Fight against universal menace

ALLAHABAD: As per the records of health department the Allahabad has been termed a high prevalence district for HIV. Ironically, hardly 48.8 per cent women in the area have heard of HIV\AIDS.
However, the district health department has decided to observe the World AIDS Day under the theme of 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. Concerned agencies and organisations have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, recognizing these as fundamental human rights.
Mapping of high risk groups (HRGs) is being done as they are the primary targets.HIV prevention measures are being taken out in migrant labourers areas.
Mapping of the HRGs in 132 villages showed that estimated number of HRGs in the sampled villages of the district are in the range of 964 to 1,408 (with an average of 1,186). Majority of the HRGs are female sex workers estimated in the range of 569 to 813 (with an average of 691). They are reported to be operating in 93 villages. Their number is followed by number of Men Having Sex with Men (MSM) which is in the range of 315 to 481 who are active in 43 villages. In 20 villages, Indra-Drug users (IDU) are also found. Largest number of HRGs are mapped from Soraon and Chaka blocks.
District programme officer, Aids Control, Dr VK srivastava told TOI, "Analysis of the available evidence indicates that migration and commercial sex are the key drivers of the epidemic in Allahabad." He added that interaction with the PLHA (people living with HIV and aids) network reveals that majority of them were migrants or the family members of migrants, who went to different places of the country. This implies that migration played a very important role in HIV transmission in the district.
A total of 40 link workers (with equal number of male and female workers) will be placed in the 38 most vulnerable villages in the district. The programme strategies include behaviour change communication, condom promotion, referral of members of HRGs for services like integrated counselling, testing centers for sexually transmitted infections.
Assitant district programme officer, Aids Control, Dr. SAM Meesum told TOI that, "The protection of human rights is fundamental to combating the global HIV and AIDS epidemic." Violations against human rights fuel the spread of HIV, putting marginalized groups, such as injecting drug users and sex workers, at a higher risk of HIV infection. By promoting individual human rights, new infections can be prevented and people who have HIV can live free from discrimination. World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of people - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.
Deaths Due TO AIDS In The Last One Year
Among the 132 sampled villages, 190 deaths are reported in 94 villages. The district positive network has also reported 32 deaths in last six months. Majority of deaths have been due to opportunistic infection which could have been treated. Since the opening of ART center and community care centers, PLHA are getting better chance of getting treatment but still the treatment facilities need to improve at all level.
Risk profile of HRGs at Hot Spots
Majority of the villages identified having high number of female sex workers (FSW) are those located on national or state highways. FSWs are in fact from low income group and they not only operate in local areas, but have their clients fixed. Use of condom is minimal by FSWs in this area. Large number of STI (sexually transmitted infections) cases have been in reported in this area during the mapping.
Key programming implications for the placement of link workers
* 100 percent coverage of the female sex workers, men having sex with men, and intra-drug users from the rural areas in the district is yet to be achieved. Based on the rural mapping, 100 most vulnerable villages have been identified. Clustering of these most vulnerable villages has been completed in order to place 40 link wokerrs during the initial phase.
*The placement of link workers has been worked out in order to avoid duplication with the NGOs implementing the TIs in the district. The map of clustering of villages for the placement of the link workers is given.
* Quality assurance will be one of the key agendas of the link workers' programme. For instance, the programme will aim at achieving 100 % condom use among the commercial female sex workers and MSM. Similarly, all the HRGs from the rural areas will have to be tested for HIV at least once a year in order to provide care and support to PLHA from the group.
* The link workers intervention will have to be implemented in close coordination with the front line functionaries of the national flagship programmes in the district.
Underlying risk and vulnerability
* Allahabad has large number of students from outside in various professional colleges, university and coaching centers. Some of them have been involved in risk behaviour. They are highly vulnerable because of lack of knowledge and awareness about HIV\Aids and harm reduction practices.
* Allahabad has one of the largest populations of child labour working in sand stone mining, beedi making and carpet weaving industries and street children.
* Two national highways and a number of state highways pass through the district and villages. These national highways are vulnerable due to presence of female sex workers and other high risk groups.
* Level of awareness about HIV\AIDS is low.
Programmes to be held on the occasion
* A Motor Cycle rally will be flagged off at 10 AM which will pass through High Court, Railway station, Nakhas Kohna, Kotwali, Meerganj, Kothaparcha, Dot ka Pul, Jiwan Jyoti hospital, Rambagh, Medical Crossing, Kamla Nehru Hospital, Church Lane, Senate Hall, University Road, Kachehry, Marry Wanamaker School, Stanley Road and will be terminate at CMO Office at 11:30 AM. Balloons will be release in the air by CMO and a nukkad natak will be presented for community awareness.
*An orientation program with IEC Canopy fabricated by Lok Smriti Sewa Samiti will be held at District Woman Hospital (Dufferin) under the guidance of SIC Dr Kiran Malik on December 1.
The in charges of NSS/NCC of the all the technical and higher education institute of Allahabad district have been requested by District AIDS Control Society to organize awareness programmes like poser painting, debate, lectures rallies etc in their respective institutes for the awareness amongst students. Besides, a week long programme would be organised in different colleges and institutes of the district.
* Swarg organization with support of UNICEF has successfully formed 40 Red Ribbon Clubs in 40 different villages of 20 blocks has planned a week long programme from December 1 to December 6 in 20 block covering 40 villages of rural areas in Allahabad district.
* Poster competitions, Ghosthi, Mehndi competition, aetc will be held with the help of gram pradhans and prizes will also be distributed to the winners. Hundreds of village youth will be participating in all the proposed events.