30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM)

This post is on behalf of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. 

Dear Friends,

“In Solidarity" is the theme of the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM). 

One of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV awareness in the world, the Memorial is coordinated internationally by the Global Network of People living with HIV (GNP+). Started in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May. The Memorial is led by a coalition of 1,200 community, health and faith organizations in 115 countries. In 2012 over 200,000 people worldwide participated in the event.

Please express your solidarity, observe this day on behalf of your DAPCU on 19 May 2013, and extend your support o CBOs and NGO partners in your district. Registration for participating organization is at http://bit.ly/IACM-2013

Organising the Memorial for the 30th time is no reason for celebration. When the AIDS Candlelight Memorial was held first in 1983, no-one could have predicted the scale of the global epidemic. While for many people HIV has become a chronic disease, many others lack access to treatment and experience HIV-related stigma, discrimination and human rights violations on a daily basis. IACM reminds us of the impact that HIV has on our lives locally and globally.

Solidarity is essential to reduce stigma and promote the involvement of people living with HIV in order to ensure a more effective HIV response. Only through Solidarity can we advocate for universal access to human rights and quality treatment, prevention, care and support services. I hope the DAPCUs will make us of this opportunity. More details are available at www.candlelightmemorial.org

Thanking you, and
Looking forward to your support,

Kousalya Periasamay
National Coordinator for India,
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

DAPCU Balangir Response to the Theme of Women & HIV

WOMEN and HIV:  

•  In present situation women play a vital role in spreading HIV infection to others. In the case of a returnee migrant, when he returns to his home after a long gap, his spouse can not deny immediately for physical relation or after having HIV test whether he is infected or not.
•   Suppression of illegal sexual relation of an unmarried boy also invites harassment to that woman when she gets married to that boy.
•  As most of the women are not earning member of the family, they are many a times are deprived of their livelihood from their mother-in-law’s house. It some times yields commercial female sex worker to earn some bread and butter. 

What are the ways in which your district ensures that women have access to HIV services?

• All ASHAs / AWWs/MPHW (M/F) were sensitized on HIV/AIDS through out the district which enables them to know regarding HIV/AIDS and its vulnerability / prevention of transmission etc.
• In each monthly meeting, it is observed / reviewed the target of pregnant women in the district and how much they are tested by ICTC?
• In monthly doctors review meeting in presence of Dist. Collector & CDMO it is presented that how much ANCs were tested according to target / estimate? In turn it is impressed by CDMO to all doctors regarding HIV service provision to all estimated ANCs.
• Counselors are instructed to attend the ASHA sector meeting regularly for more no. of referrals of ANCs to access HIV services
• ASHAs are given incentives to promote the ANC referrals to ICTC for uptake of HIV services.
• In coordination with ICDS, HIV / AIDS related posters are prepared and distributed through them for more accessibility of HIV services.
• In each Mela / Utsav, IEC stalls on HIV involving counselor of concerned area, are installed with counseling aids and free condom distribution / demonstration.
• Doctors are also sensitized to refer more no. of suspected cases to ICTC for HIV service provision.

Have you made any Special efforts to address their needs and Vulnerability?

•    There are some NGOs working for HIV infected persons, those who are debarred from either from their father-in-laws house or from their mother-in-laws home.
•    They are given some interest free financial loans to make by themselves stand alone and self dependent.
•   In connection to vulnerability factor, it is observed from the line list of HIV positive persons, strategy of intervention is made time to time at district level in coordination with district health administration and SACS.

You can also share with us how women's day was observed in your district?

The INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2013 observed at Town Hall, Bolangir on 8^th March 2013 in our District.

The occasion was chaired by Mrs. R. Prakash, wife of the Superintendent of police Bolangir as Chief Guest, Mr. Bikrant Kumar Kindo, CDMO, Bolangir as chief speaker, Dr. Jyotirmayee Sahu, DMO, DHH Bolangir, Dr. Manjulata Panda, ADMO, Bolangir & Dr. Jyotsna Mahapatra, Social activist as Hon’ble Guests. The participants were from public representatives of the district, SHG members from District & Block Federation, inmates of SWADHAR Home, Bolangir & Eminent women of the District.

CDMO emphasized and focused on the vulnerability of HIV/AIDS in our district in connection with women as they are the creator of new generation. In brief he presented the roles and responsibility of women in this context in our district.

DAPCU Wardha Response to the Theme of HIV & Women

What are the ways in which your district ensures that women have access to HIV services?

There are various ways of HIV Services delivered in the District, in Every taluka place have a Standalone ICTC for providing PPTCT service and STI/RTI testing, also establish the 12 F-ICTC’s at 24X7 PHCs, and 10 PPP centre in the Maternity homes, which are helpful for women’s to easily access  the HIV testing Facility. With the Help of PPTCT/LWS NGO ICTC counselors Organized the HIV awareness camp, and provided the testing facility on grass root level such as PHC and Sub Centre Levels, recently in the district trained the ANM for Whole Blood testing so that women’s  have access to HIV testing service at grass root level at PHC and Sub Centre level.

• In district Wardha, 10 maternity home convert to F-ICTC(PPP), through that total  4383
  
  Women tested in the Year 2012-2013
• 12 Primary Health Care Centre run as F-ICTC through that total 2441 women Tested in the Year 2012-2013
• All Positive ANC’s Registered to Art Centre,
• Out of Total HIV Positive Delivery, 93.7% ANCs received the Neverapine through the Health Facility
• In the Year 2012-13 total 43333 client tested out of that 64.34% are women (General+ANC)
• BY the IEC activity of ICTC Staff, covered the ANC from Rural Area, the HIV Testing camp organized in sub centre level
• In the year 2012-2013, Total 2441 women tested from Rural Area.
• The VDRL testing done to all ANC
• With the coordination of PPTCT/LWS NGO, we organized the Awareness programme, HIV sensitization programme to all over the district.
• The ICTC Counselors sensitize the Asha worker for Women’s HIV Testing
• During the follow up visit Counselors/ PPTCT ORW ensure that the ANC come for Delivery at Health Facility.

Have you made any special efforts to address their needs and vulnerability?

• Every needs have its special existence i.e. the ICTC Counselors participated in the Mahila Melava  organized for the Asha Workers, Anganwadi Sewika and Social Work Collage Student and  the NGO representatives in the AIDS Week, in this programme counselor provided the information regarding Women and HIV, Need of HIV Testing, PPTCT Programme, Nutrition, Care and Support for Possitive Women, information about Social Benefit Scheme and Positive Living.
• In DAPCC meeting DAPCU Address the need to covered separated women and widow for SGNY Benefit Scheme, The Additional Collector considered and ready to give the SGNY Scheme benefit for Separated Women and Widows.

You can also share with us how women's day was observed in your district?

 On the Occasion of Women‘s Day programme DAPCU Wardha organized the Awareness programme for Women with the      collaboration of Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal & Lok Sanchalit Sadhan Kendra Arvi. In this programme 500 women’s are presented from the 63 villages, the resource person Dr. Vijya Mude give information about the following:

• Way of Spreading HIV
• Importance of HIV testing and ICTC
• PPTCT Programme
• Nutrition during Pregnancy
• Stigma and Discrimination

Co-ordination with PPTCT/LWS Ngo the DAPCU and ICTC staff arranges the IEC stall at the place.

DAPCU Imphal West Response to the Theme of Women & HIV

Q. What are the ways your district ensures that women have access to HIV services?

1) By bringing up the issue of Women infected or affected by HIV at National and State Level Workshop or Seminar or Meeting etc.

2) By propagating for inclusion Women specific Program components at MACS (Manipur State AIDS Control Units) and NACO level.

3) By providing Home based care and Support to Women affected/infected by HIV/AIDS from organisation on contribution.

4) Since 1999, MLSS (TI- NGO, FSW) have given awareness to FSW and Children like knowledge and awareness skill to them including Women Leader through Free Toll Service (Telephone Help Line), to our District and other two districts of Manipur State. Through Free Toll Service, female inquiry (clients) increases day by day. Many IDU and FSW concerned the MLSS for Counselling and Testing, Condom Demonstration, HIV Transmission, and providing Self-Help Group.

Q. Have you made any special efforts to address their needs and vulnerability?

1) Self Help group including Poultry, Farming, Tailoring, Weaving etc. to arise Income as source of Income.

2) Inspire of absence of Program for spouses of IDUs in the existing TI program under SACS (Manipur State AIDS Control Society) , most of the NGOs implementing TI projects in the districts are giving care support from Organisation on contribution to ensure excess to HIV services which includes referral to ICTCs, PPTCT, CD₄ counting, RNTCP and ART Centres etc.

3) Counselling to develop hand shaking behaviour, build linkages with existing Government Scheme under Social Welfare, and Family Welfare etc. So also referral to NGO  implementing care and support for spouses and children infected or affected by HIV which are not partner of MACS (Manipur State AIDS Control Society) to avail services like Educational support, Medicinal support for OI, Vocational Program.

DAPCU North Delhi Response to the Theme of Women & HIV

The ways in which our North Delhi District ensures that women have access to HIV services are as follows:-

• In our district there are 10 ICTC/ PPTCT Centers ( 1 PPTCT Center in Hindu Rao Hospital, 1 ICTC Center in Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital & 1 ICTC Center in  Kamna Nehru Maternity Home) where all HIV/ AIDS facilities are provided especially to women. Other ICTC Centers in North District are also providing HIV/ AIDS facilities to women.
• Facility of Emergency Labour Room Testing is also available in Hindu Rao Hospital, Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital and Kamla Nehru Maternity Home.
• Janhit Socieity for Social Welfare, Samarth -1 & Samarth2 TI-NGOs are working for awareness, prevention and control of HIV in FSWs in the district.

The special efforts those have been made to address their needs and vulnerability are as follows:

• DAPCU Team has actively participated in the Mega Health Camp organised by Mission Concergence under the Cahirmanship of Deputy Commissioner, North District on 31.03.2013 at Sarvodaya Kanya Bal Vidyalaya No. 2, Adarsh Nagar, Delhi. DAPCU arranged the ICTC staff and Nukkad Natak Team in Mega Health Camp.
• North DAPCU was involved in installation of PPTCT software in Hindu Rao Hospital, Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital, Kamla Nehru Maternity Home & ICTC Burari. The PPTCT software will be useful to trace ANC positive and follow-up their babies till 18 months after delivery.
• DAPCU had organized full site ICTC Sensitization Program in Hindu Rao Hospital, Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital and ICTC Kamla Nehru Maternity Home,  where all the staff i.e. Medical Officers, Staff Nurses and other supportive staff participated in the Program. The objectives of program were- Awareness on NACP, Improve Utilization of Resources and Strengthening Linkages & Referrals.

Observation of Women’s Day in Delhi State AIDS Control Society on 08^th March 2013:

•  International Women’s Day 2013 was observed jointly by all DAPCUs with DSACS at DSACS. On the occasion of the day the Obstetricians and Gynecologists from 46 ICTC/ PPTCTCs in Delhi have been sensitized regarding the new PMTCT Strategy of NACO which is going to be launched in Delhi with the goal of virtual elimination of pediatric HIV transmission through perinatal route.

Response of Angul district on Women & HIV

Few ways in which our district ensures that women have access to HIV services

In Odisha, Angul is a centrally located district, with a population of above 12.70lakhs. It is a an advancedin terms of coal mines and big industries like NTPC, JSPL,NALCO, MONNET, ADDANI,UCL and MCL. These industries also invite migration and the district also has FSW presence which caters largely to the migrant population.

• Angul is a “A” category district for which there is a provision of Rs 100/- ASHA incentive for HIV testing of ANC cases and Rs 500/- to both ASHA& client (pregnant lady) for institutional delivery of PLHIV, as a   result  of which 100% ANC HIV testing and positive delivery was  conducted in all Govt. Hospital.
• ICTC Counselorsare taking all responsibility for administering of ARV drug (Nevirapine tablet and Syrup )to Mother Baby pair. 5. PPTCT ORW areproviding full support to ICTC Counselors for follow up of HIV positive ANC  clients.
• Pathological test and Blood was provided to all HIV positive women  infree of cost in DHH, Angul.
• Through outreach work the counselor reached to the door step of PLHIV women and provided all kinds of support for easy accessing of Care support and treatment services.
• The TI projects working for Migrant Labourer and FSW group refer the client to ICTC/ STD Clinic for HIV testing and STD treatment. The TI partners also taking  the responsible for the HIV testing of the spouse/partners of  PLHIV   clients.

Other initiatives ,likecounseling and workshops for for social benefits schemes, Legal support through District Legal Support Authority (DLSA) etc are also catering to women.

Special efforts to address these needs and vulnerability of women

• DPM and ICTC supervisor of DAPCU discuss on HIV/AIDS in monthly ASHA sector meeting to sensitize the ASHA regarding the HIV/AIDS by which the ASHA reaches interior villagesand refer the HRG women/spouse of Migrant / Truck Drivers etc. to ICTC for HIV testing.
• PLHIV Network meeting /family support group meeting was attended by DAPCU staff and discuss regarding the problem faced by PLHIV women in accessing the care support and treatment facilities available for them and their problem was also discuss in DAPCC meeting.
• Counselor of ICTC (PPP mode) , JSPL (An industry) providing support to PLHIV migrant labourer and taking all step for HIV testing of the Spouse/Partner of the PLHIV laborer and also refer the PLHIV women to ART centre.

Kurnool supports PLHIV in getting Loans

Financial Support for PLHAs through Mainstreaming

The District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit –DAPCU, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh State take initiative for providing financial support to PLHAs through SC Corporation, Kurnool under Mainstreaming. During DAPCC meeting.   We requested all line department to provide support and give preference to the PLHAs in the Social Welfare schemes and Sri. C. Sudarshan Reddy, I.A.S, Collector & Dist. Magistrate, Kurnool has instructed all Line Departments who are under under social security and district initiative programmes to provide necessary support to the PLHAs for getting benefit on priority basis. 

The DAPCU along with District Level Network approached to the Executive Directors of SC,ST,BC & Minority Finance corporations and we were explained the process, required documents and budgetary provisions for beneficiaries.  The DPM shared this message to the PLHAS through Network, ART & TI NGOs. DLN collected 45 applications along with required documents and submitted to the SC Corporation through proper channel certified by the Addl. District Medical Officer (AIDS & Leprosy), Kurnool.

As per the list submitted by DAPCU,  the SC corporation did enquiry as per guidelines without breaching confidentiality and get the  report from the concerned MPDOs  regarding their residence etc.  SC Corporation sanctioned financial support Rs.30,000/- (Rupees Thirty thousand only) for each individual PLHAs and list consist of 24+13=37 PLHAS was shared for final certification and approval. The ADM&HO & DPM verified, certified and submitted to the SC Corporation on the same day.  

The Assets (Loans) overall Rs.11,10,000/- (Rupees  eleven lakhs ten thousand only) were distributed to 37 PLHAs. on the occasion of Birthday celebration of Sri. Babu jagajeevanram on 5^th April,2013 for  24 PLHAs ,  in second spell they  distributed the allotted loans for 13 PLHAs without labeling them as PLHAs on the occasion Sri.Dr.B.R.Ambedkar,  Birthday on 14^th April,2013 in the presence Sri.Sudakar babu, MLC, Sri. Labbi venkataswamy, MLA, Sri.Sudarshan Reddy,I.A.S, Collector & District Magistrate, Kurnool  Sri.Chnadarsekhar Reddy, I.P.S. Superintendent of Police, Kurnool and other dignitaries. 

Response of DAPCU-Yavatmal, Maharashta on Women and HIV

• Women account for one in four new HIV diagnoses and deaths caused by AIDS.
• The proportion of AIDS diagnoses reported among women has more than tripled since 1985.
• The vast majority of women diagnosed with HIV contracted the virus through heterosexual sex.

Around the Globe 

• Worldwide, women constitute more than half of all people living with HIV/AIDS.
• For women in their reproductive years (15–49), HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death.
• Women are at least twice as likely to acquire HIV from men during sexual intercourse as vice versa.
• A study in South Africa recently suggested that nearly one in seven cases of young women acquiring HIV could have been prevented if the women had not been subjected to intimate partner violence.
• In 2011, 57 percent of pregnant women living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries received effective drug regimens to prevent new HIV infections among children.
• In sub-Saharan Africa, women constitute 58 percent of all people living with HIV/AIDS.
• Among young people aged 15-24, the HIV prevalence rate for young women is twice that of young men.

 The ways from women are easily accessed to HIV services.

• Yavatmal has one Govt.  Medical Collage and under this hospital run one ICTC, PPTCT  Centre , one  Designated STI RTI Center and one ART Centre.
• In Yavatmal District the total HIV testing in 2012-13 is 89505 (General +ANC)
• Yavatmal  District have total 19  ICTC and 63 FI-ICTC they all provide the HIV testing facility to ANC as well as other women (Whole Blood Testing).
• Under the ICTC staff they organize the ANC HIV testing camp in the Sub-Center and PHC level.
• A New ART Centre has been started on 28/3/2013 in SDH Pusad  in Yavatmal District                             

DAPCU take special efforts to address their needs and vulnerability through….

• DAPCU organized the sensitization camp in Bachat  Bhavan for Bachat Gat Mahila organization out of which 100 % are women, and in this sensitization our focus is HIV, PPTCT Programme.

Theme Response of Banda District on "Women & HIV"

District Banda located in Bundelkhand, borders along with Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Mahoba, Hamirpur District as well as Panna and Chhatarpur Districts (M.P.).Many of villagers (Male) migrant to cities to earn livelihood. Due to lack of awareness of HIV/AIDS, they infected with HIV and transfer the virus to their spouses. In this way at Banda District “Women and HIV” is a big issue/subject to discuss. In the context of above points described in monthly theme Our Team want to share our analysis/response.

What are the ways in which your district ensures that women have access to HIV services?

• In Banda District before establishment of DAPCU there are only 5 ICTCs Centers and 3 FI-ICTCs were located in CHC and PHCs and delivery/ANC cases were tested there for HIV/AIDS.  After establishment of DAPCU Banda, getting analysis of delivery cases at Atrra and Mahuwa CHC/PHC  need to establish some new ICTCs there. DAPCU coordinate the issue with UPSACS and Now Two New FI-ICTC s established at above CHC and PHC.
• After establishing 02 new FI-ICTCs we have able to access HIV services to delivery cases/ANC to more population nearby villages situated at CHC and PHC. While before they refer to concerning CHC /PHC or at District Hospital Banda. They ignore to check with HIV status due to distance from their villages.
• Starting WBFPT testing is also a key tool to us for accessing HIV services to women through ASHA/ANM concerning with villages as well as delivery cases at night. DAPCU encourage for do the HIV testing by WBFPT by trained Nurses/ANM/LHVs at centers and co-ordinate the matter with CMO time to time.
• For NVP case handling L.T. and Counselor are trained at centers by field staff time to time. Now counselor appointed through NRHM at PHCs also encouraged to do the counseling and L.Ts. for testing, Nurses also trained for safe delivery practice.
• In the monthly ASHA /ANMs meeting under chair ship of MOIC at CHC/PHCs 01 DAPCU Member participated in this meetings and sensitized to participants for accessing information/services to Women in their respective villages. 

Have you made any special efforts to address their needs and vulnerability?

• After establishment of DAPCU Banda, getting analysis of delivery cases at Atrra and Mahuwa CHC/PHC need to establish some new ICTCs there. Therefore DAPCU coordinate the issue with UPSACS and CMO Banda to support FI-ICTCs with NRHM Budget and Now 02 New FI-ICTC s established at above CHC and PHC.
• After establishing 02 new FI-ICTCs we have been now able to access HIV testing services to delivery cases/ANCto more population nearby villages situated at CHC and PHC. While before they refer to concerning CHC /PHC or at District Hospital Banda. They ignore to check with HIV status due to distance from their villages.
• DAPCU Banda coordinating with District Level Health Administration for providing care and support to PLHIV ANC/Delivery Cases  at delivery points.

You can also share with the us how women's day was observed in your district.

There is no plan shared with UPSACS to observe Women’s day in f/y 2012-13. But we organized the HIV-T.B. awareness camps at Government Degree College Banda sponsored by District T.B. Office in the context of school activity programs. DAPCU Banda participated in this program and aware to Girls regarding HIV/AIDS as well as T.B. and describe the role of Women/Girls in control and preventing spread of HIV/AIDS.

  

DAPCU Central Delhi Response to the Theme of Women & HIV

The ways through which our district ensures that women have access to HIV Services are:

o   HIV services are being provided primarily to women through three (3) PPPTCTCs in three big hospitals and one (1) ICTC situated in maternity home along with five ICTCs in our district.

o   Facility of Emergency Labour Room Testing is also available at all Government Hospitals.

o   In collaboration with NRHM, two F-ICTCs have been established in Maternity and Child Welfare Centers (M&CWs) to screen ANC cases and further linkages with other centers as per their needs.

o   Two TI-NGOs are working for awareness, prevention and control of HIV in FSWs in the district.

Special Efforts have been made to address their needs and vulnerability are:

o   Sensitization concerning HIV-AIDS of the Medical and Para Medical staff of Maternity and Child Welfare Centers (M&CWs) in the district has been done through various training programs, workshops and camps in collaboration with NRHM.

o   Joint TI-NGO of G B Road has been linked to nearby Delhi Government Dispensary for providing Free General Medicines to FSWs through NGO’s STI Clinic.

o   DAPCU-Central assisted DSACS in installation of PPTCT software in all PPTCTCs of Central Districts which will be useful to track ANC positive and follow-up their babies till 18 months after delivery.

o   Various schemes such that Financial assistance scheme for PLHAs, Free Test Facility for PLHAs at Government Hospitals, Provision of Blood without any replacement blood donation or fee at Blood Banks are running by Delhi Government for People Living with HIV-AIDS (PLHAs) including HIV Positive women. DAPCU under guidance & directions of DSACS, is putting its efforts to make sure that all aforesaid benefit schemes can be availed by the needy & eligible people specially women in the district.

o   The DAPCU participates in School Health Melas at various schools including co-ed. & solely girl’s school organized by IDHS with collaboration of Education Department. Large number of female visitors including girl students had been benefitted through HIV-AIDS awareness activities performed by DAPCU team in those School Health Melas.

Observation of Women’s Day:

o   International Women’s Day 2013 has been observed jointly by all DAPCUs with DSACS at DSACS. On the occasion of the day the Obstetricians and Gynecologists from 46 ICTC/ PPTCTCs in Delhi have been sensitized regarding the new PMTCT Strategy of NACO which is going to be launched in Delhi with the goal of virtual elimination of pediatric HIV transmission through perinatal route.

DAPCU Amravati Theme Response for HIV and Women

1) The ways from women are easily access to HIV services.

•  Amravati has one District Woman Hospital and under this hospital run one ICTC (old PPTCT) center and one Designated STI RTI Center.
• In Amravati District the total HIV testing in 2012-13 is 80738 (General +ANC) out of that 51475(ANC + General) are woman(63.75%).
• Amravati District have total 16 ICTC and 48 F-ICTC they all provide the HIV testing facility to ANC as well as other woman.
• Under the ICTC staff they organize the ANC HIV testing camp in the Sub-Center and PHC level.
• In the tribal area Birth rate is near about 25 and there is problem to provide the services because they are not conveyance to take health facility, in that situation ICTC staff is reach in remote area through the “Bharari Pathak” (Mobile Unit) and Manav Sansadhan Project and try to complete the estimated ANC.
• Under the LWS scheme and PPTCT NGO program we organize the sensitization program in SHG meeting and in Anganwadi on Immunization day.

2)      DAPCU take special efforts to address their needs and vulnerability through….
         

• DAPCU organize the sensitization camp in nursing collage because in nursing collage the 99% are women, and in this sensitization our focus is HIV, HB, STI and Blood requirement of woman in delivery.

• DAPCU also organize the Pap smear camp for PLHIV women in women hospital with the help of DLN.
• In the ARSH program our focus is also of HIV, HB, STI and Blood requirement of woman in delivery.

3)Women's Day in Amravati.

• DAPCU Amravati organized the women's day with the participation of Nursing Union and Maharashtra State Employ Federation.  About 300 women are attended the event.

DAPCU Ahmednagar Response to the Theme of Women & HIV

Ahmednagar DAPCU has aimed to provide the HIV testing facility at the end person of the rural part. Geographically Ahmednagar district has the highest area in the Maharashtra state .Although district has achieved the respectable male vs female ratio, educational capacities in the women but there is an urgent need to spread importance of HIV testing in the women.

DAPCU implemented the different strategies to reach to the last ANC e.g. DAPCU has taken the sensitization workshop for Anganwadi Workers, ASHA’s and SHG members. DAPCU has initiated HIV testing facility to the end PHC through Whole Blood Prick Program. DAPCU initiated HIV testing facility in the private hospital under PPP concept. 

To spread importance about the HIV testing in women, Ahmednagar DAPCU has arranged the sensitization program on the eve of 8 March 2013 (International Women’s Day). DAPCU has coordinated the 235 female workers from women & child department, Snehalaya and female workers from Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation. V K Patil foundation has arranged the poster exhibition on ‘Save the girl child’ concept. District Civil Surgeon Dr. Ravindra Niturkar has stressed out on the ‘Save the girl Child’ concept and DPO Shri. Shivaji Jadhao has explained the need for HIV testing.