Andhra Pradesh: Key stakeholders review support mechanisms for children infected with HIV

[Guest guest]

Key stakeholders review support mechanisms for children infected/affected with

HIV

Report by Y V Phani Raj

The HIV/AIDS epidemic represents one of the most serious public health problems

in India. The prevalence of the infection in all parts of the country highlights

the spread from urban to rural areas and from high-risk groups to the general

population. Among them, children and young people are at the centre of the

HIV/AIDS epidemic.

According to the latest UNAIDS epidemic update, India has 5.134 million out of

the estimated 40.3 million people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide. A previous

study also concludes that approximately 220,000 of the infected in India are

children.

Andhra Pradesh being one of the high prevalent states in India for HIV/AIDS,

addressing various issues of Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) is looming

largely at the face of the NGOs and government alike, according to experts.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a US based international relief and

development agency with USAID/ Family Health International (FHI) support is

implementing the " Cheyutha Project " in AP since August 2003. The focus of the

project is on children infected and affected with HIV/AIDS and orphan and

vulnerable children (OVC). The project is implemented in four locations in

Andhra Pradesh and provides comprehensive prevention, care and support services.

Under the project, interventions are underway to provide comprehensive

prevention, care and support through nutritional support, educational services

and psychosocial support. Project has so far reached out to around 4000 infected

and 14000 affected children.

CRS/FHI has convened a state-level advocacy workshop on OVC at Hyderabad on June

22 and 23, 2006, for different stakeholders, such as Government agencies, donor

agencies and implementing agencies supporting HIV/AIDS programme as well working

on child protection issues. Dr.I.V.Subba Rao, Principal Secretary Health,

Medical and family welfare, Govt.of AP gave the key note address, the other

guests and speakers included Mr.Swaranjit Sen, Director General of Police, Govt.

of AP, Mr.Ashok Kumar, Project Director, APSACS, Ms.Tejdeep Menon, Inspector

General of Police, Dr.Birtra ,

Deputy Country Director, FHI/India and Ms.Rekha Abel, Assistant Country

Representative, CRS/India.

The workshop addressed on sensitization of different stakeholders such as NGO's,

Government Departments related to OVC work and seek their support through

greater involvement and to arrive at appropriate mechanisms to address gaps

realized through the implementing of OVC projects, including a state level forum

and follow up action.

Regards,

Chetan Pillay

CRS/India

Email:cpillay@...