Dear Sir / Madam,

Greetings from International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Andhra Pradesh

We are an International organisation working with 75,000 key populations (KP) such as female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDUs) and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs), in partnership with 36 NGOs across Telangana and Rayalseema, for the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Andhra Pradesh. The International HIV/AIDS Alliance has now started transforming its project offices into Independent organizations – adding to its vision – to create a network of sustainable, indigenous, independent organizations. In recent years it has become evident that the Alliance was opening new offices faster than transforming existing ones into independent organizations, and an essential component of the new Strategic Framework for 2005 – 2007 reasserts the importance of the original vision. This involves transforming current country offices into Linking Organizations.

For 2007, the Alliance decided to "fast track" this transition in two-to-three countries.  It has now been well established that AP operation is in one of the strongest positions to be among the first Alliance Country Offices to become an independent LO owing to its stable programme, a strong and confident team, and donor confidence.  It has evolved to become the Alliance for AIDS Action (AAA). This means that the governance and administration of the Alliance Andhra Pradesh has become more autonomous, while staying firmly within the Alliance.  The vision of AAA is of a healthy society where people do not die of AIDS.

We are launching our Andhra Pradesh office into an independent organization on 2 April 2008 at Ravindra Bharathi, Saifabad, Hyderabad. On behalf of the Entire Alliance family, I extend a warm invitation to you to participate in the event. The Honorable State Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Mr.Sambani Chandrasekhar will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Since the beginning of our operations in Andhra Pradesh, one of the highest HIV prevalence states of India, our project has achieved significant success in community response and coverage due to the close integration between primary prevention and community based care and support. The projects have consciously encouraged the community to articulate its priorities, be assertive and lead in programme design and management-embodying the community centered rights based approach. This has led to rapid scale up, community mobilization and utilization of project services.

The Alliance vision of a world in which people do not die of AIDS is truly reflected in its three projects in Andhra Pradesh.

Avahan (India AIDS Initiative)

The prevention programme targeted at Key Population (KP) groups, such as Female sex workers, Men who have sex with men (MSM), People living with HIV & AIDS (PLHIV) and Injecting Drug Users (IDUs), is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Alliance, AP, is currently  working with 36 (13 new) implementing NGOs across 141 sites in 14 districts spread across Rayalseema and Telengana sub region of the State.  With 29% increase in coverage of Key Population from 56,942 in 2006 to 73670 in 2007, the program so far has covered 42,663 sex workers 24,079 MSM, 657 IDU and 7,521  People living with HIV and AIDS ( PLHIV).

The program also treated 54,132 episodes of STI (an increase of 78% over cumulative of 2006) and distributed 12,033,314 condoms (an increase of 16% in 2007) through 94 community based clinics, 70 CBOs and 103 drop-in centers. A state level sex workers network and three district level organizations of sex workers, MSM and PLHA have also been strengthened during the reporting period.   

Alliance developed a new strategy to address the challenges faced by key populations in advocating against police harassment, stigma, discrimination and access to social services. The Core Advocacy Group concept is a model for involving community members at all levels, building their skills and empowering them to take action, with key population leadership at the core.

Alliance also uses innovative methods like Magnet Theatre and Shadow teams to raise the awareness among community members about their rights and creating an enabling environment to access the services.

START AP Project

This is an innovative project in partnership with APSACS and District hospital at Karimnagar for providing quality ART services to Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs).To achieve this, District ART Center at Karimnagar has been relocated and renovated to make it more accessible, comfortable and friendly for PLHIVs. A part time pathologist, community liaison person and other support staff have been appointed. A new drop in center has also been opened for the community member's visiting the ART centre

Now, a referral system is being established in partnership with APSACS to ensure treatment compliance and reduce dropouts. The project aims to link existing prevention program in the district with treatment services, support and coordinate community mobilization of marginalized populations and general populations to ART services.

CHAHA Project

India HIV/ AIDS Alliance is one of the Principal recipients of the HIV/AIDS component India Round 6 of Global Fund along with National AIDS Control Organization and Population Foundation of India (PFI). This programme is implemented all over the country under the name, "CHAHA". The CHAHA Project focuses on children & women who need access to treatment, care & support services. It also looks at comprehensive care & support services for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDs.

The Core service delivery areas of the CHAHA Project are

• Providing care and support services for children living with HIV/AIDS & those affected    by HIV, incl. orphans & vulnerable children.

• Creating a supportive environment: Stigma reduction in different setting

• Developing information systems & conducting operational research

The Project was initiated in July 2007 in Warangal, Karimnagar and Khammam Districts through LODI, Reach and Jagruthi respectively, the implementing NGOs (iNGOs). The Project has so far reached to 145 children.

We look forward to your participation in this significant event with great anticipation as it will help us reach closer to our vision of an India where the disadvantaged, discriminated and excluded are supported and enabled to grow up playing an active and positive role within family, community and nation. Your support will go a long way in ensuring that every single human being in India lives a life of dignity.

The agenda for the AAA Launch is as under:

Agenda for the AAA launch on 2 April 2008, Venue: Ravindra Bharati, Hyderabad

This is for your kind information.

Thanks and regards

P Prabhakar Varma

Executive Director

Alliance for AIDS Action

Sarovar Center
5-9-22, Secretariat Road

Hyderabad 500 063, Andhra Pradesh
India
 
Switchboard: +91-40- 66781161, 66686261, 23231356, 23231357 Extn. 134

Fax:               +91 40 66686262

[Editors note: Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is short-term antiretroviral
treatment to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection after potential exposure,
either occupationally or through sexual intercours].

Friends

We would like to know more about PEP in India. How PEP could be accessed in
rural areas and how extensively it is being used in India?.


Saathi
e-mail: <tom4youall@...>

Dear all,

Re: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/message/8625

I fully agree with Dr Divya mithel>This patient is  going through   immune
reconstitution  syndrome to TB . I wont generally consider toxoplasma in this
case as first diagnosis since there are more than one clues favouring
tuberculosis. I am bit worried about the falling CD4 if ot is real ( it is
likely that one of the CD4 results are wrong and it is very common to have a
wrong results like that).Is this patient on steroid? If not steroid in adequate
dose may improve the patient by suppressing IRIS.

Dear Dr Anburajan, AIDS INDIA may not the wrte forum for clearing clinical
queries because very rarly doctors in clinical side respond to messages in this
forum.

Dr Ajith
Trichur

--
Dr Ajithkumar.K
Asst Professor In Dermatology and Veneriology
Medical collge Chest Hospital
MG Kav,Trichur, Kerala ,India
Ph 04872333322 (res)
9447226012
e-mail: <ajisudha@...>

Dear Forum Members,

Re: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/message/8627

Further to one of the previous responses, I would like to clarify that I fully
understand that working for HIV/AIDS is not about having qualifications, being
elite or sitting in A/C rooms and forming policies. Furthermore, instead of
seeing the epidemic from a particular viewpoint by keeping ourselves in a
specific context it should be seen as a global pandemic affecting all the
populations worldwide.

Without digressing from the main point, I would just like to emphasize that the
vacancies advertised by these organizations should have a very clear, explicit
and accurate description of the eligibility requirements for the post in order
to prevent such future controversies.

Moreover, I wonder if the whole process of filling up the post is merely to make
the PLHA contended or to chose a suitable person with required level of
expertise to implement the duties efficiently and effectively.

If former is the case, then I doubt if there is any justification for
advertising the eligibility requirements for the post as in that case the
vacancy should be advertised in a corporate manner with a star under the post
description that clearly says *CONDITONS APPLY and below that it should be
mentioned- No need of any qualification or experience for PLHA making an
application.

I am sure that such a description of the post would automatically avert the non
positives, however qualified and experienced, to make an application which in
turn would fill the post only with PLHA.

But I firmly believe that this would indirectly add a component of
discrimination for the advertised vacancies and defy the whole endeavor to
create an equal employment opportunity.

Anyways, without deviating from the topic I would leave it to the readers to
decide for formulating a protocol in making an advertisement for these vacancies
and to devise a strategy that would try hard to reduce the stigma and
discrimination surrounding the epidemic.

At this point, I would like to reiterate that even though elites and page 3
people might not know the ground realities but it is only from these
stakeholders that policies are made which are then implemented by grass root
workers.

Anyway, I hope my profane expletives and imprecations are not pejorative to
anybody’s viewpoint and instead of pointing fingers towards each other we should
try to reach a consensus that would make us more educated, aware and clarified
about the GIPA employment practices and policies.

Thanking you,

Dr. Ashutosh Mishra. MBBS, MPH (University of Sheffield)
Email: mishraashutosh@...

Re: Transgenders Migrating to Dubai for workign in the Dance Bar: a concerned

Please report to your state or district antitrafficking committee or
commissioner of Police immediately with a written complaint from your
organiation plus their family with the TG pictures

This needs to be treated urgent. Also inform your state chief ministers and the
department of social welfare. Send letters to government of India also. Please
treat this as urgent

Dr.Manorama;MD;DCH;DM[GASTRO];
PRESIDENT AND PROJECT DIRECTOR CHES
198,RANGARAJAPURAM MAIN ROAD,
KODAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI 600 024
TEL: Office : 24731283 - 24726655
MOBILE: 9444077177
EMAIL: ches_cheschennai@...

Dear Forum,

I am looking to find price of these medicines.

1) Isentress (raltegravir) tablets 400 mg ( 1 months supply 60 tablets).
2) Invirase SDV (Sequanavir 500 Mg) (1 month 120 tablets)
3) Norvir (ritonavir cap 100 mg) (1 month 30 tablets)

The first, Isentress, is the most important though 2) and 3) are part of the
cocktail to be taken together.

Also, I need information  about Raltegravir in India. On a Feb. 18, 2008 blog I
read that the Chennai Patent Office has lately issued an Indian Patent No.
212400 for antiretroviral drug Raltegravir, globally sold as "Isentress."

Could anyone please inform me which company in India is manufacturing the drug
and what would be its approximate price in rupees.

Thanks.

S.Datta.

Priyadarshi Datta(PLWHA)
e-mail: <pdatta@...>

Dear AIDS India Members,

Re: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/message/8633

I really appreciate those who have kept this discussion on Greater Involvement
of People living with HIV (GIPA) alive for many days.  My mail would answer some
of the questions raised by different people in their mails regarding GIPA
Coordinator’s Positions.

The need for GIPA was felt as there is limited understanding and involvement of
people living with HIV at all level at community, program and policy level. 
When we talk about HIV/AIDS, we need to understand two things.  One is about
prevention, so that no more new person is infected with HIV and second is about
care for those already infected.

When we talk about prevention,  we need to provide right information on HIV
transmission and clear myths and misconception on HIV so that people understand,
change attitudes and behaviors, and end stigma and discrimination, increase
acceptance for  those living with HIV and support them to live  and there by
prevent themselves if they are not yet infected with HIV.  Presently there are a
lot of gaps and it could be filled only when the epidemic is made visible, when
people living with HIV are able to come out and speak for themselves, be live
examples, channel of change.

When we talk about Care, we need to get access to care treatment and support
services to all those infected with HIV by  creating a conducive and an enabling
environment for testing and to receive services if they are found HIV positive. 
Still over 90% of those living with HIV do not know that they have HIV and that
is the reason, our prevent do not give expected result as we have not yet
reached the un-reached.  After 22 years of work in the field of HIV/AIDS in
India, we still see stigma and discrimination.  There is still not an
anti-discrimination law.  More and more people who are living with HIV need to
come out and talk openly about their lives.  Those who are living with HIV and
have not yet reached will get peer support from them and also motivate many who
have not tested for HIV to go for HIV testing there by mainstreaming of
prevention and care will happen.

Every person living with HIV has rights as well as responsibilities.

And involvement of people living with HIV will not only protect rights of people
living with HIV by doing advocacy and peer support services but also lead to
positive prevention.  If we reach out to those people with HIV, it will lead to
prevention of further HIV transmission.

This is the reason this GIPA Coordinator Positions were kept in NACP 3 so that
proper implementation of GIPA happens.  We need support from everyone so that we
can do the work on HIV/AIDS effectively.  We need meaningful and Greater
Involvement of People living with HIV (GIPA) for change.

A State GIPA Coordinator should be someone from PLHA Networks, a representative
from PLHIV Community, who is well aware of the PLHIV issues and PLHIV needs of
that state, good in oral and written communication so that there are no
communication gaps with the Stakeholders as well as the PLHIV Groups and
Networks in that particular state and who is capable to coordinate GIPA
activities with different departments, service providers and PLHA community.

The GIPA Coordinator will also require to do a lot of advocacy work and hence,
it will be requirement of that person to be open about his/her HIV status
publicly and should be a possessive advocate for GIPA at all levels.

We could request NACO and SACS to re-define the criteria for GIPA keeping in
mind the GIPA goal.

Yours in solidarity

Celina

National Advocacy Officer
INP+
e-mail: <celina@...>

[Editor's comment: The Gujarat SACS should request for a coroner's
enquiry into this death.  (A coroner is an official responsible for
investigating deaths, particularly those happening under unusual
circumstances, and determining the cause of death) to assess the role
of HIV disclosure practices of the New Civil Hospital (NCH) in
Surat.  It appears that who ever disclosed the HIV status of the
deceased person did not follow the standard protocols and thus
responsible for criminal negligence]

Man commits suicide in hospital after learning he is HIV-positive
Express news service.  March 08, 2008.

Surat, March 7 A 35-year-old youth from Maharashtra undergoing
treatment at the New Civil Hospital (NCH) at Surat, committed suicide
in the hospital ward by hanging himself in the bathroom on Friday
afternoon. He took the extreme step after learning that he was HIV-
positive.

According to hospital sources, Sandeep Sonar, a farm labourer by
profession and a resident of Nandurbar district in Maharashtra came
to Surat with his younger brother Vilash for treatment, on Wednesday
afternoon.

Sandeep got admitted in the E-0 ward. On Friday morning, the doctors
summoned his brother Vilash and told him that Sandeep has been
diagnosed as HIV +ve.

According to the police, Sandeep went into depression after learning
of his HIV status. In the afternoon, when Vilash went outside the
hospital for some work, Sandeep went inside the bathroom of the ward
and with the help of a rope, hanged himself from the ventilator.
The incident came to light when another patient went inside the
bathroom and was shocked to see Sandeep hanging.

Vilash came to know of his brother's suicide when he returned half an
hour later. The Umra police rushed to the spot after learning about
the incident and sent the body for post mortem in the same hospital.
Hospital authorities have, however, not given any statement regarding
the suicide till now.

Vilash Sonar said, "My brother was working in the fields and since a
couple of days he was complaining pain in the buttocks. He was also
complaining about some white fluid oozing out from the area. We came
to Surat, and with the help of some relatives here got him admitted
in NCH. The doctors here told us that he would undergo a minor
surgery. They took his blood and urine for tests on Wednesday, before
getting him operated and was waiting for the reports. On Friday, the
report came and the doctors told me that Sandeep was HIV positive.
When I told him about the report he was heart broken and was tense."

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Man-commits-suicide-in-hospital-after-le\
arning-he-is-HIVpositive/281688/

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

I am working in a newspaper house, and I want to run an article on
homosexual issues.

There are some questions related to this. If any of you wish to share your
expreience/idea/opinions about this, then please contact me at
supreetasingh@....

Looking forward to your reply,
Best regards,

Supreeta
e-mail: <supreetasingh@...>

Dear friends,

Re: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/message/8606

I very much agree with Jessy and congratulate her for this approach.

We had similar experiences in our work at Gwalior in central India, details on
www.helpchildrenofindia.org.uk

This is what is expected from every one and is the need of the day as required.
Non positive people mixing with positive people is the only way as an example to
remove the myths, feelings of stigma and discrimination among non positive
people against positive people. It needs to go for more than that i.e. eating,
drinking and doing routine chores of life together will further help improve
such feelings.

We had similar experiences having taken Radha with us though it took almost two
years for her to be accepted as one of the family by our own people, however now
she lives with us in Snehalaya with other children and adults as a family
enjoying normal childhood but undergoing second line ART as medications.

Since we initiated Gwalior network of positive people and Snehansu left us, I
coordinate myself for this work myself. Since then I have noticed that their
morale and activities have improved, probably finding a non positive person
mixing with them as one of them and this opens the eyes of others too to avoid
stigma and discrimination or against myths for spread of HIV.

I know it is an uphill task and will take a long time for our society to accept,
but we shall reach there.

With best wishes,

Dr.B.K.Sharma,
Gwalior Childrens Hospital Charity
Snehalaya Trust & GHECT (India),
14,Magdalene Road, Walsall, West Midlands. WS1 3TA(U.K.)
Tel. +44(0)1922 629842   Fax. 01922 632942   Mobile.  07729929982
Email: Gwalior.Hospital@...
Website: www.gwalior.hospital.care4free.net
www.helpchildrenofindia.org.uk

Dear forum,

It is very shameful and hurtful to see an ongoing trend of few  PLWH Civil
Society Organizations who are supposed to be the Protectors of the Rights of
PLWHs

Some of the internal Election Procedures of PLWH Networks are violating the GIPA
norms. Being a man living with HIV and working for the protection of our Rights,
few questions arise in my mind:

1. Is India really lacking capable HIV+ People to conduct any internal election
procedures transparently?

2. Are the PLWH civil societies organizations really concern about GIPA
implementation in the network governing body elections of the networks?

3. If PLWH civil society organizations are concerned about GIPA, then why not
GIPA norms are not implemented in the election procedures?

4. Is there any vested interest of them or of the ruling PLWH governing body?

5. Will all PLWH Network Governing Body ensure 33% women participation in the
governing bodies?

6. As National, State, District part of APN+, why don't we follow the APN+
principles for Board Members ( Like nobody could be nominated after completion
of his/her two terms as board members to leave the place for newcomers but to
work as an adviser)?

7. Are those PLWH organizations are going to allow any new capable PLWHs to
govern and monitor their internal administrative issues?

We the underprivileged Indian PLWH Community Representatives demand to all the
current PLWH Leaders as well as  to the PLWH organizations to rethink about the
ongoing trend of excluding new and capable community members from the leadership
of PLWH organizations.

Let the Indian PLWH Community to Live In Dignity!

Thanking you,

In solidarity,

Snehansu Bhaduri
e-mail: Snehansu.bhaduri@...

DELHI HIGH COURT RULES IN FAVOUR OF TREATMENT ACCESS

Right to life, public interest, access to drugs and irreparable injury to
patients are important considerations in determining whether or not grant
injunctions in patent infringement suits.

  “…the Court cannot be unmindful of the right of the general public to access
life saving drugs which are available and for which such access would be denied
if the injunction were granted. The degree of harm in such eventuality is
absolute; the chances of improvement of life expectancy; even chances of
recovery in some cases would be snuffed out altogether, if injunction were
granted. Such injuries to third parties are un-compensatable.”   – Delhi High
Court

In January this year Roche (under license from patent holder Pfizer) applied to
the Delhi High Court seeking a permanent injunction, restraining Cipla from
manufacturing, offering for sale, selling and exporting the lung cancer drug
Erlotinib. Pfizer was granted a patent by the Delhi patent office in 2007. Cipla
filed a counter-claim for revocation stating that the patent should not have
been granted.

In its order dated 19 March 2008, the Delhi High Court did not grant the
injunction to prevent the generic manufacture/sale of erlotinib. One of the key
factors considered in the decision – the high price of Roche’s erlotinib as
compared to the more affordable generic version.

Laying down the principles to be followed by a court in granting an injunction
in a patent infringement suit, the Court held that it had to apply all factors
including examine the merits of the arguments of both parties, balance of
convenience and irreparable hardship. This was more so in the case of life
saving or life improving drugs.

This court decision is a must read for the following rulings:

1. Balance of Convenience in favour of access to drugs; price difference in the
case of life saving or life improving drugs is a critical factor; Article 21
(Right to life under the Indian Constitution) not to be stifled by stopping
supply of low cost generic.

The Court observed that in the case of pharmaceutical products, courts have to
tread with care; more so on the case of life saving drugs. In such cases
balancing the convenience would have to factor in “imponderables” such as the
likelihood of injury to unknown parties.

Holding that an injunction on generic production would stifle Article 21 of the
Indian Constitution which guarantees the right to life, the Court held that,
“price differential in the case of a life saving drug -- or even a life
improving drug in the case of a life threatening situation, is an important and
critical factor which cannot be ignored by the court.”

2. Refusal of injunction would not cause irreparable hardship to Roche that
cannot be compensated; damage to patients lives, however, would be irreparable.

The Court held that the damage to Roche was assessable in monetary terms but the
injury to the public would lead to the shortening of lives – damage that could
not be restituted in monetary terms; damage that could not only not be
compensated – it was irreparable.

The Court also made other important observations and rulings including:

Courts should follow a rule of caution, and not always presume that patents are
valid.

Un-patented goods are not inferior where they have received a license for sale
in India.

Grant of patents in other jurisdictions is no indication of validity; India has
to apply its own patentability standards.

Patentability criteria of non-obviousness should not be confused with novelty

In its judgment, the Court referred to a plethora of precedents including
Indian, UK and US cases. There are many other interesting observations and
rulings made by Justice Ravindra Bhat in this Delhi High Court judgment. To read
the decision see

http://courtnic.nic.in/dhcorder/dhcqrydisp_j.asp?pn=1031&yr=2008

Citation:

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. & Anr. v. Cipla Limited
I.A 642/2008 IN CS (OS) 89/2008. Delhi High Court
Order dated 19 March 2008

Kajal Bhardwaj & Leena Menghaney
e-mail: <k0b0@...>

1)VACANCY for the post of State Women Co-ordinator

2) VACANCY for the post of State MIS officer


1) VACANCY for the post of State Women Co-ordinator

Tamilnadu Networking People with HIV/AIDS (TNNP+)* is a state level network of
people living with HIV/AIDS. It has been actively involved in voicing the rights
of PLHA and working for improving the quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS
since 2005. It is a network of 30 district level network in each district of
Tamilnadu. It has various projects and one among the project is AVAHAN project
with key objective in strengthening the district and state level networks. In
the AVAHAN project, there exists a vacancy for the State women co-ordinator.

Educational qualification and Experience:

10th standard, with two years of prior experience in the field of HIV/AIDS

Criteria for applying for the post:

1. Should be a women living with HIV/AIDS
2. Have the ability to read and write in Tamil and understand English
3. Good communication skill
4. Able to build rapport with stakeholders
5. Willing to travel
6. Work in Madurai, TNNP+ secretariat office, on need base work in
chennai as well.
7. Brave and courageous to face audience and gathering.
8. Should be willing to face media
9. Should posses' good knowledge in Gender, IGP, treatment of HIV,
HIV/AIDS, Women and HIV etc…
10. Should posses knowledge in Advocacy and social policy
11. Should have knowledge of Laws related to HIV affected and infected
and should be able to provide legal assistance,
12. Should as well have Capacity Building skills

Roles and responsibility:

1. Provide leadership in governance matters of the District women
forum  and coordinate all the activities of the women's forums at the state
level;
2. Facilitate monthly planning and support group meetings for women
members of the forums;
3. Plan and implement state level consultation meetings on women and
children's issues related to HIV/AIDS with technical support from the NWF and
National Women's Coordinator;
4. Provide support to the district level networks for formation and
technical support to district women's forums;
5. Network with state level stakeholders to raise funds to address
women and children's issues at the state; and
6. Provide periodic updates to the NWF and NWFC and the National
Women's Coordinator on monthly plans and activities
________________

2) VACANCY for the post of State MIS officer

Tamilnadu Networking People with HIV/AIDS (TNNP+)  is a state level network of
people living with HIV/AIDS. It has been actively involved in voicing the rights
of PLHA and working for improving the quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS
since 2005. It is a network of 30 district level network in each district of
Tamilnadu. It has various projects and one among the project is AVAHAN project
with key objective in strengthening the district and state level networks. In
the AVAHAN project, there exists a vacancy for the State MIS officer.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The MIS Officer will support the development and implementation of TNNP+project 
Management Information System (MIS) program in Tamilnadu. He/she will provide
liaison, management and operational support for technical assistance inputs
provided by TNNP+.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY:

Manage the existing project level and state level MIS;
Monitor and review information collection systems and the MIS at the state and
district level and provide onsite support to district level networks;
Responsible for collating membership data and other key indicators at the state
and district level;
Responsible for documentation of the project activities at the state level;
Responsible for training staff and networks members on MIS and data collections
forms at the state and district levels; and
Design training curriculums and provide skills building updates on GIPA and NACP
III to staff and members of state and district networks.
Work on proposals, concept notes, letter of inquiry etc…

Interested candidates could send in your resume to the given below address or
mail us a copy of the same


Mr. Karunanidhi.G
No.391/30, East 8th street,
(Near Mahatma Montessorie school-south Gate)
K.K.Nagar, Madurai-625020
PH: 0452-2523134/2523505
Fax: 0452-4392929
E.mail:tnnpplus@...

Dear FORUM,

Re: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/message/8605

I guess Mr. Romesh Singh must have met the wrong person at the wrong time!

In regards to the MSM issues in Manipur, as far as my knowledge is concern SASO
has been working among this community beside their own priority work (IDUs &
PLWHAs) since 1998.

Ten years back people deny their existence and vulnerability in our society.
Although the risk are alarming in regards to blood borne virus (BBVs) during
that time (need assessment finding SASO, 1997-98) in Imphal).

Through this assessment finding SASO approach to MACS in order to
initiate the first ever MSM intervention prevention program in the state has
been implemented. Till then in the years 2004 external funding came by Project
ORCHID    through Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and it’s continuing till
date.

For your kind information there are more than 22 staff  in the project and they
have received and capacitate in various capacity training program including
financial management from the internal and external resources.

So, if you want to know more on MSM issues in Manipur please do contact MSM
Project Manager and Project Co-ordinator Premjit Lal Salam & RK. Sharat Singh
SASO MSM project, (office) and I hope you’ll able to know more in-depth
information on MSM issues in the state of Manipur.

Regards,

Mr. Ch. Bangkim
SASO-Social Awareness Service Organisation
Uripok Sinam Leikai Opp. Common School
Imphal - 795001 Manipur (INDIA)
Phone:91-385-2411408, Fax:91-385-2411409
Mobile:91-0 9436036213
bankimimph@...
cbangkim@...

Dear FORUM,

Re: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/message/8588

First of all let me thank NACO, especially the IEC team who have done such a
comprehensive guideline for mainstreaming HIV and AIDS.

I would like to bring your attention to one crucial but sensitive area, which
reinforces women's vulnerability. The role Religion plays in subjugating women,
ascribing a secondary status, should be addressed in a country like India where
people are religious and religious values play a very important role in
day-to-day lives.

Portions from various scriptures are widely used to portray a negative,
subordinate status to women.  Any discussion on equality
and mutuality in sexual relations can be made meaningful only when we
address the role of religion.

The principles of A and B (of HIV prevention) which is mostly derived from
religious teachings stay invalid when it comes to a contradicting gender
conditions and practices.

Some of the stereotypes like women are easy to be tempted-cause of
evil-their role is to please men and to serve them- no right to negotiate-no
role in decision making-Women are always under the protection (control) of men-
unclean- cover their heads and be silent -They should forgive, tolerate- etc
illustrates the clear role that religion plays in underlining such beliefs.

The examples mostly come from my own experience as a Christian woman. But each
religion has enough of these learning to place women in a vulnerable position.*
*Most of these stereotypes are evolved from religious teachings, which is
reinforced by culture.

Addressing the role of religion may be a sensitive issue, but I strongly believe
that we cannot do justice to mainstream gender if we do not critically study and
bring perspectives from religion that uphold women and accept their subjectivity
and dignity. India is a secular country, which does not mean that it is a
country without religions but ours is a country where different religions co
exists with harmony. Hence, it should be made mandatory for all religious groups
to uphold and accept women with dignity and human worth and hence we can
celebrate mutuality and self respect in all
relationships especially sexual relationships.

There are many efforts to address stigma and discrimination from an
interfaith platform in national and international level. But mainstreaming of
gender has to be an integral part of such efforts also.

Hence, I request NACO to address gender biases in religion also as an important
area to mainstream gender in HIV and AIDS.

--
Anshi(Sheila) Zachariah
AIDS Desk-National Lutheran
Health and Medical Board,
94, Purasawalkam High Road,
Kellys, Chennai 600 010
Ph. 26432454/26480933
www.aidsindia.in
e-mail: <anshe.david@...>

Dear Forum members,

Re: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/message/8606

Just I want to respond to D.Ashutosh Misra mail, this forum is not only for the
elites but also for the PLHAs whose backround are different, when people working
in University of Shiffiled UK may have more knowledge and perception may differ
from the local Indian.

I can quote few examples, there are  (PLHAs) people running the network
successfully without graduation or even the High School Leaving Certificate, it
is matter of their contribution, commitment, courage, being a positive, they
have done many things through GIPA, providing living example (life sharing for
the cause of HIV/AIDS)

Therefore, I want the elite groups in the AIDS INDIA Forum to support the PLHAs
instead of pointing fingers at Mr.Rajendra Singh ANP+'s mail.

I have personally seen the struggle of ANP+ in building a strong CBOs and
championing the cause of PLHAs in Assam, I have seen many illiterate who have
done a commendable job through the Positive Living Centre in Namakkal.

Those who are qualified are not intelligent in all aspect, and those who do not
attend schools are not fools, but it is matter of applying oneself to the task
assigned.

There is lot of difference between the AC room and the hot sun light experienced
by the people at grass root level. One has to sit and plan in the sun light
without AC to understand the problem.

Regards,

Raju reddy
e-mail: <reddy2msm@...>

Re: GIPA Coordinator post in India

Dear Forum

Re: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/ message/8606

We think the discussion on GIPA co coordinator is getting serious. We
feel proud and appreciate Rajendra Singh's mail for raising this
issue on this FORUM.

We totally agree with all of you that knowledge, attitude and
experience are most important than a university degree. We have many
times expressed the same view in many forums. It is easy for some
people to say  `stop fights' and to color some genuine issues as
simple issues.  But, people who are facing the issue directly will
know the depth and seriousness of the issue. It is easy to advice
others to be calm and professional until the issue hit their face
directly.

What happens frequently in HIV field is vulnerable communities are
blamed for getting emotional and raising voices.  That too when they
ask for preference in jobs and questions on allocated funds and other
welfares which they deserve.

Mostly these issues are colored in a way that member of the HIV
vulnerable community are making the divide among the community and
against the non  HIV vulnerable community and stigmatizing
themselves. The fact is not that.

Of course we know the attitude is the important factor for a person
and many from the general community has such good, excellent and
superb attitude. And general community has done and doing good job
with regard to HIV response. We bow to such good work.

But why not they give way to members of HIV vulnerable community to
access such jobs?

Here the issue is not about whether the person in the job is positive
or not. It is about whether the preference to that job is given to a
positive person or not.

When exclusion of positive people in jobs is happening in the name of
qualifications, these are the genuine issues to be discussed and to
be resolved.

  In our view, for 90% of the non HIV positive community people, it is
just another  job in their life. For us it is part of our life.

We will continue to advocate for our life!

P.Kannan

Administrator,
Lotus  (An MSM CBO)
Kumbakonam, TamilNadu.
e-mail: <lotus_sangam@...>

Dear FORUM,

Re: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/message/8589

Greetings! The case study Dr. Anburajan sent is challenging.

In spit of taking all possible correct measures some times you just fail to save
the patient. This patient is rapidly deteriorating but still he and the
relatives do not want invasive investgations. As clinicians, this is not
uncommon for us to face a situation like this. In 90% cases,though, the refusal
is due to financial constrains. So I feel, the patient is as helpless as you
yourself might feel. You were lucky to have initial investigations like viral
load, CT scans ( both done twice). How often a patient can offrd to have such
investigations done? In a set up like mine 90% patients cannot.

I have never come across any patient with Tuberculoma brain co-existing with
Toxoplasma Encephelitis.  In the present case, the first time investigations
should have included Toxoplasma IgG which (is a highly sensitive test) as there
were focal neurological presentation. India ink for Cryptococcus infection
should also have been seen.

Secondly, ART could have withheld for first 2 months of ATT. ART is never an
emergency especially with a count is 189. IRIS can always pose a major problem
in such a situations,other than pill burden and overlapping toxicities of ATT
and ART if both are initiated together. Somehow this temptation of starting
early ART should be avoided. All the possible O/Is should be vigorously
investigated and  treated and then ART started.

This patients' brain lesion keeps growing with proper ATT and anti-toxo therapy
is really confusing as the investgations say he has both Kochs and Toxoplasma
infection. The SOL now needs further evaluation for malignancy though it will
not explain the dignosis of Tuberculoma and Toxoplasma.

Dr. Divya Mithel,
Jyothis Care center, Kalamboli
E-mail: <d_mithel@...>

Dear forum members,

Re: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/message/8606

I am writing this in response to one of the emails posted earlier
showing concerns about the appointment of a non positive person for
the GIPA post.

I totally agree with the NACO for formulating an eligibility criterion for the
aforementioned post. We ought to have a well qualified, resourceful and an
experienced person for such a
responsible post.

In one of the previous emails, posted by Mr. Rajendra Singh, President, Assam
Network of Positive People (ANP+) it seems that the appointment of a non
positive person for this post has become a major cause of their disappointment.

I fully understand that GIPA came into picture in this country only because of
sustained efforts by INP+ and also that a positive person is in a better
position to relate to PLHA and to deal with their concerns but then too we
should have a selection criterion and a standard protocol for filling up such
positions. Also, the PLHA should fully understand that formulating criteria is
mandatory as HIV/AIDS is an epidemic surrounded by intricate issues like stigma
and
discrimination which have to be dealt very sensitively and
efficiently and for this we need experts who not only have good
communication skills and extensive field experience but also a sound
understanding of the epidemic in the context of a developing country
like India.

The PLHA should not take "being positive" as one of the selection criterion for
the post as this would go against GIPA employment policies as GIPA claims to be
an equal opportunity employer.

At this point, I am unable to understand why people like Mr. Rajendra Singh are
insisting to have a positive person when at the same time they are writing that
we do not have well qualified positive people in the country. Do they want NACO
or for that reason any other professional organization should start employing
people basing their selection on whether the applicant is positive or not.

Another point that has been emphasized time and again in these
emails is that by employing positive people we could reduce stigma
and discrimination associated with the disease but shouldn't the
PLHA understand that stigma and discrimination are issues that are
inherently linked with HIV/AIDS epidemic and to reduce them we not
only need a certain level of expertise but as I mentioned earlier an
in depth understanding of the epidemic. I am still wondering if this
knowledge and experience comes automatically by becoming positive.

The last concern that has been raised in the email is whether a non
positive person appointed for this post would be sensitive enough
towards the PLHA. If this is the case then PLHA should realize that
most of the stakeholders and key persons working in the field of
HIV/AIDS both at national and international levels are non positive
and are working for a noble cause without expecting any big returns.

It is only because of their sustained efforts that we have a number
of national and international NGOs running in the country and
working on the different facets surrounding the epidemic. It should
be clearly understood that most of these charitable organizations
and NGOs do not have any vested monetary interests but a strong
desire and dedication to work for a noble cause.

Therefore these people should understand that any person who respects the basic
human rights and for that reason humanity in Toto would definitely be concerned
for PLHA irrespective of his /her HIV status being positive or negative.

In conclusion, I would strongly advise that organizations that call
themselves as the voice of PLHA should sit back and introspect
before raising such concerns which when posted in such widely read
forums like AIDS INDIA reflect back their poor understanding of the
epidemic and the strategies designed to tackle it.

Thanking you in solidarity,

Dr. Ashutosh Mishra
MBBS, MPH (University of Sheffield, UK)
E-MAIL: mishraashutosh@...

Vacancy announcement: Coordinator for PLHIV care and support

Presentation Society, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa is a Charitable Society under
the Presentation Sisters Congregation. There is a vacancy of a
Coordinator for the PLHIV Care and Support Programme.

Duties

1. Preparing Project Implementation Plan with all the necessary
documents
2. Documentation
3. Programme monitoring and evaluation
4. Networking

Essential Qualification

MSW /MA in Sociology/Post Graduation in Health Science

Essential Work experience:

Minimum 2 years in the field of HIV/AIDS
Skills
a. Coordination skills
c. Proficiency in Hindi and English
d. Computer Knowledge – MS office


Remuneration

Rupees 15,000/- per month (No other perks)

Those who are interested, preferably female candidates, send your
bio-data – attached a passport size photo - to the following e-mail
ID within 10 days.

jeevanjyothi@...

For more details contact:
0832-2531421 (Office time 9 am to 5 pm)

All the best

Joseph Munjattu
Presentation Society
+919225981845
e-mil: <josephmunjattu@...>

Dear Ms Chamundeshwari

  Thank you for your phone call informing us that Population First has selected
Namma Manasa for the UNFPA-Laadli Media Award for Gender Sensitivity 2006-07
(Southern Region). Thank you also for all the efforts you have personally made
to reach out to us thereafter. However, we regret to inform you that we would
like to decline the award and take this opportunity to explain our reasons for
doing so.

  Namma Manasa, as you are aware, is a non-funded women's collective, bringing
out a monthly Kannada-language magazine on women's issues for the past 23 years.
As part of the autonomous women's movement in India, we have a strong critique
of the politics of funding. In our experience, donor aid creates unfortunate
divisions within movements; co-opts and blunts the radical edge of struggles;
and leads to a narrow single-issue focus where, typically, the issue is stripped
from the larger context. We regret that the last point is particularly evident
in the approach advocated by Population First.

Although your website states that "population is not an issue of numbers alone",
contradictorily, a key objective of Population First is listed as "reaching the
goal of family size of two children per couple". You would no doubt be aware
that women's groups have consistently denounced the dangerous elitism of the
two-child norm. In a context where the majority of women are totally
marginalised from decision-making processes, the two-child norm is an added tool
of oppression. It leads to the abandonment of women and children particularly
among the most vulnerable sections, and forces sex-selective abortions. We
cannot see how you can reconcile this objective with your simultaneous call to
"save the girl child".

The elitism, we fear, is also manifest in the central message of your Youth
Campaign: "The enormous Indian crowds reduce the quality of life and cause
ecological and social problems in the country." The 'enormous crowds' that you
speak of are the poor of this country: the poor, who no doubt have more children
but do so to meet basic survival needs; to deal with higher infant mortality and
almost non-existent health care; and also because of patriarchal control over
reproduction. Avaricious resource consumption and monumental waste generation
are not, however, by the poor but by the profligate elites. The highest income
group in India, merely 1.44 per cent of the population, typically consisting of
families with one or two children, are the consumers of 75 per cent of the total
electricity, petroleum products and machine-based household appliances: products
that have a particularly pernicious global environmental impact.

We are also alarmed to note that Population First takes no stand on hazardous
contraceptives. Today, a range of long-acting, hormonal contraceptives are
available off-the-shelf. Promoted as "spacing methods", these in fact have the
potential to permanently destroy fertility, to create birth defects among future
offspring, to lead to cancers and a range of other health problems among women.
Undoubtedly, effective contraception is a burning necessity but not at the cost
of women's safety and wellbeing. We fail to understand how your
population-related advocacy and communications can ignore this critical point.

From "family planning" to "family welfare" to the more current "reproductive
health", India's population reduction programme has always savagely targeted the
poorest and the weakest. It has diverted attention from the real reasons behind
poverty, environmental destruction and social unrest, which include the lack of
genuine land reforms, of equitable resource distribution, of basic services and
social security. There is nothing to suggest that Population First is in any
way, working to change this unfortunate reality: a core issue of the women's
health movement in India. In the circumstances, we would find it difficult to
accept your award without compromising our basic beliefs and politics.

With kind regards,
Champavathi
(for Namma Manasa Women's Collective, Bangalore)
Bangalore, 26 March 2008


Saheli
Women's Resource Centre
Above Shop Nos. 105-108 Under Defence Colony Flyover Market (South Side) New
Delhi 110 024
Phone: +91 (011) 2461 6485 E-mail: saheliwomen@...

Dear list,

Over the year running projects for young male with feminine gender construction
and transgender community in Eastern India, We have established various program
based on research and prevention. One of the project we are currently running is
the transgender shelter home in Kolkata as a measure for crisis prevention in
particular to the young feminized male and transgender male who particular to
migrate to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for dancing, known as Luanda dancers.

Very recently we have observe a new trends for young urban feminized male are
traveling to middle east for working in the dancing bar in Dubai, Abu Dhabi,
Sharjaha. Last six months from kolkata six people are migrating to Middle East,
initially they informed they are going to perform in a Dubai based hotel as
female dancers.

Later while contacted we came to know that all are not at the same place and
they are in various cities. While a middle man contacted them the initial
contacts were made for two months for that they are receiving 80000/- Indian
rupees and also there travel, accommodation.

For the people who took these opportunities including two of our peer educator
who actually earn 1500/- per month form the projects its just heaven. Initially
we are in contact with our peer educator and they regularly phoned us and keep
update us the situations. They told us that they are very happy.

They are located in an outskirt of Dubai city and where lots of Indians are 
staying. All the time in day they are kept inside the room and not allowed to go
out, but in the evening traveling to the city based dance bar, that they
themselves do not know the name.

We also come to know that there are people like them from Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipore
and Pakistan are also staying with them. Its predominantly female dance bar and
they are act as female dancer.

There is no information about sex work, according to them if the customers come
to know that they are with male genitals then it could be life threatening.

The initial contract period is over and now its almost six months we have not
bale to established any contacts with them. Some times they called there friends
and told them that the contract is renewed.

The phone number they have given to us is not working anymore.  Over the period
they have not able to sent not single penny to there household, which the middle
man promised to do so. In between the middle man came back to kolkata and brings
another lot of boys and girls.

We are concerned along with there family. Does anyone suggest anything? We do
respect there privacy and choice but simultaneously, we want them lead a safer
life.

Concerned

Agniva Lahiri
Executive Director
People Like Us (PLUS) Kolkata
e-mai: <agniva_lahiri@...>

Padmashri for HIV Physician DR. KUTIKUPPALA SURYA RAO

Citation on Dr.K. Surya Rao

Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao is a renowned physician who has been
synonymous with service in the field of Medicine for championing the
cause of AIDS. The Govt of India has announced PADMASHRI to Dr.
Kutikuppala Surya Rao during 2008 Republic Day Celebrations for his
outstanding contribution to society. HIV Congress 2008 takes this
opportunity to felicitate Padmashri Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao.

2. He has graduate in Medicine from Andhra Medical College,
Visakhapatnam and did Post Graduation in Family Medicine from Post
Graduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) Colombo and MNAMS from National
Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. He did fellowship (FHM) in
HIV medicine from the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore. He
passed MA (Phil) in Indian Philosophy from Andhra University and
currently pursuing Ph.D in Andhra University.

3. He has been the Resource Person for the orientation training
prgorammes for NSS programme officers of Andhra University, Nagarjuna
University, Kakatiya University, Osmania University, Venkateswara
University and University of Health Sciences on HIV / AIDS (1990-
2005). Dr. Rao guided two PGs of the University of Calgary Canada and
one PG of the Federal University of Santa Catarine, Florianopolis,
Brazil during March 2000-2001 and 2005-06 respectively. He
collaborated the Telugu Publication of World Health Organization
(WHO) AIDS series -5 from 1992 to 1993, the first of its kind in the
world for which WHO awarded a grant of 1000 U.S $ to Dr. Rao. He was
Member – Executive Council of Andhra University (1995). He was
formerly Member of National AIDS committee, Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare, Govt of India (1997-2000). He also served as Chairman
(Vizag chapter) IMA Academy of Medical Specialties and academic
Director – IMA.

4. He chaired the 3rd International conference on AIDS at Amsterdam,
Netherlands in 1997 and in July 2000 he chaired a Scientific session
of XIII International AIDS Conference at Durban on treatment and care
of HIV +Ve Orphans.

5. He published 57 research papers in the World renowned medical
journals like British Medical Journal (BMJ), Applied Medicine,
Antiseptic, Indian Practitioner, JIMA etc., and 390 articles in
popular journals of National and International repute.

6. Dr. Kutikuppala won many National and International prestigious
Awards. The Nobel Laureate Mother Theresa appreciated the services of
Dr. Rao in 1989. He received Dr. Ranganadhan Memorial National Award
for presentation of Best Research paper on AIDS at NRS Medical
College, Calcutta in 1993

Cops clueless about helping HIVs
27 Mar 2008, 0420 hrs IST , Soumittra S Bose , TNN

NAGPUR: Sitabuldi police have little idea how to better the lot of the widow and
her eight-year-old daughter, both HIV positive, currently sheltered at a guest
house of an NGO near Maharajbagh.

The woman, a graduate in arts, has none to support her in the city, save the
police and a handful of social activists from Young Men's Christian Association.
The eyes of the distressed woman, claiming to be a victim of ill-treatment by
her in-laws, reflect the turmoil going on in her mind due to the uncertainty
over shelter, support and her ailing daughter. Not to mention, her frail health.

Though the police summoned her father-in-law recently to ensure that the
helpless woman is allowed to enter her house without any hassles, she has turned
down the offer. Completely broken following bitter quarrels, the disgruntled
woman had approached Sitabuldi police station around a month ago and sought
police intervention in the domestic feud."My father-in-law does not want me to
stay at the house. He insists that I leave the place with my daughter," she
said.

The Sitabuldi police had initially suggested that the distressed woman take
legal action and file a suit against anyone who denied her the right to stay at
her late husband's home. However, the police reportedly took more interest after
local NGOs and activists started to intervene.

The father-in-law may have objected initially, but he relented after police
intervened. But when her father-in-law agreed to allow her into the home, she
suddenly refused to accept the offer," said senior inspector M D Sharanagat of
Sitabuldi police station."The police tried to convince her to return home with
the ailing daughter, but it was fruitless.

She seems to have developed some mental block about sharing the house with her
father-in-law," said the senior inspector."Police is not very keen to book
anyone in the case, as there aren't many legal provisions to back it," added
Sharanagat.

She refused to take help from the police to return to her in-laws house, but
took shelter at a religious venue where she was surrounded by people who lives
on alms. Neither was the shelter safe for her nor was it hygienic," said a
social worker from YMCA.

Having lost the support of her husband around eight years ago, the women in her
mid-thirties has no clue where to find a shelter. The woman had just become a
mother when her husband, who ran a paan shop in Sitabuldi, died. She was
reportedly diagnosed being HIV positive too, claimed a social worker attached to
YMCA. Fate played a cruel game as her ailing daughter, now reportedly under
medication for tuberculosis related complications, was also diagnosed HIV
positive in due course.

After completing the last rituals of her late husband, the woman had reportedly
left for her father's place at Rajnandgaon. Her stay at her father's place was
recently truncated when her family members reportedly started objecting. She
claimed that it was the situation back at her own house that forced her to
return to Nagpur in January this year and stay at her in-laws place."I had to
return from my father's place after other members started objecting to my stay
there. I was told to shift back again to Nagpur," she said.

My father-in-law did not like my returning to his place after eight long years
and he has been non-co-operative since my return," she said."I was literally
left at his mercy for food and shelter, "stated the aggrieved woman."They also
threw away my utensils," she added.

The woman claimed that she was regularly harassed by her father-in-law and
sister-in-law, who settled nearby after marrying someone of her choice."My
father-in-law's only source of income is the house rent. He gives all of it that
amount to my sister-in-law who in turn provides food to me. Me and my daughter's
share was just unpredictable," she claimed.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Cops_clueless_about_helping_HIVs/rssar\
ticleshow/2903044.cms


Peter F. Borges
Program Manager, HIV/AIDS

The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)
140, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nagpur, 440001, Maharashtra, India
Email: peter.borges@...; petervision2025@...
Cell: +91-9923414559
Phone: +91-712-2524 834, 2548 789, 2540 024; Telefax: +91-712-2548 789

Re: Draft NACO Gender Policy- Call for Feedback

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS-INDIA/message/8588

It is very heartening to know that NACO has drafted the Gender mainstreaming
policy document. We congratulate NACO, especially Dr. Mayank Aggarwal and his
team, and appreciate this attempt at holistic approach. It is particularly
encouraging to see also a clear articulation on the role of men and need to
engage them in gender discourse and mainstreaming efforts. We also welcome this
process of sharing the draft across and inviting feedback. Please find below our
additional comments/inputs. We hope that these inputs will be found useful. We
will be happy to discuss and elaborate upon them if necessary.

The second paragraph in the background section (pg. 2) articulates gender
equalities in the context of men's and women's vulnerabilities while clearly
acknowledging the role of `norms'.

We think this is a very critical perspective to be mentioned only as a passing
reference and deserves a more detailed deliberation at this point in the
document to provide the perspective. It will be critical to mention that
programs should take a gender transformative approach and not just
`gender-sensitive' or `gender-aware' approach.

This would mean that the programmatic responses should be based on nuanced
understanding of how and why gender roles and relations fuel the uneven spread
and impact of the HIV infections. At a minimum, this requires understanding that
gender and sexuality is socially defined and constructed, and that social norms
and ideologies directly affect sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

It also requires understanding how existing institutions and norms define
knowledge, behavior, motivations, and power dynamics within sexual
relationships. This understanding must be reflected into strategies and
interventions that attempt to reduce HIV risk to both women and men. This will
mark a paradigm shift from current technology based clinical approaches to a
structural approach to HIV prevention. We think this document provides
invaluable opportunity to put this approach into the center-stage of HIV
prevention, care, treatment and support.

It would also be helpful to highlight the challenges in gender mainstreaming in
the background section. Some of the challenges could include:

i) Stereotypical gender attitudes and behaviors of health service providers and
program personnel at all levels

ii)Lack of `how to' knowledge for bringing about normative changes

iii)Lack of mechanisms to hold staff accountable or motivate them to consider
and address gender issues

iv) Scare allocation of resources to monitor gender mainstreaming

v)Lack of successful M&E system for tracking progress

vi)Lack of adaptable materials, tool and methods

2. In the section – why women are vulnerable(pg. 4):

i)  On pg. 4 in the third para, the first sentence should also include women's
low access to and control over resources – rewording it to "Women have poor
access to information and education, and less access to and control over
resources….."

ii)On pg. 4 and 5 where five points are listed about global and local evidence –
a separate point after `loss of livelihoods' should be inserted on malnutrition
and food deprivation

3. In the section – why men are vulnerable (pg. 6), we suggest adding following
points to draw direct programmatic implications:

1. Young men's behavior puts women at risk - On average, men have more sexual
partners than women. HIV is more easily transmitted sexually from man to woman
than from woman to man. An HIV-infected man is likely to infect more persons
than an HIV-positive woman. Engaging men more extensively in HIV prevention has
a tremendous potential to reduce women's risk of HIV.

2. Young men's behavior puts themselves at risk - While HIV among women is
growing faster, men continue to represent the majority of HIV infection. Young
men are less likely to seek health care than young women. In stressful
situations—such as living with AIDS—young men often cope less well than young
women. In most of the world, young men are more likely than women to use alcohol
and other substances—behaviors that increase their risk of HIV infection.

3. The issue of young men who have sex with men (MSM) has been largely hidden -
Surveys from various parts of the world find that between 1%–16% of all
men—regardless of whether they identify themselves as gay, bisexual or
heterosexual—report having had sex with another man. Hostility and
misconceptions toward MSM led to inadequate HIV and AIDS prevention measures.

4. From a developmental perspective, there is evidence that styles of
interaction in intimate relationships are "rehearsed" during adolescence -
Viewing women as sexual objects, delegating reproductive health concerns to
women, use of coercion to obtain sex and viewing sex as performance generally
begin in adolescence (and even before) and may continue into adulthood. While
ways of interacting with intimate partners change over time, context and
relationship, there is strong reason to believe that reaching boys is a way to
change how men interact with women.

5. Men need to take a greater role in caring for family members with AIDS, and
to consider the impact of their sexual behavior on their children - The number
of men affected by AIDS means that millions of women and children are left
without their financial support. Caring for HIV-infected persons is mostly
carried out by women. Both young and adult men need to be encouraged to take a
greater role in this care giving. Young men who are fathers must consider the
potential of their sexual behavior to leave their children HIV-infected or
orphaned due to AIDS.

6. Finally, there is a pragmatic and cost-effective reason - Boys and younger
men are often more willing and have more time to participate in group
educational activities than do adult men.

4. In the table on Risk and Vulnerability to HIV(pg. 7),

i)  Along with Men and Women, another column could be added for MSM/TG. For the
first row on behavior, it could say – multiple sex partners; for the second row
on social norms – high concurrence of partners, marriages between men, sexual
domination (panthi), silence and invisibility, violence and culture of silence;
and for the third row on economic factors – financial insecurity compounded by
poor system level support

ii) In the column of women, row on social norms it should be `culture of
silence' `in place of `culture of violence'

5. In section 3 – Policy guidelines (pg. 8) –

i) Heading - All HIV prevention and care interventions will be based on:(pg. 8) 
-

a) Point 2 (pg. 8) should add on – emphasis should remain on dissolving over
time the barriers of gender divide between men, women and transgender, and
moving towards a continuum of femininities and masculinities.

b)Point 3(pg. 8) could be said as – `ensuring men's role as equal partners' in
place of `recognition of men's role as equal partners'

c)Adding a 5th point – application of positive deviant approach

ii)Heading - All HIV prevention and care interventions will ensure:(pg. 8) –

a)  Point 6(pg. 9) should include key populations along with sexual minorities

b) Point 7(pg. 9) should include `….training on gender and sexuality issues….'
in place of  training on gender issues alone

6. In the section on suggested checklist, heading A on Priority Setting (page11)
– point 3 should include `…..gender specialists and representatives of women and
men…..' in place of `…..gender specialists and representatives of women …..'

Dr. Deepmala Mahla, dmahla@...
Ms. Pranita Achyut, pachyut@...
Mr. Ajay Singh, aingh@...
Dr. Priya Nanda, pnanda@...
Mr. Dipankar Bhattacharya, dbahttacharya@...
Dr. Ravi Verma, rverma@...

International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)
42, 1st Floor, Golf Links,
New Delhi - 110 003
Phone : 91-11-24654216/17, 24635141
Fax : 91-11-2463-5142
e-mail: <dmahla@...>

Careers at KHPT

Challenging career with HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care project in
Karnataka:

Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT) established in partnership
with University of Manitoba (UOM) invites applications from committed
development professionals for the following positions:

1. Project Director

The University of Manitoba is seeking a Project Director to lead an
exciting and successful HIV/AIDS prevention project in southern
India: the Corridors HIV Prevention Project. This project, which is
funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focuses on
strengthening HIV prevention and treatment services for female sex
workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in northern
Karnataka and southern Maharashtra. A particular aspect of this
project is reducing the HIV risk that is associated with migration,
an important feature in the region. In addition to a strong core of
prevention services, in the coming years, the project will focus
increasing attention on care and support for community members living
with HIV/AIDS, and transferring project implementation
responsibilities to community organisations and government health
services.

Responsibilities for the Project Director include overall leadership
for project planning, implementation and evaluation, as well as donor
liaison, advocacy with state and district level government officials,
and mobilising and building the capacity of the FSW and MSM
communities. The position requires a person who can work with a large
multi-disciplinary project implementation team. A post-graduate
degree in public health, epidemiology, development, or a related
discipline is required, with excellent communication skills and
relevant experience in the HIV/AIDS field.

The position will be based in the project office in Belgaum,
Karnataka, and knowledge of local languages would be an asset.

Salary and benefits for this senior position will be commensurate
with qualifications and experience.

2. Statistician

PhD or Masters in Statistics /Demography /Epidemiology with at least
3 years of experience. Candidate should have theoretical and
practical knowledge of sampling, survey design and multivariate
analysis. Job includes producing data outputs including tabulations
for reports, and carrying out detailed epidemiological data analysis.
Knowledge of Stata, SAS, SPSS and Excel essential.

Candidates must possess excellent computer skills and ability to
communicate well in English. Experience with NGOs, and knowledge of
health issues such as HIV are assets.

Please send  your applications for the first two vacancies within the
10 days to :

HR DEPARTMENT- KHPT,
IT/BT park, # 1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area, Behind KSSIDC
Administrative Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore- 560044

or send your resume to jobs@... or samanta@...

http://www.khpt.org/careers.htm

PSI Connect Inaugurated it's TB Workplace Intervention Program
On World TB Day

On the occasion of World TB Day, PSI Connect inaugurated its
Tuberculosis Workplace Intervention Programme at Texport Industries
at Bangalore. Texport Industries formally adopted an HIV/AIDS & TB
Workplace Policy at the function.  Prominent sports personality and
Arjuna award winner Ms. Nisha Millet was present as the chief guest
along with the representatives from the Revised National Tuberculosis
Control Programme (RNTCP).

PSI through an USAID & PEPFAR supported project Connect has been
implementing HIV/AIDS Workplace Intervention Programmes in 57 public
and private sector companies in Karnataka and Coastal Andhra Pradesh
since June 2007.

Connect has now integrated TB within the existing intervention
programe in collaboration with Revised National Tuberculosis Control
Programme. Appropriate training modules are created and the
implementation has already begun with the existing companies.

For further details please contact-
Shailesh Vaite
svaite@...

Senior Research Officer Population Services International

Location:   CONNECT Core Office, Bangalore
Reports to: Director-Knowledge Management
Works with: CONNECT Core Office staff and field managers; and CONNECT sub
partners

Context

Population Services International (PSI) is a non-profit, Indian Society which
began operations in 1988.  It is affiliated with PSI in Washington, DC which has
similar connection to organizations in 60 different countries.  PSI is dedicated
to the improvement of public health through promotion of products, services and
information which empowers people to protect them from preventable diseases. 
PSI currently operates in 10 states with a full-time and contract staff of 1700
persons.

Since October 2006, PSI is implementing a program entitled Connect to build
value added models of public-private partnerships to mitigate HIV/AIDS and TB in
India. The Connect team led by Population Services International (PSI) includes
the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Y. R.
Gaitonde Center for AIDS Research and Education (YRGCARE) and the Karnataka
Health Promotion Trust (KHPT). The International Labour Organization is a
technical support partner on this project. The project is primarily focused on
the high prevalence states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and selected
vulnerable port towns (Mumbai, Vashi, Chennai and Tuticorin) in two other USG
priority states, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Successful implementation of the project requires engagement with industry and
corporate sector to encourage uptake of good workplace policies and practices in
support of HIV/AIDS and TB prevention, care and support.  A hallmark of the
program will be the contribution of additional resources by commercial firms,
either in cash or in-kind, for support of community-level responses targeting
those most at-risk and vulnerable populations

Position Overview

An experienced researcher is needed immediately to manage an annual monitoring
and evaluation plan for the entire project in line with internal programmatic
requirements and external donor reporting needs. This position is a unique
opportunity for an applied researcher rather than an academician.  We place a
premium on the immediate applicability of information to project
decision-making.

Therefore, the other key purpose of this position is to simplify, document and
present research findings in such a way that program mangers & other stake
holders can understand and take evidence based decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manage an annual monitoring and evaluation plan in line with internal
programmatic requirements and external donor reporting needs.
2.  Design, implement, analyze and report KABP (Knowledge, attitude, behavior
and practice) study among the formal & informal workers from work place
interventions
3. Document surveys for establishing baseline, also measure change over time and
understand the triggers & barriers of safe behaviors among most at risk
workforce
4. Monitor the program management information system (MIS)
5. Pre-test the communication materials to aid in the design and development of
communication initiatives.
6. Assist program managers through analysis and review of secondary data on
relevant research outputs in NACO, NSSO, ILO, Census, and CMIE; and from
national & international partner organizations.
7. Document best practices, successes & challenges in different CONNECT
demonstration and learning models and lessons learned.

Qualifications  -        Masters in Social Science or Public Health/Demography
or MBA
At least two-three years of experience in handling Quantitative and Qualitative
research studies
Well versed in statistical analysis software such as SPSS and/or  STATA
Experience in HIV/AIDS program management preferred
Prior experience in donor reporting preferred.
Written and spoken fluency in Kannada is must.
Essential Values, Behaviors and Skills  -        Commitment to improving the
health and welfare of the poor;
Ability to contribute in a collegial, team environment;
Ability to lead research studies, either in-house or with external assistance
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and to make
effective public presentations;
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to conceptualize, analyze, and
document results in publications

TO APPLY:

Following documents are required:
Letter of application describing your interest in the position and why you feel
you are suitable for the position
Full name, address, and all contact information (phone, email)
Curriculum vitae detailing your educational qualifications and research/job
experience (bio-data/resume)
One writing sample of a research paper/ reports/ case study etc  you have
written

Apply with required documents and full contact details to

Pinki Maji
Population Services International
Email: pinki@...

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Suraksha!

We cordially invite you to participate in the Women Sexworkers Annual Convention
to be held on 28th and 29th March 2008 at Bangalore. This event is organised by
Suraksha with support from Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT).  Suraksha
works with sexual minorities, sexworkers and urban poor in Dharwad, Ramnagar,
Bangalore Rural and Bangalore Urban Districts of Karnataka on health,
development and human rights issues.

The PROGRAMS include:

‘Stigma, Discrimination, Resistance and Hope’, a PUBLIC HEARING on women
sexworkers 28 MARCH 2008 from 2PM to 6PM at Gurunanak Bhavan, Queens Road,
Bangalore

‘Samvada’, a DIALOGUE with social activists on issues affecting women sexworkers
29 MARCH 2008 from 10:30AM to 1PM at the Rotary Club, KR Road, Shivashankar
Circle (next to KIMS Hospital, Bangalore

Kindly confirm your participation and please feel free to contact us if any
further clarifications are required at the following phone numbers:  Maggie
Thomas – 9448410557, Mamatha Rao - 9900597618

In solidarity,

Maggie Thomas
Executive Director
e-mail: <suraksha_khpt@...>

The Health Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) is a
sub recipient to Round 6 Global Fund Grants under the Promoting Access to Care
and Treatment (PACT) project. It shall be setting up Community Care Centres
(CCC) in the states of Gujarat, West Bengal, Orissa, Chattisgarh and Bihar. The
objective of the CCC is to provide treatment of opportunistic infections, to
improve drug adherence among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and to integrate
care and support services to existing out reach activities and build capacities
for community-based care. CBCI-HC is currently recruiting a MIS officer for the
Regional Office at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

Tasks and Responsibilities

* Provide technical assistance to the CCC on different aspects of
monitoring and evaluation including MIS

* Capacity building on MIS and M&E systems

* Assist in setting up and maintenance of CMIS at the CCC and the
Regional level

* Monitor the quality of data collected, compile information and
transmit upwards.

* Coordination between CCC and other stakeholders for implementation
of CMIS

* Other tasks assigned by the Program Manager.

Desired Profile

Should possess a postgraduate degree in social sciences, public health or
related subjects and have 4-5 years of work experience.

S/he should have adequate technical understanding of the AIDS epidemic and care
programs for PLHIV. The candidate should also have experience in CMIS particular
in the area of dissemination of data, compilation, analysis, report generation
and capacity building. S/he should have excellent interpersonal and
communications skills, ability to achieve results in a time-bound manner,
adaptability and ability to cope with change and ability to turn challenges into
opportunities.

Interested applicants should email a detailed CV to

mark@...

not later than 15 April, 2007.

Salary will commensurate the best in the NGO sector.

People living with HIV are encouraged to apply.



"Sherry Joseph"
e-mail:  <sherry@...>