Refreshers training program for Link Workers in Trichirappalli District.

Link Workers trained by Mr.Senthilkumar,DPM, DAPCU,Trichy

Refreshers Training Program for 40 Link Workers of Link Workers Scheme for the prevention of HIV/AIDS implemented by SEVAI in Trichirappalli District with financial and handholding support of VHS, NACO and TANSAC has been conducted for two days on 22 and 23^rd of August 2013.In the inaugural session, K.Govindaraju, Director of SEVAI mentioned,“ Link Worker Scheme was launched to saturate the reach of the HIV related services to the high risk groups based in the rural areas. The LWS aims to address 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 above all on mobilizing difficult-to-reach, especially 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 then their follow up back to communities (saturation of coverage to HRGs) by Generating volunteerism among the community for fighting HIV & AIDS and inculcating health values is another cornerstone of this strategy. Addressing issues regarding counseling, condoms and behaviour change among youth and addressing the issues of stigma and discrimination.Mr.Senthilkumar, District Manager, DAPCU delivered the key note address. The District Manager of DAPCU mentioned that

Power point presentation by DRP P ,Amala

proper STI management can reduce the HIV prevalence significantly and he further enlightened the Link Workers, “STIs are infections caused by germs such as bacteria, viruses, or protozoa that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The predominant mode of transmission of both STD and HIV is through sexual route.  So prevention measures are the same.STIs – increase transmission of HIV; Genital ulcer- increase HIV transmission by 2 to 9 fold, Genital discharge - 2 to 5 fold, Management of STDs may reduce HIV transmission,STI clinical services are important access point for persons at high risk not only for diagnosis and treatment but also for counseling for HIV testing and infection”. Mr.Senthilkumar added, “Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission is another important area of intervention for reducing HIV Prevalence.Primary prevention of HIV in childbearing women, Provide HIV information to ALL pregnant women and conduct HIV testing with informed consent, Antenatal visits are opportunity for PPTCT,Prevention of unwanted pregnancy in HIV-positive women, Prevention of PTCT through ART (to mother and baby) and safe obstetric practices and Counseling for infant feeding and  therapeutic intervention are vital areas to be attended to”. Earlier

District supervisor Selvakumar trains; DRP T introduces 

District Resource Person, Mrs.Amala Rajkumar gave introductory note whereas Mr.P.Subramanian, the Training officer of this project welcomed the participants and resource persons. The refreshers training program continued with the special sessions of District Supervisor, Mr.Selvakumar, Positive Net work president Mrs. Tamil and Counsellor of Srirangam ICTC.M&E officer, Elizabeth Mary, Field officers Ramaraj,Padma,Rathinamary and Aruljothi and Training officer P.Subramanaian and DRP-P,Mrs.AmalaRajkumar conducted the refreshers training as per the LWS Workers need based agenda prepared for this refreshers training. The program was conducted in Villuthuhal training hall of SEVAI in Allur of Trichirappalli District.-Govin