Campaign Against HIV/AIDS

	(Top) a view of a rally and (bottom) a view of health camp organised under HIV/AIDS campaign

Parmarth is carrying out this campaign in Orai city. The increasing rate of HIV infection among vulnerable population notably Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) and Injectible Drug Users (IDUs) in the city motivated the organisation to take up the issue. Endemic migration, poverty, socio-cultural myths on sex and sexuality, lack of awareness about the virus and illiteracy, make communities extremely vulnerable to HIV/AIDS epidemic. The organisation is focusing its intervention mainly on awareness generation among diversified stakeholders including person affected and prone to HIV / AIDS by engaging government functionaries and media groups.

The organisation started off by emphasising on trust development through relationship building and household level introduction with identified target groups. Peer educators helped in one-to-one contact with members of the target group. AIDS awareness was created through campaigns, awareness camps, rallies, exhibitions and meetings in which district administration and health officials have participated.

A total of 250 IDUs and 141CSWs have been identified till date for the intervention.

Parmarth has not travelled alone in this endeavour. The press and government officials have come forward to support the initiative. Popular Hindi newspapers like Amar Ujala and Aaj have spearheaded the mass appeal by publishing various relevant articles.

Special procedures used

• Audio processes like delivering AIDS stories through sound system were used to generate awareness. Video shows were also organised.
• Essay competitions on HIV/AIDS organised among youth in various colleges.
• Four condom depots have been established at four places of Orai city, close to the target populations.
• Three males and four females have been treated in private clinic; 10 persons have been referred to VCTC (Voluntary Counselling Testing Centre and finally to government hospitals.
• HIV/AIDS awareness exhibitions were held at police training campus.
• STD/HIV health camps were organised where 42 patients were identified and are currently being treated.