Link workers program orientation camp organized by SEVAI

interation of DRP with Link workers and volunteers who attended the orientation program on LWS Project

Link workers program orientation camp was organized by SEVAI.On 26^th February, Subramanian, DRP-Trichy of Link workers project implemented by SEVAI, supported by TANSACS and NACO narrated the importance of Link

SHG member assures her cooperation

Workers program in the orientation program to link workers and the key volunteers. The DRP Subramanian said, “The link worker scheme is one programme geared towards rural population in Trichirapallai District implemented by SEVAI with the financial and technical support of TANSACS. The link workers mapped 100 villages and identified vulnerable households, built linkages with local health services and mobilize Panchayati Raj and allied Institutions including red-ribbon clubs to play a cohesive role in behavioural change. In addition to the link worker scheme, other efforts include strengthening district networks of positive people, training paralegal workers. This unique Scheme that engages district level functionaries to link those

LWS volunteer expresses the role of RRC

vulnerable to HIV in rural areas with local health services, encourages behavioural change, and involved in strengthening social protection of people living with HIV (PLHIV)”. The DRP further added,

SHG Fed coordinator supports LWS

“Link worker Scheme has been conceived for building the capacity of the rural community in fighting with HIV. The scheme envisages identifying and training, village level workforce of Supervisors, Link Workers and volunteers on issues of HIV/AIDS, gender, sexuality, STIs and above all on mobilizing difficult-to-reach, especially vulnerable sub populations including high risk individuals, youth and women. Linking these marginalized sub populations to the public health services for STI, ICTC, ART and then their follow up back to communities is one of the key areas that is expected to be addressed by theses Link Workers. Generating volunteerism among the community for fighting HIV/AIDS and inculcating

M/E congratulates the RRC and PRI-SHGs

health values is another cornerstone of this strategy aiming at Reaching out to HRGs and vulnerable men and women in rural areas with information, knowledge, skills on STI/HIV prevention and risk reduction entitling increasing the availability and use of condoms among HRGs and other vulnerable men and women with information, knowledge, skills on STI/HIV prevention and risk reduction. Establishing referral and follow-up linkages for various services including treatment for STIs, testing and treatment for TB, ICTC/PPTCT services, HIV care and support services including ART. LWS creates an enabling environment for PLHA and their families, reducing stigma and discrimination against them through interactions with existing community groups, Village Health Committees (VHC), Self Help Groups (SHG) and Panchayati Raj Institutes (PRI) with the evidence-based

PRI-Sirugamani Chairman speaks to LWS volunteers

approach and scientific tools such as mapping to identify rural areas with greater risk of contracting HIV. Individuals/groups within the villages in need of information and services will are identified through detailed Situation Need Assessment (SNA)” Mrs. Elizabeth Mary, the M&E officer of LWS of Trichy District briefed the LWS Team about the date collection and timely reporting to LWS office situated in SEVAI Premises. She added her role as the c assignment for M & E Officer at the SEVAI NGO level and she is the lead person in steering the project level activities related to information (programmatic and financial) flow from the district and sharing of reports with SACS/NACO/DAPCU. M &E officer, Mrs.Elizabeth Mary further enlightened her responsibility in the project that she has to ensure analysis of information generated in the mapping activities and provide reports for developing a District Implementation Plan, Coordinate timely collection of reports from district units, Manage data entry and preparation of analytical reports for action, Ensure timely submission of reports to SACS/NACO/DAPCU,Ensure training and review of M & E cum account assistants of Implementing NGOs and Handhold M & E cum account assistants at district level to ensure quality reporting.-Govin