North Delhi DAPCU Response to the Theme- DAPCUs and Stigma and Discrimination

AIDS-related stigma and discrimination is a pervasive problem worldwide. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in India, as elsewhere, face stigma and discrimination in a variety of contexts, including the household, community, workplace, and health care setting. Research in India has shown that stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive people and those perceived to be infected are common in hospitals and act as barriers to seeking and receiving critical treatment and care services.

Roles and Responsibility of DAPCU with respect to Stigma and discrimination relating to HIV:

The main role and responsibility of DAPCU is to prevent and control HIV-AIDS in the district. DAPCU plays a significant role in reducing Stigma and Discrimination relating to HIV-AIDS in the District in the way of:

1. Co-ordination among HIV-AIDS facilities of the district to provide better services to HIV-AIDS positive clients.
2. Monitoring and supervision in the district by doing field visits at the HIV-AIDS facilities. 

DAPCU North is fully active in reducing Stigma and Discrimination relating to HIV-AIDS in North District. For this following activities are done at DAPCU level:

• Actively participation in Mega Health Camps organized by Mission Convergence under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner in the District:

DAPCU North has actively participated in Mega Health Camps organized by Mission Convergence under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner in the District. Counseling services, distribution of condoms, distribution of IEC material services were provided in the Mega Camp. DAPCU arranged MITWA van and Nukkad Natak Team from DSACS to participate in Mega Health Camp.

• Sensitization Programme of Hospital staffs:

DAPCU had organized full site ICTC Sensitization Program in North and South West Districts. The Medical Officers, Staff Nurses and other supportive staff were sensitized in the Program. 

Objectives of Full Site ICTC sensitization Programme were:

1. AWARENESS ON NACP

2. IMPROVE UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES

3. STRENTHENING LINKAGES & REFERRALS

• Session on the topic of HIV-AIDS to various Line Department like - Delhi Jal Board staff, CRPF Camp, Delhi Police etc.:

DAPCU staff took session on the topic of HIV/AIDS at various line departments like Delhi Jal Board staff, CRPF Camp and Delhi Police in North and South West District.

• Through DAPCC Meeting at district level:

With the help of District Administration we have sent a Circular to Medical Superintendent of Hospitals and Medical Officer In-chage of Maternity Home of North District for:

1. Providing all available health services in the facility to people infected and affected by HIV / AIDS
2. ANC who is detected to be HIV positive in the district should be delivered within district hospital, sub hospital and maternity homes.
3. Prophylaxis should be provided to both mother and baby.