DAPCU Amaravati response to theme of the month

Why is positive prevention important?

Since February 2009 DAPCU Amravati experiences the coordination and monitoring of HIV Prevention, Control, Care & Support Programmes in the District. DAPCU Amravati has catch the complete idea of the prevention of HIV which is totally depend upon the knowledge level and understanding of PLHIV regarding the HIV/AIDS and their impact. In the society there are all type of groups which are facing the problem of poverty, illiteracy and other social problems.   In addition to that there is new problem arise in this group is lack of knowledge regarding health and hygiene.  

So our motto is to “Positive Prevention” and it could be possible only if we succeed in increase the level of knowledge and Understanding of PLHIV regarding HIV/AIDS because HIV prevention program not only gives information but also build skills for healthy living and provides access to essential HRG such as supply of condoms or distributing sterile injecting equipments.

What are the Strategies for Positive Prevention underway in your District?

1. Effective Linkages between the facilities like ICTC, STD and ART.
2. ICTC is hub for HIV program and if the ICTC play a vital role for positive prevention.
3. Regular, Upgraded knowledge and Proper Counseling to each and PLHIV regarding HIV/AIDS and OI for better understanding. And this counseling is throughout of life of PLHIV.
4. If the ART center have more than one counselor they divide the work on rotation basis like, registration, social counseling, adherence of ART, linkages, OI and other issues.
5. Regular follow up for the client come to ART on follow up date.
6. The percentage of LFU and MIS is low and if it increases find out the reason of LFU and MIS.
7. Each and Every PLHIV link with the program like DIC, CCC, DLN+ & PACT for their social development.
8. To focus on the Discordant couple, alone clients (Widow, Unmarried, Adolescents and Husband who’s wife are death.)  Also focus on HRG’s.
9. Each and Every client is undergone in RMC regarding the STI/RTI on regular basis.
10. One of the most think is observe the availability of Condom and the demo of condom to every client for correct and consistent use in every sex activity.
11. Also assure that the counselor is not hesitating in the discussion or counseling of condom. The penis model is put in front of the table of every counselor (ICTC, ART, DSRC, DIC and CCC.)
12. Coordination between DAPCU and other implementing agency.
13. Ensured PPTCT program and time administration of Nevirapine infants and ANC & CPT coverage of all infant.
14. Advocacy and IEC activities with different line departments and civil society organization.
15. Provision of Social Benefit Schemes to all needy PLHIVs for their livelihood development preventing high risk behavior.

What role does the DAPCU play in this regard?

Role of DAPCU Amravati for “Positive Prevention” are:

1.  DAPCU Amravati develop the check line list of ICTC to ART on weekly basis and the follow up of taking by both of the side on daily basis. This activity is also check in the CMIS meeting of every month by DPO and Nodal Officer of ART center.
2. Divide the area to every Implementing agency (DIC, CCC, PACT, TI (FSW), TI (Migrant), PPTCT and MSM CBO for follow up of LFU and MIS clients.
3. DAPCU Amravati take efforts for the all facility related to HIV in single floor in the institute where the number of PLHIV found greater than other. The ICTC, DSRC, ART and DAPCU in one floor and DMC and Central pathology laboratory in next to another floor.
4. The clients from other district and state the name and the details sent through DAPCU to concern district.
5. Prepare the line list of PLHA in Excel sheet from the beginning of the program for avoiding the duplication of the clients.
6. Developing the free condom depot in all facility in front of the waiting area, registration area and table of the counselor.
7. Also develop the free condom depot in HRG and area where the PLHIV number is more in figure.
8. Take follow up of clients who are MIS or LFU and the feedback from Implementing Agency is not satisfactory by DIS or DAPCU team members.
9. Ensuring adequate, affordable supplies of male and female condoms and lubricants, and promoting their use. For that activity coordination between SMO works in district.
10. DAPCU also play important role in PLHIV are in mainstreaming.
11. Organizing training for capacity building of the service providers in every CMIS meeting and invite the resource person from outside and department.
12. DASPCU Amravati Preparing action plan & Spatial Map for Mapping of vulnerability.

 

DAPCU Surat response to theme of the month

• Why is Positive Prevention Important?

  Positive Prevention plays an important role in checking the spread of HIV. It contributes to   reduction of burden on General Health Facilities as well as improvement of the health of person living with HIV / AIDS.

• What are the strategies for positive prevention underway in our districts?

We have opted following strategies in our Surat District:

• Pre and Post Test Counseling
• Preventive Counseling
• BCC Activity
• IPC Activity
• Positive Speaker Activity
• More Focus on Partner Notification and Counseling for Discordant Couples.
• Linkages to PLHA with ARTC, CCC and Drop in Centers run by District level Positive Network.
• Linking with Jatan Project (Working for ART Enrolment & providing transportation) also.
• Linkages to PLHA with Social Benefits of Different Govt. Schemes for PLHA.

• What role does the DAPCU play in this regard?

Role of DAPCU Mention Below:

• Demand Generation and Services availability.
• Condom Promotion Activity with HLL (Hindustan Latex Limited)
• Services available to PLHA are in General Health Facilities.
• Meeting with Social Welfare Department of Surat District for providing services of Govt. Schemes to PLHA (People Living with HIV / AIDS).
• Provide Services on Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission.
• Prevention activity of EID program to cover all infants born to Positive mothers.
• Provide Care Support and Treatment services to Adult PLHA and CLHA (Child Living with HIV / AIDS).
• Providing Services with Different Component of NACP in District like Targeted Intervention, ICTC-PPTCT, Blood Safety, STI Clinic, ARTC, CCC and PLHIV Network DLN.
• DAPCU Team Regularly Monitor Supervision with Technical Support to Facilities and ensure Management of Service Delivery.

DAPCU Thoubal response to theme of the month

• Why is positive prevention important?

Positive prevention is important because....

1. It is going to stop further transmission of HIV/AIDS from infected peoples to uninfected peoples.
2. It will control sexually transmitted infections.
3. It will increase the standard of living for PLHIVs.

• What are the strategies for positive prevention undergoing in your district?

Some of the strategies in our district are,

1.proper counselling to PLHIVs.

2. cent percent ART referral of all HIV positives.

3.Effective Condom promotion

4. Proper and regular STI checkups.

5.Mid-media campaign

6.Strengthening the role of LWS and PPTCT NGOs

7. Enhancing IEC Campasign

8. Mainstreaming with public and private sector viz. other Govt. health dept. Education Dept. Etc
9. Strenthenging the role of TI NGOs

• What role does the DAPCU play in this regard?

Role played by DAPCU Thoubal

1. Proper monitoring for pre and post-test counselling of our ICTCs, ARTC and STI centres by the counsellors.
2. All the ICTC tested positives are sent to ARTCs.
3. Proper and regular STI check-ups.
4. Strengthening the work of CST.
5. Taking due care in blood safety.
6. Condom promotion and more focus on condom outlets.
7. Mid-media campaign especially in folk troups.
8. Mainstreaming with NRHM and other line departments.

North Delhi DAPCU Response to Theme of the Month- Positive Prevention

Why is positive prevention important?

Positive Prevention is important forimproving the health of persons living with HIV/AIDS and toprevent further transmission of HIV/AIDS through PLHIVs. Positive prevention optimizes the health and well-being of HIV-positive people by promoting risk reduction activities promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

  

What are the strategies for positive prevention underway in our districts?

The strategies which we are using in North District, New Delhi are as follows:

1. Promoting voluntary confidential counseling,testing and post test counseling.
2. Linking PLHIV with ART Centers, CCC and Drop-in-Centers.
3. Follow-up counseling and out reach in the home of positive clients facing crisis with the consent.
4. Reinforce & monitor the client’s behavior change and help them to address the issues.
5. Leaving the door open for PLHIV means they can always come to service centers in case they face any issues in terms of further care and treatment or legal issues.
6. Encouraging beneficial disclosure and ethical partner notification.
7. Providing counselling for sero-discordant couples.
8. Condom promotion activity through TI NGOs and also have plan for campain in the district.
9. Link PLHIVs with social benefit schemes so that they can improve their life style.
10. The DAPCU will ensure professional management of the program through regular monitoring & supervision. 

 These are some of the roles the DAPCU can play

Targeted interventions:  Facilitate access to AIDS prevention and treatment services, general health services and other entitlements. This creates a supportive environment for TIs to function

Assured Safe Blood and Blood Products:  Develop a district wise information and transportation scheme to provide blood and blood components to Blood Storage Centers. Deal with infrastructure issues of blood banks Monitor disposal of hospital waste with the help of hospital and district administration.

Condom Promotion:  Monitor availability of condoms at service provision point and ensure the rational use.

Communication and Social Mobilization: Conduct district level IEC campaign Use local channels for demand generation Work with TI NGO for social mobilization for HIV prevention and management.

Women, Children and young adults:  Working with district level departments for prevention, treatment and impact mitigation on women, children and adolescents.

Migrants, Trafficked Persons & Populations in Cross-border areas:  Provide pre departure guidance to migrants and provide linkages to organizations in destination areas with the help of district administration.

Mainstreaming with Public and Private Sector: Technical support to district level organizations to integrate HIV in their functions. Provide linkages to HIV services in to district departments and organization.

Providing care support and treatment for children infected and affected with HIV/AIDS:  Monitor children born to positive mothers for early signs of the need for ART.
Monitor and investigate any instance of denial of rights to HIV infected and affected children
 to protect the rights of children.

Impact mitigation: Set up linkages with district level organizations and departments for support to PLHA and their families.   Facilitate access of PLHAs to social support.

Nanded DAPCU Response- Positive Prevention

Positive Prevention (Nanded District, Maharashtra) : 

Positive Prevention is the most important parameter to prevent any further infection from PLHIV to other Un-infected person. If we unable to control infection from PLHIV to the un-infected person directly a lot of people are at risk.
Nanded district is also working hard and implementing strategies to encourage positive prevention. We believe that reducing or eliminating stigma and discrimination are important aspects of positive prevention. As when PLHIV have no fear , they are able to access services and lead a healthy and responsible life 

1. The most important step the district has taken  to avoid any single  Stigma & Discrimination case by maximum utilization of district resources like NGO, mainstreaming of several departments, sensitization of . health staff etc. If any such case happened the DAPCU team work hard to sort out the matter and serve the PLHIV.
2. If any critical matter happened regarding Stigma & Discrimination, DAPCU takes the help of District Authority to get rid out of the problem.

Response to September Theme: DAPCU AKOLA

POSITIVE PREVENTION

Why Positive Prevention is necessary?

Positive prevention is necessary to slower down the prevalence rate of the district. Positive prevention is the main parameter which includes the prevention of HIV transformation from infected PLHIV to uninfected person, it also includes the upliftment of PLHIV by providing them a quality life through proper counseling, medicines, social benefit schemes.

Role of DAPCU Akola in Positive Prevention :

DAPCU Akola is working hard towards positive prevention , some areas are listed below:

1. By Strengthening the Counselling factor in ICTC & ART : 

This is the most important & basic parameter for positive prevention. Through proper counselling counselor build up the capacity of PLHIV. If required several sessions of counselling are conducted in the ART centre. Counselor suggest the ways to prevent infection from PLHIV to uninfected person and convince the mind of PLHIV to avoid any problematic condition.The linkages of ICTC-ART is more than 100% and taken care that each one should get quality counselling.

2. Proper supply of Condoms to the end person : 

DAPCU plays a major role for providing condoms to the end client. Link workers Scheme has established 162 condom depo(s) in rural part of the district whereas TI NGOs are taking care of all the brothel-base area and HRG spots. ICTC is also a major source where the condom promotion and distribution is taking place.

3. Blood Safety :

In each blood bank, care has been taken that each unit should be tested for HIV, HCB, HCV, Malaria and syphilis.

4.Counseling sessions through DIC & PACT : 

Drop in center is playing a major role by providing various services to the PLHIV. The major role of DIC to strengthen the capacity of PLHIV and guide them for quality of life. DIC providing various social benefit scheme to the PLHIV, providing them a counseling, distribution of mass stock of condoms, forming their Self help group for upliftment of their financial status.

5.Maximum utilization of IEC resources:

DAPCU utilizing all the resources for IEC ie. Link workers scheme, TI, PPTCT NGO, ICTC and Local media network etc.

DAPCU Balangir, Odisha Response to September Theme

POSITIVE PREVENTION 

              Why is positive prevention important? 

• The infection not only inflicts health related hazards but also impacts the socio-economic status of the infected ones/ community. There is also the chance of spreading the infection to more persons/ community.
• Everyone in the world wants a better tomorrow than good/bad today.
• To protect the next generation from HIV.
• It is more important in case of vertical transmission i.e. PPTCT as a new born is affected.
• Detection in an early stage is most important.

          What are the strategies for positive prevention under-way in our districts?

    

 Though there is a routine technique and work for detection of hiv positives is going on, we have to work in an innovative and focussed way to track the incoming source of the infection and accordingly intervention can be undertaken. there are a few strategies that we are following. like

• ICTC service uptake activities in inaccessible pockets.
• Continuous training and sensitization.
• Converged activities & IEC campaigns with NRHM / NGO / CBO etc.
• Ownership building in line depts.
• Effective BCC in high risk communities.
• Access to all available Social Benefit Schemes for HRG-PLHIVs to promote safe sexual behaviour.
    
  What role does the DAPCU play in this regard?

• Continuous training and sensitization to make the grass root level health care service providers feel the gravity of the situation and act accordingly.
• IEC campaigns in regular intervals at grass root level and in the key areas where infections are coming out.
• Converged activities with NRHM / NGO / CBO etc. for better and greater achievement using available meagre resources.
• Involvement of line departments and make them enable to assess Positive Prevention as their primary duty to work towards.
• Upliftment of the socio economic status of the persons detected earlier.
• Enabling them to come forward towards the mainstream.
• Exploring the route cause between high and as well as low positive detection areas (Block/Mandal/Village).
• Arrangement/conduction of sole & converged health camp cum awareness campaigns.
• Regular sensitization through CDMO on HIV to the key service providers those are doctors, in their monthly review meetings.
• Tracking and in time follow up of ANCs by NGOs.

DAPCU Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh Response-September 2012 Theme:

Why is Positive Prevention important? 

After 3 years of experience in coordination and monitoring of HIV Prevention and Care & Support Programmes in the District, we understood that HIV Prevention is in the hands HIV infected people only and their knowledge levels towards HIV/AIDS.  They are in different groups in the community but our focus has been fixed on HRG since beginning of the Programme.  If we see the HIV infected people, among HRGs they are hardly 1% to 5% and our focussed preventive services are reaching those 1% to 5%.  We are getting new HIV infected cases every month (1 or 2) among HRGs. On the other side of the coin 100 to 130 new HIV infections are coming out every month at ICTCs among general clients who have risky heterosexual behaviour.

We can understand that the cases that were infected with HIV, they got infection either through sex with HIV positive people or through HIV infected by blood & blood products.  But our reports inform us that, 99% of the cases are getting infection through sexual route only.  

As per the above statement is concern the “Positive Prevention” activity is very important and plays vital role in HIV Prevention in the District/Sate/Country.

Here I would like to show some data evidence of Vizianagaram District for understanding how is ‘Positive Prevention’ important. 

 What are the Strategies for Positive Prevention underway in your District?

• Proper Counselling to PLHA for understanding that they are carrying HIV infection throughout life.
• Referral to ART as and when found HIV Positive
• Identification ART Un-registered PLHAs
• Home visits of PLHAs
• Pre-ART Registration
• Counselling services
• Referrals & Linkages (Networks/DIC/CCC)
• Periodical follow-up of High Risk PLHAs (Discordant Couple, Unmarried, Adolescents, FSW, MSM and etc)
• Ensuring availability of Condom for those High Risk PLHAs (Either in person  or through outlets)
• Ensuring STI check-ups  for High Risk PLHAs while visiting ART Centre for follow-up

 What role does the DAPCU play in this regard?

             As per as Vizianagaram District as concern we took some steps to implement “Positive Prevention” activity in the district.

1.  We did analysis to know ICTC wise how many PLHAs didn’t reach the ART Centre in the district.
2. Developed mechanism for tracking each PLHA whether they reached ART or not every week by comparing line list with ICTC and ART like HIV-TB referrals.
3. Insisting our ICTC Counsellors to do follow-up of unreached PLHAs on Saturdays in outreach activity and using ORW/PE/LW services also in this regard.
4. Preparing a master PLHA line list for avoiding duplication or double testing of PLHAs.
5. ART Medical Officers were sensitized for referring PLHA to DSRCs on regular basis.
6. Planning of Folk Media /Mid Media Campaign according to PLHA load in the villages.
7. Insisted LWs and other Interventions to put Condom outlets where high load of PLHAs were found.
8. GIPA/MIPA (Greater/Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS) at all levels in the projects like PE/LW/ORW/Counsellors/PC.
9. Providing Govt. Schemes like AAY/Doubt Nutrition/Loans for improving their quality of life.
10. Encouraging PLHA Networks to improve their membership with involving more number of PLHAs.
11. The Project Director, APSACS initiated Daily tracking mechanism to know each PLHA ART registration status and implementing very seriously and closely monitors through video conference regularly which makes DAPCUs to focus on Positive Prevention in the State. 

DAPCU Coimbattore, Tamil Nadu Response-September 2012 Theme:

Positive Prevention Programs in Coimbatore District DAPCU

• Voluntary HIV testing and counseling that is confidential, consenting and with appropriate pre and post-test counseling.
• Diagnostic testing to monitor HIV and the immune system and regular screening, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis.
• Antiretroviral therapy, including beyond first-line drugs, information and counseling on treatment literacy and services to support adherence to drug regimens.
• Regular screening, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
• Prevention of opportunistic infections through drug prophylaxis and environmental interventions (nutrition, clean water, bed nets), and treatment when infections occur.
• Ensuring adequate, affordable supplies of male and female condoms and lubricants, and promoting their use.
• Sexual and reproductive health care like contraceptive services, maternal health services, and gynecologic and urologic care.
• Programs to support positive pregnant women and antenatal care to help them promote the health of their unborn child, including preventing parent-to-child transmission.
• Nutritional education, blood safety counseling and assistance.
• Diagnosis, counseling and treatment for depression and other mental health issues, which are common among people living with HIV.
• Counseling to build self-esteem, relationship counseling, risk-reduction counseling, including both individual counseling and skills-building.
• A person living with HIV and Positive Network NGO’s spoken openly and increase solidarity.
• Counseling for sero-discordant couples. These sessions should acknowledge the need for couples to express intimacy through sex and work to identify ways to have sex more safely. Counseling around exercise and encourage regular physical activity.
•  Peer support groups, especially for vulnerable groups including women, young people, young people born positive, sex workers, injecting drug users, and men who have sex with men.
•  Substance use interventions sensitive to the needs of people living with HIV.
•  Help in obtaining a safe, affordable place to live and services to ensure transportation to health clinics and places of employment.
• Child care services to enable parents to obtain health care, to work, and to participate fully in counseling and support activities.
• Employment assistance and income-generating and micro-credit programs
• Legal assistance to cope with issues such as HIV-related discrimination, insurance coverage. Advocacy and counseling trainings to support the greater involvement of people living with HIV.
• Specific training for health care providers in the health care needs of people living with HIV, as well as counseling and training on treating people living with HIV with dignity and respect
• Mass media campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
• Training for journalists in how to report accurately and sensitively on issues related to people living with HIV.

Coimbatore DAPCU is doing above Positive prevention programs in our district. At the same time, positive prevention is linked to other preventive health care efforts, including efforts to prevent HIV transmission. Everyone is responsible for stopping the transmission of HIV and everyone also has a role to play in making sure treatment is available, reducing stigma and discrimination, and reforming punitive and ineffective laws. Positive prevention will succeed “when everyone joins together for the same cause”; successful positive prevention will benefit everyone.