of Vasavya Mahila Mandali addressed this

issue by providing psychosocial support to PLHIV and their families and

sensitizing women, youth, health workers, faith based leaders to reduce the

stigma and discrimination.

NGO initiated a series of advocacy meets with village heads and peoples'

representatives to address the issue of Stigma and Discrimination.

After a series of advocacy meets Village Panchayat passed the resolution

unanimously: " PLHIV identified at present and in future will be given priority

in accessing the government services to provide social protection. It is

resolved not to show stigma and discrimination towards PLHIV and their families.

People of this village should execute this resolution "

This community action for PLHIV was replicated in fifteen villages Panchayat and

one urban municipality in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh. PLHIV and their

family members are able to access the services from Government and Civil Society

without inhibitions due to reduction of Stigma and discrimination and continued

to live in their own villages.

People accessing the Government schemes like Girl child protection scheme, widow

pensions, old age pensions, Indiramma houses, Double Nutrition, Sahara Cards,

Vocational trainings, mid day meals and ICDS schemes etc….

This also one of the community based good initiatives by Vasavya Mahila Mandali

to continue the PLHIV mission too….

With Regards

Abraham Mutluri

Programme Officer

Vasavya Mahila Mandali

Benz Circle, Vijayawada – 10

Andhra Pradesh

web: www.vasavya.com

E-mail: <abraham_msw@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear Abraham Mutluri,

Re: /message/12198

Greetings

I was more than happy and heartening when I heard about the program you have

implemented in the district of AP for the PLHIV and CLHIV with a priority for

them to access care and treatment from various public health facilities.

Stigma and Discrimination (S 'n D) is a major deterring factor that plays a

marring role between the PLHIV and the health systems from delivering quality

service. If this can be addressed and tackled completely (Utopian, I know), the

incidence and prevalence rate of this so called not-tamable infection (as of

now) can be brought down to the minimum possible levels, which is one of the MDG

as we knbow.

All the best wishes for all the works you are doing for the less previleged in

the state.

Warm regards,

Bobby MSW

Snehadaan, Bangalore

e-mail: <bobbythomas82@...>