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Advancing Rights: Roundtable on Supreme Court's Directive for Sex Workers | |
On 7th June 2024, Alliance India hosted a transformative roundtable focused on "Promoting Collaboration and Reflecting on the Honourable Supreme Court's Directive Regarding Sex Workers." The event was held in partnership with the Delhi State AIDS Control Society (DSACS) and the All India Network of Sex Workers (AINSW).
The roundtable reaffirmed the importance of upholding sex workers' rights to life, dignity, and equality. Discussions emphasised addressing core social entitlement issues, including access to Aadhar cards, Voter IDs, social welfare schemes, and other essential services. Comprehensive healthcare services, particularly reproductive health and HIV/AIDS programs, were highlighted as critical needs.
Stakeholder and community engagement was a central aspect of the roundtable. Senior representatives from the State Election Commission, UDAI Regional Office Delhi, the Department of Social Welfare, and the Delhi State AIDS Control Society, along with community members, actively participated in the discussions.
Representatives from the State AIDS Control Societies of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra also joined the event. This roundtable served as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration and developing a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the rights and well-being of sex workers. | | | |
Empowering Youth Leaders: Virtual Advocacy Training Workshop | | | | | On 24th June 2024, Alliance India conducted a Virtual Capacity Development Workshop, uniting youth members from community-based organisations across six states. The workshop provided a platform to exchange new ideas for advocacy and sustain funding for youth CBOs, focusing on the Global Fund systems and the India Country Coordination Mechanism (ICCM) for prioritising grant allocations for HIV, TB, and Malaria.
Participants gained valuable insights into the Global Fund mechanism, funding opportunities, and the involvement of youth members in ICCM. Six CBOs from Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, UP, and Tripura participated, with around 25 youth members trained through this virtual workshop.
We extend our gratitude to Ms Nandini Kapoor (UNAIDS India), Mr Pierre-Louis Bonnel (Youth Mobilization Officer, UNAIDS), Mrs Sumita Taneja (Country Director, FHI 360 India), and Mr Gareth Jones (Strategic Advisor, UNAIDS) for their support. | | | | |
Enhancing ART Adherence: A Collaborative Workshop for PLHIV Who Use Drugs | | On 25th June 2024, Alliance India hosted a powerful and insightful workshop focused on ART (antiretroviral therapy) adherence and retention in care for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) who use or inject drugs. In collaboration with the Delhi Users Network (DUN) and the Indian Drug Users Forum, the event brought together various stakeholders and community representatives to discuss the challenges and explore strategies to improve ART adherence among vulnerable populations.
Timed to coincide with World Drug Day and supported by the Support Don't Punish Campaign, the event featured notable attendees, including UNAIDS Country Director Mr David Bridger, Delhi State AIDS Control Society Joint Director Dr J K Mishra, and representatives from other development partners.
This stakeholder consultation marked a significant effort to deepen understanding and develop innovative strategies for enhancing ART adherence and care retention among PLHIV who inject drugs. The event has set the stage for more effective interventions and supportive measures in this critical public health area through collaborative discussions, expert insights, and a strong commitment to action. | | |
Alliance India Launches SAMAGRA Program to Accelerate National HIV Response | | Alliance India is thrilled to announce the commencement of a new phase of the SAMAGRA program, previously known as VIHAAN. Our goal is to help achieve the national targets of ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression (known as the 95-95-95 target).
To kick off this new phase, we conducted orientation training for our Care and Support Center staff and Prison Intervention staff in Manipur on 28th June and in Mizoram on 25th June 2024. During these sessions, we outlined how the new phase will be implemented, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success in our efforts to support and care for our communities.
In addition to the care and support services previously provided under the VIHAAN program, the SAMAGRA program will also focus on services related to the elimination of vertical transmission, i.e., the transmission of HIV and syphilis from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. It will also include interventions in prisons and other closed settings, as well as virtual interventions.
We are excited about this new phase and confident that it will significantly enhance our efforts to support and care for our communities. | | |
Pride Month Special: Podcast on LGBTQ+ Legal Rights in India | | | For Pride Month, we produced an informative session on Legal Rights and Protections for LGBTQ+ Individuals in India as part of the 2nd Season of "Baat Karoge to Baat Banegi". Hosted by Mr Siddhartha Baral and featuring Supreme Court Advocate Ms Tripti Tandon, the episode delves into the legal landscape affecting LGBTQ+ individuals in India.
The discussion covers historical evolution, current legal status, marriage and family laws, and anti-discrimination measures. This episode aims to raise awareness and foster meaningful conversations on LGBTQ+ rights, serving as a valuable resource for the community and broader audience. | | | | | As we continue to embark on these transformative journeys and make a lasting impact on the lives of the most marginalised, like People Living with HIV, transgender and other such group. We invite our generous donors to stand with us. Your support fuels innovation, empowers individuals, and rekindles hope. Join us in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all. Your contributions make a world of difference.
Thank you for being a beacon of change and a source of strength. | | | | | | | | | | | | |