Kolasib- Efforts to increase General Clients Testing - District Administration Pools Resources

This note was developed by Kolasib during a capacity building session on documenting a case study

Background

ICTC Testing among General client is quite low in Kolasib District. The reason for low testing may be varied, but the DAPCU felt that the major reason can be due to the lack of awareness among the general population. When we contacted the NRHM counterpart for conducting ICTC Demand Generation Campaign they did not have fund for the campaign (NRHM in Kolasib District never done a health campaign during last year as they did not have fund for the same) moreover when contacted the Mizoram SACS they could not provide fund for the same. In addition to this IEC material is limited for distributing the whole population within the district. In order to solve the problem, DAPCU put up the issue during DAPCC meeting held on 11^th October 2011.

Process

The issue was discussed at the mentioned DAPCC meeting. The meeting resolved that

• Leaflet would be developed and designed by DAPCU using A4 Paper and the budget estimate to be prepared. The financial requirements would be met in collaboration with various line-departments. The IEC materials developed will be distributed to every household residing at far flung villages through Volunteers of Line department

• One (1) Representative from each village within the District to be selected who will be trained on HIV/AIDS basic information. The trained Village representative will then impart HIV/AIDS information during every Gram Sabha conducted in their respective villages

Leaflet developed & designed by DAPCU using A4 paper contributed by 21 line departments. These leaflets (approx. 10000 copies) were distributed to far flung villages during socio-economic census. These leaflets were also distributed during the 66^th YMA (largest Youth Group NGO in Mizoram) General Conference hosted by Kolasib during 25^th -27^th October 2011 this conference.

Due to unavailability of fund training couldn’t be organized. However Booklet developed by DAPCU regd. information on HIV&AIDS and ANC were submitted to the DC. This booklet will be distributed to the representatives of each village and will impart during Gram Sabha conducted in their villages.

We believe that considering limited resources it was an achievement that the district administration supported the HIV activities in this manner. While there was no significant impact on the testing among the general population we believe that this effort was supported well by the district administration and it goes on to show that there is a commitment for HIV in the district. We will now examine in depth probable reasons for low testing and  develop new strategies to impact service uptake in the district. We are confident of the support and guidance of the administration.

Champai, DAPCU's Response to May 2012 Theme - DAPCC Achievements

While preparing for the DAPCC meeting dated 22^nd July 2011, DAPCU team believed that it is a great platform to inform, enquire and request each concerned Departmental head/officers from the DAPCC members about schemes or benefits which can be made available for our PLHIV from the District. And for this, the DAPCU team looked into various schemes under each department and, these were presented as PowerPoint presentation on the DAPCC meeting, and discussion after each departments were held on making these available for PLHIV. The DAPCU was also able to work with various other populations with the help of the DAPCC. A few examples 

CAMPAIGN AMONG DISTRICT JAIL INMATES:

Meeting with the Superintendent, District Jail on the 28^th July for Jail Visits

DAPCU visited the District Jail twice, first with Mobile ICTC, the later with ART Centre

• 18^th August: Basic knowledge on HIV/ AIDS was delivered to about 100 inmates. Followed by HIV testing. 27 inmates were given one on one counseling and tested. 2 tested positive for HIV.
• 15^thSept: Care Support and Treatment for PLHIV particularly on ART, CD4 counting and Criterion for ART was presented. After which CD4 counting was done for 3 inmates. One old and 2 new case that were detected on the last visit and Pre ART done on the spot.

 AEP School Programme

• DEO, Champhai district issued a circular to all schools in the district for utilizing the first Monday of every month for AEP, which includes topics on HIV/AIDS, Drug abuse and Sex education.
• DAPCU prepared uniform PowerPoint presentation on ‘Basic knowledge on HIV/AIDS’, which were distributed to the 19 prioritized schools.
• On following up on the progress on AEP, in most of the schools, 36 (Thirty six) Nodal teacher were identified and trained. And except for few schools, this is an ongoing process and 36 (Thirty Six) schools report they have it regularly and successfully. 

SCHEMES

Civil Supplies

AAY: Meeting with DCSO was held  4^th August .A list of PLHIV who are willing to access AAY card were given. And 19 PLHIV were entered. 21 PLHIV enjoying AAY card in the District at present

Social Welfare Department

• Nutritional supplements to PLHIV DIC and ART Centre: – Malwin, Cereals, Soya, Calcium Tablets, Biscuits etc are frequently supplied to our centres from CDPO, Champhai.
• Lists of PLHIV were collected and application made for Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (3 PLHIV) and National Family Benefit Scheme (8)

HIV/ AIDS messages in Conferences and Churches: A circular was issued to all departments by the Deputy Commissioner, Champhai, to include a short session on HIV/AIDS awareness in every Conference and meetings within the district. Circular on HIV /AIDS information’s and messages issued to all the Churches in the District which were read out during services.