Introduction
“HIV/AIDS Prevention among Migrant Population" in two blocks of Ganjam district namely Aska and Hinjilicut was initiated in 2005 to prevent the mode of HIV/AIDS combined with reproductive health services. The total population in 27 GPs of Aska block is 1, 25,847 of which about 25, 688 are migrants. Similarly the total population in 21 GPs of Hinjilicut block is 101982 of which 18358 are migrants.
The project is being implemented by two NGO partners, ARUNA and SWAD in 30 and 18 GPs respectively with support from LEPRA Society and Catholic Relief Service, Bhubaneswar
The risk factors of the migration of HIV/AIDS infected persons are the significant factors of HIV/AIDS spread. The low knowledge rate of HIV/AIDS Prevention and reproductive health among the community is the cause of the transmission of HIV infection.
Goal
To bring about sustainable changes in the health conditions of people of Aska and Hinjilikatu Blocks using communication and community empowerment approach to achieve the goal preventing the further spread of HIV/AIDS
Strategic Objectives
• Sensitise the general population especially CBOs/ SHGs about the cause of HIV, its consequences, and preparedness to carry out initiative to combat HIV/AIDS.
• Awareness programmes for school children on HIV/AIDS
2. Reduce vulnerability of Migrants (source & destination) and their community to HIV infection and facilitate livelihood support.
• Sensitise migrants about risks of migration both at source & destination and about high risk behaviours and sexual health.
• Establishing linkages for migrants with alternative livelihood options/ linking with poverty alleviation Schemes.
• Pre-departure and post-return information through group meetings.
• Forming and strengthening support structures and linkages at destination.
3. Extend care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
• Facilitating counselling services.
• Treatment for OIs and referral to VCCTCs and PPTCTs.
• Health Camps
• Access to ART services
4. Institutionalize Community a Based Monitoring system on Migration.
• Sensitise and involve PRI in migration registration process.
• Formation of Pravasi Sramik Suchana Kendra (Information Centre)
5. Create networks and linkages for responsive actions.
• Linking PLHAs with wider networks at state and district levels
• Effecting policy shift through concerted advocacy initiatives both at the district level and at the state level
Activities
a) Mapping of ID Users,
b) Needle & syringe exchange programme,
c) Drugs substitution programme,
e) Abscess care,
f) Vain care management,
g) Over dose management,
h) Safer injecting practices,
i) Condom promotion,
j) Focused Group Discussions with ID Users and family members,
k) Training programmes for staff, Peer Educators and Outreach Workers,
l) Sensitization programmes for ID Users,
m) Collection of Blood Samples for the purpose of the sentinel site survey (one time activity),
n) Linkages with drug De-addiction Centres,
o) Linkages with other secondary stakeholders etc.
Case Study
• Formation of a District level PLHA network (Rushikulya Network of Positive People)
• Issue of identity cards to 6732 Migrants through active involvement of PRI members
• Vulnerable families accessing benefits in the form of schemes, facilities etc. from govt. and other resource agencies
• Improved awareness on HIV/AIDS and other opportunistic infections among the community
• A total no. of 61 health camps has been organised and 730 women were provided with treatment for STI/RTI.
• Pravashi Sramika Soochana Kendra (Health Resource Centres) functioning in 12 GPs.
• Information kit provided to the migrants during the migrant’s registration process in 47 GPs
• Established linkages with the ICTCs/VCCTCs & ART centres.
• Majority of the beneficiaries receiving ART have been enrolled under SETU project.
• 2 Bock level convention & 1 district level convention on migration and HIV/AIDS have been organised.
Human Interest Story
Positive Living
SHG members engaged in preparing the necessary food grains for nutrtion supplement
The grit of few women has made all the difference. This was narrated by Ms. B. Rajiama, Secretary of Women-SHG named Nilakantha in the village Badakahandi.
The women SHGs named Nilakantha & Radhakrushna have volunteered to be spokesperson of SETU project. They are actively organising awareness programmes in the region on safe sex and safe migration.
The members were trained on preparation of nutrition supplement for PLHAs. Gradually they became an expert in acquiring necessary rations, cleaning, washing and drying the grains and subsequently getting the grains grounded in the nearby mills.
Within a span of 6 months, the WSHGs with 37 members are actively engaged in preparing the nutrition supplement to about 150 PLHAs in the project operational area. Ms. K. Tulasi, Secretary of Radhakrushna WSHG says, “We are grateful to SETU for enabling us to prepare the much needed nutrition supplement for the PLHAs of our region”.
