An Experience of
First
International Conference on HIV Sensitive Social Protection- Delhi
On behalf of DAPCU ODISHA
I had attended the First International Conference on HIV sensitive social
protection at Delhi on December 11-12, 2013. It was an honour to be a
part of the team witnessing the first ever international meet. Experience in the
conference added lots of values and boosted
my enthusiasm and courage to work closely for the cause. Lot of things I
came to know from the events where I had participated and shared. This will be
reflected in the steps taken ahead for my district. Followings are some of my
experiences and learning from the conference.
The requirement of
National AIDS Control Programme is not confined to care support and treatment but has extended
to linkages of the PLHA for social protection scheme. Now the time has came to
advocate for various schemes to give humanitarian touch for the people living
with HIV AIDS.
Although DAPCUs in Odisha
have already been involved in facilitating PLHA and HRG to avail schemes still
there is long way forward. I came to know about the thematic components, efforts
in policy and strategies adopted by different states and nations as well for
linkages of PLHA to social protection schemes.
This
is my first ever participation and exposure in International Conference which
helped me to understand various schemes, policies and strategies to link PLHA
in to social protection schemes. It also enriched my knowledge and boosted my confidence
to work for the PLHA in my district. I had shared my views and challenges faced
in my District and state during group discussions held during the conference. During
the two days of the conference, I met DPMs of DAPCU AP, Delhi and Maharastra
and we discussed about innovative programmes and the strategies adopted in
different parts of the country to facilitate PLHA and HRG to access social
protections schemes. DPM of Maharastra explained regarding inclusion of HRGs in
voter list and facilitating to providing voter ID to them, in coordination with
concerned department. I realized that, the same strategy can be adopted in my district
also. I came to know about the importance given to linkages of PLHA in to social
protection schemes in NACP phase -4 and that all DAPCUs need to play a vital
role i,e facilitator for linkages to the schemes. I realized that DAPCU need to
ensure effective mechanism for delivery of social protection schemes.
My utmost gratitude to
Dr. N. Goel , Dy Director General, Dept. of AIDS Control, Delhi and mainstreaming
division for giving me chance to attend the conference and sincere gratefulness
to DAPCU National Resource Team(DNRT) for ,support and confidence imposed on me
and nominating my candidature. I must be thankful to my Project Director,
OSACS for his kind support.
The efforts of UNDP and
Dept. of AIDS Control, Delhi are really appreciable. This was an important and
very good initiative to bring different nations on to one platform to discuss
and plan for the People Living with HIV and AIDS. Hope these efforts would continue
in future.
