| | 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. | | | | We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Pramod K. as the new Chief Executive of Alliance India. With over 25 years of experience in HIV/AIDS programming, Dr. Pramod is a committed public health leader. His expertise and collaborative approach will enhance our mission to improve health outcomes & promote inclusivity for all. | | | | | | | |
Alliance India Supports India’s 100 Days TB Campaign: Working towards a TB-Free Bharat! | | | | Alliance India is actively participating in the 100 Days Tuberculosis Campaign, strengthening efforts to eliminate tuberculosis through awareness, early detection, and community engagement. In January 2025, our outreach focused on high-traffic areas in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) regions such as Connaught Place, Sarojini Nagar, Golf Link, Mohammadpur, Mahipalpur, AIIMS ART Centre, and hospitals including Safdarjung, Lady Harding Medical College, and NDMC Polyclinic.
During these awareness drives, we engaged with individuals from diverse groups, including MSM, transgender, and hijra communities, as well as the general public. Through interactive group discussions, we addressed stigma associated with TB, educated people about its prevention, symptoms, and free treatment services, and encouraged self-assessment using QR codes. Informational pamphlets were also distributed to raise awareness and promote action.
This initiative was conducted in collaboration with NDMC, the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), and the Central Tuberculosis Division (CTD) to build a healthier and TB-free India. | | | |
Law Enforcement Meeting on Trans Rights and Inclusion | | | |
On 23rd January 2025, Project SAHAS hosted a Law Enforcement Meeting in Delhi, bringing together 65 participants from government, private sector, law enforcement, and community-based organisations (CBOs).
The meeting fostered essential dialogues between law enforcement officers and community representatives, focusing on the challenges faced by transgender individuals and other marginalised groups. Discussions highlighted the need for improved implementation of existing laws, better access to legal aid, centralised support for identity documentation, and enhanced sensitisation efforts.
Engagement with community leaders, including Dera Gurus, emphasised the importance of bridging cultural gaps and promoting holistic inclusion. | | | | |
Integrated Health Model – Consultation on Women Who Use Drugs | | | The Integrated Health Model at Kapurthala has been an empowering initiative for women who use drugs, providing comprehensive and community-centred care. Building on its success, the model will now be expanded to three additional sites in Punjab, ensuring broader access to integrated services, including mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and rights (SRHR) services.
The announcement was made in a landmark consultation hosted on 28th January 2025 in Chandigarh by the Directorate of Health Services (Punjab), in collaboration with Alliance India and Gilead Sciences. The event aimed to address the unique challenges faced by women who use drugs and explore ways to improve access to holistic healthcare services.
Dr Balbir Singh, Health and Family Welfare Minister, stated: "When a woman struggles with drug use or its health and social consequences, it impacts her entire family. We must focus on holistic and integrated care that includes treatment and reintegration to truly support these women."
Ms Gurpreet Kaur Deo, Special DG Punjab Police – Community Affairs, highlighted the need to break stigma, emphasising: "Women must feel safe accessing healthcare without fear of legal or societal consequences. Our outreach programs aim to bridge this gap."
This initiative reflects the collective commitment to empowering women and sets a powerful example of collaboration and innovation. Punjab’s approach to integrated healthcare creates a community-sensitive model that can inspire similar efforts across India. | | | | |
Advancing Care for People Living with HIV | | | | From 29th to 31st January 2025, we organised a three-day National Review and Capacity Building Meeting under the Vihaan Care & Support Programme 2.0. This event brought together teams from six states—Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Mumbai, and Manipur—to review progress and improve services for people living with HIV (PLHIV).
The discussions focused on ensuring that our services meet the changing needs of PLHIV and align with national priorities outlined in NACP V. One of the key areas was the Elimination of Vertical Transmission of HIV and Syphilis (EVTHS), which ensures better screening and care for pregnant women and infants.
We also took a closer look at Vihaan-Samagra, strengthening follow-up processes and improving coordination with key health services like ART centres (ARTC) and Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC) to provide more holistic care. New collaborations with initiatives like the Red Ribbon Bus and Netreach are helping us expand our reach to even more people in need.
Improving how we monitor and report data was another focus area, helping us track progress more effectively and enhance the quality of care. These efforts aim to ensure that everyone affected by HIV has access to comprehensive and timely support services.
The meeting saw participation from representatives of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), State AIDS Control Societies (SACS), and our partner organisations, all working together to strengthen services and support for PLHIV. | | | | |
Sensitisation Programme on Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act | | | Alliance India actively supports initiatives that promote awareness and inclusion. On 30-31 January 2025, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Central University of Haryana, organised a Sensitisation Workshop on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act.
Amrita Sarkar, Advisor for Transgender Wellbeing & Advocacy at Alliance India, led sessions on the Act, guiding 70 students and media professionals on the rights and protections it offers to transgender persons.
Media representatives present helped amplify the message through their coverage, promoting greater awareness among the public. Alliance India remains committed to contributing to such efforts for a more inclusive society. | | | | 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. | | | | | | | | | | | | |