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.
Government Departments
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment