DAPCU Surat (Gujarat) Response to the Theme : DAPCU's role in addressing stigma and discrimination and mobilizing support for high risk groups and people living with HIV

DAPCU Surat would like to share a case study that demonstrates the steps taken to mobilize support and address stigma and discrimination faced by high risk groups and people living with HIV.

A woman working in the Mid-Day Meal Programme at a Primary School for the past six years was asked by the school Principal to submit a medical report for renewing her contract. When the woman disclosed her HIV positive status, the school Principal and Deputy Mamlatdar of Taluka Panchayat refused to renew her contract. The woman contacted the ICTC Counsellor who reported the matter to DAPCU Surat and District Level Network. DAPCU team in coordination with District Level Network made a joint visit to meet the school authorities and Taluka Development Officer and submitted a written complaint.

DAPCU also raised the issue at the DAPCC meeting followed by submission of a written complaint to the District Magistrate and Collector requesting necessary action against the Taluka Development Officer and school Principal. A notice was issued by the District Magistrate and Collector to the Taluka Development Officer and school Principal asking them to explain their position. Upon enquiring this matter and finding no justification for the decision, the District Magistrate and Collector ordered that the woman’s contract as a Mid-Day Meal Worker should be renewed. DAPCU’s persistent efforts helped the woman receive a contract and she continues to work with the Mid-Day Meal Programme performing her role competently.

DAPCU Kanyakumari (Tamilnadu) Response to the Theme : DAPCU's role in addressing stigma and discrimination and mobilizing support for high risk groups and people living with HIV

To address stigma and discrimination and mobilize support for high risk groups and people living with HIV, DAPCU Kanyakumari has conducted sensitization programmes for Government departments, schools and the general public.

Government Departments

 Incidents of stigma and discrimination were discussed with Heads of Department to mobilize their support. Sensitization and training programmes have been conducted for department staff, which has resulted in improved delivery of social welfare services to high risk groups and people living with HIV. When beneficiaries approach departments to apply for social benefit schemes, staff now respond to requests with greater sensitivity and understanding. Since participating in the sensitization and training Programme, staff offer necessary support to the client for claiming social entitlements and even enquire about the person’s family situation.

Schools

 School Headmasters have been sensitized to carefully handle cases of stigma and discrimination experienced by students living with or affected by HIV as well as take steps to prevent any harassment due to their status.

Case study

The following case study highlights the role played by DAPCU Kanyakumari in mobilizing support and addressing stigma and discrimination in our community.

In one of the villages, a person living with HIV was not being considered for daily wage work and neighbours were maintaining a distance from her knowing that she was positive. When the lady approached with a complaint, DAPCU took immediate action. With support from the Ward Councilor, a sensitization Programme was conducted in the village. DAPCU raised awareness about HIV, routes of transmission, and common myths surrounding HIV and AIDS. During the Programme, the audience sat near the HIV positive person and shook hands to demonstrate that they accept her as any other person. DAPCU has observed a change in the community’s attitude towards the person since the sensitization Programme was organized.