Alliance Connect - April 2025

Greetings !

Alliance India continues to make strides in its mission to combat HIV/AIDS and promote inclusivity and healthcare access for all. In this edition of our newsletter, we bring you exciting updates and developments from our recent initiatives and collaborations.

Crafting Empowerment at the UN – A Spotlight on Trans Artistry

At the International Women's Day celebration at the UN Headquarters, Alliance India showcased a vibrant stall, shining a light on the incredible craftsmanship of Vaishali and Nazim—two inspiring trans women. From delicately handmade jewellery to delectable cookies , every creation reflected a story of resilience, creativity, and empowerment.

Supporting Trans-Affirmative Health Initiatives

On International Women’s Day, Sahas, supported the Civilian Welfare Foundation, organised a Trans Affirmative Health Camp in Delhi. By mobilising the local community and providing volunteer support from the SAHAS Delhi team, the initiative ensured access to health services for the transgender community.

International Women’s Day: Stories of Strength and Solidarity

On International Women’s Day, Alliance India created a unique platform to celebrate the journey of extraordinary women from diverse and vulnerable communities. The event fostered a sense of unity, enabling women to share their personal narratives of struggle, resilience, and triumph.

Azaad Foundation shared their impactful work in training women to become professional drivers, helping them achieve both mobility and independence. Dr. Shikha Dhawan emphasised the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship among women from various backgrounds, advocating for their right to lead and grow.

Through this celebration, Alliance India reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the ideals of rights, equality, and empowerment.

Advocating for Inclusive NCD Care

On 6th March 2025, Mona Balani, who leads Community System Strengthening at Alliance India, participated in the Roundtable Meeting on NCD and Health Equity. Organised by HRIDAY in partnership with civil society stakeholders, health institutions, and the WHO, the discussion was chaired by the Director of the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare.

Ms Balani shared her lived experiences with HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), highlighting challenges such as stigma, inadequate gender-sensitive services, and limited access to diagnosis and treatment. She called for integrated, one-stop service delivery models, peer-led support for ageing individuals, and strengthened capacity-building for healthcare providers.

Alliance India continues to advocate for stigma-free, inclusive, and equitable healthcare services for all.

Healthcare Access for Transgender Communities

On 22nd March 2025, Sahas Delhi, with the support of the National Institute for Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, conducted a dedicated health camp for transgender individuals. This effort also got a support from Civilian Welfare Foundation, NCUI, Ministry of Cooperation, and grassroots organisations like Kinner Bharti and Satrangi Samaj.

The camp offered consultations with general physicians, gynaecologists, pain specialists, and mental health professionals. Dr Giriraj, Deputy Director of NISD, graced the event and reiterated the government's commitment to accessible and inclusive healthcare. Nutrition kits were also distributed to support the community’s overall well-being.

This initiative was a significant step toward making healthcare inclusive, accessible, and empowering.

Strengthening Legal and Social Entitlements

On 29th March, Sahas hosted a Social Entitlement Camp in Delhi to support the transgender community. Organised in partnership with the National Institute for Social Defence (NISD), MoSJE, and several community-based organisations, the camp facilitated registrations for essential documents, like Transgender ID Card, Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) Card, e-Shram Card and Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card.

A Legal Aid Desk, set up by the Centre for Justice Law and Society (CJLS), provided on-the-spot legal assistance and awareness.

Dr. R. Giriraj, Deputy Director of NISD, attended the event, expressing his support for continued work in inclusion and accessibility.

Together, we aim to uphold dignity and equity for all.

Planting Hope for Healthier Futures

On 23rd March 2025, Alliance India organised a plantation drive at Christy Girls Home, Kolar, under Project Sanjeevan, which supports the mental and nutritional well-being of children living with HIV (CLHIV).

Seventy children and their caregivers took part in planting saplings—an effort that not only nurtures the environment but also symbolises health, growth, and hope.

Over six months, Project Sanjeevan supported 555 children across Bangalore and Kolar with monthly nutrition kits and regular BMI check-ups, resulting in significant improvements in hemoglobin levels.

This pilot initiative stands as a lasting testament to care, health, and environmental commitment—planting roots for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.

Corporate Support: Empowering Young People Living with
and Affected by HIV

The "Scale-Up of Resilient & Empowered Young People Living with & Affected by HIV" project, funded by Corporate Warranties (I) Pvt Ltd, was implemented in Delhi from December 2024 to March 2025. It reached 1,025 young individuals through vocational training, healthcare access, and stigma-reduction awareness programs.

Nineteen Youth Champions were trained to lead peer-driven interventions focused on SRHR, mental health, and HIV care. A state-level workshop brought together NGOs and youth-led groups, featuring an engaging session by Mr Gautam Yadav, Programme Officer at Alliance India.

Fifteen support group meetings were held with colleges, CBOs, and healthcare providers, creating safe spaces for dialogue. A life skills and SRHR resource package was shared with all participants, and four social media campaigns amplified outreach and youth engagement.

This youth-led initiative fostered empowerment, inclusion, and long-term resilience for young people affected by HIV.

The NETREACH Experience: A Young Man’s Journey Towards Sexual Health and Self-Acceptance

In July 2024, Aman (name changed), a 23-year-old student from Delhi, reached out to NETREACH counsellor Rupa Rani via a social media platform. Though he had many questions about HIV and sexual health, he hesitated to talk about his own situation, often framing his queries as if they were for a friend. Fear of stigma, anxiety, and trust issues kept him from sharing the truth.

Sensing his apprehension, Rupa maintained regular, empathetic communication without pressuring him. Her focus was on offering a safe, judgment-free space, where Aman could feel heard and supported. Over the months, she patiently provided information and encouragement, guiding him gently toward self-awareness and acceptance.

In March 2025, Aman finally opened up and revealed that he had been diagnosed with syphilis in July 2024 but had kept it to himself due to confidentiality concerns. A recent diagnosis confirmed the infection, leaving him anxious and confused. This time, he shared his medical reports and sought clear guidance on what steps to take next.

With Rupa’s continued support, Aman was able to understand the treatment options for syphilis, the importance of timely medical care, and how to manage his mental and emotional health throughout the process.

Aman’s story reflects the critical role of trust-building in healthcare. It highlights how consistent, stigma-free, and compassionate counselling can empower young people to face their fears, access care, and prioritise their well-being.

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.