Odisha-One and its fight against stigma and discrimination in Orissa

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

IDPR (Institute for development programme and research had organized a

colloquium on the 20th of August at its office in Bhubaneswar.

It was a collaborative effort on behalf of *ODISHA -ONE, a consortium* in which

NGO's and CBO's have come together to fight stigma and discrimination among the

key vulnerable groups in Orissa.

The consortium partners MAS (Multiple Applied Systems, and CBOs working for

vulnerable people ASHRAYA for (FSW's),

SAKHA for (MSM's), KNP+ for (People living with HIV/AIDS) and HOPE

foundation for (IDU's).

As said by Sudeshna Satpathy Programme Director IDPR " The consortium's guiding

principle is not only to fight stigma and

discrimination among PLHIV's but also among the key vulnerable groups across

Odisha " .

The findings of a study on stigma and discrimination which had been

initiated by IDPR with support from KNP+ was presented in this colloquium. The

presentation was done by the GIPA Coordinator, Orissa Mr*. AJAY PATRA,* who very

clearly stated the causes of stigma and discrimination against PLHIV's as well

as the effects of discrimination focusing on seven key areas. He even cited

certain acts of discrimination that had been perpetrated on him

and how this had forced him to internalize the stigma and at a certain point he

had accepted it. The presentation also highlighted case studies of

discrimination in ODISHA.

The study focused primarily on PLHIV members KNP+, from 23 Districts of Orissa

and primarily focused on documenting personal case studies of discrimination in

seven key areas:

• Access to work and services.

• Internal stigma.

• Effecting change.

• HIV testing.

• Disclosure and confidentiality.

• Treatment.

• Having Children

*ODISHA-ONE *will be undertaking a series of workshops / colloquiums /

meetings to highlight discrimination against all the vulnerable groups. They

also have planned to initiate a concerted advocacy campaign against stigma.

Kalinga Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Orissa KNP+ E-MAIL:

<knpplusorissa@...>