“Link Workers scheme generates volunteerism”-World AIDS DAY-2012

P.Samson speaks

“Link Workers scheme generates volunteerism”-said by P.Samson-Trichirpalli District Resource Person of LWS Scheme in the workshop organized by SEVAI on World AIDS Day-2012 on 1^st December 2012. Link Workers scheme is being implemented by Trichy based NGO SEVAI with the support of VHS and TANSAC in Trichirappalli District. P.Samson enlightened the theme of the world aids day-2012 as “Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths”. Trichirappalli LWS District Resource Person appreciated Hon’ble Chief Minster Tamilnadu Government for fresh announcements made on World Aids day-2012 for the welfare of the persons living with HIV-AIDS and orphan and vulnerable children. P.Samson further added, “For reversing the epidemic, especially 2012 with aims at Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.  The Link Worker Scheme is being implemented in villages for highly vulnerable population in Trichirappalli District and as this District is one of several districts where the LWS is being implemented. The SEVAI-VHS-TANSAC-NACO Link workers Scheme in Trichirappalli District reaches the vulnerable population at capacitating the community and equipping them with HIV related knowledge to combat the epidemic.  The SEVAI -LWS addresses the complex needs of the rural HIV prevention, care and support requirements through Identifying and training, the village level workforce of Supervisors, Link Workers and volunteers on issues of HIV/AIDS, gender, sexuality, STIs and on mobilizing vulnerable sub populations including high risk individuals, youth and women linking the HRG and vulnerable populations to the public health services for STI, ICTC, ART and follow it up back to communities towards saturation of coverage to HRGs. The key strategies followed are generating volunteerism, inculcating health and addressing the issues regarding counselling, condoms and behaviour change among youth and to address the issues of stigma and discrimination”.DRP (Training) Subramanian in the introductory address said the LWS Team in Trichy has undertaken activities such survey such as Vulnerability mapping, community resource mapping, health services/facility mapping, household mapping for better understanding of the migration patterns in the local community, and the LWS-Trichy has reached out to the unreached by providing HRIs/groups and vulnerable young people with information and skills relevant to HIV prevention and risk reduction, Providing relevant information regarding condom use, using innovative means that are contextually, locally and culturally appropriate and the team provides youth friendly counselling/advice by maintaining confidentiality, privacy and nonjudgmental attitude to young people and women in the community. Subramanian added, “The LWS Team Work towards reducing stigma and discrimination in the community by facilitating involvement of HIV positive people, community groups like SHGs, PRI and VHC, and bringing into focus and addressing gender dimensions of stigma and discrimination. Tools like stepping stones usage, Advocacy with identified stakeholders for creating an enabling environment and reducing stigma and discrimination. SEVAI LWS Team also recognizes the rights of HIV positive people and HRIs and create more awareness regarding these rights in the community and among the concerned groups, and they are knowledgeable about key health facilities in the vicinity, at the District level, and possess necessary information about the services available at the identified facilities and Works towards reducing barriers to accessing services and promote STI management and partner notification, utilisation of VCTC/ICTC, PPTCT services by HRIs and other vulnerable groups, Coordinate the linkage between communities and service institutions especially VCTC/ICTC, PHC/CHC, RTI /STI clinic and District hospital, Identify and train volunteers, Facilitate formation of Red Ribbon clubs (RRC), Supervise volunteers, Red Ribbon Clubs and establish condom depots, Develop functional linkages with CBOs/networks, organisations working with HRI populations, Collection of monthly data from RRC and condom depot holders and Prepares monthly reports for the area according to a predefined  format”. Elizabeth Mary, Ramaraj, Rathinamary,Arul Jothi and Padmavathi of LWS Project in Trichy District made arrangements for this world Aids day-2012.-Govin