Prevention through Outreach Awareness Programmes

Supported by CRS (Catholic Relief Services) and DSACS (Delhi State AIDS Control Society).

The two Outreach Awareness Programmes address different targets:

The Catholic Relief Services Programme

Has been implemented since 2001and addresses the general community. It gives correct information on condoms but does not promote condoms.

The  Delhi State AIDS Control Society Programme

Has been implemented since 2002 and addresses High Risks Groups like female sex workers, Men who have sex with men (MSMs) eunuchs and Injecting Drug Users (IDUs). It gives correct information on the use of condoms and promotes the use of condoms.

The programme helps rehabilitate sex workers, MSMs,  IDUs and their children.

• Both programmes provide information on HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), dehydration, potable water, mal nutrition, other infections common in the community and  Prevention of these infections and conditions.
• The programmes identify risk groups and encourage HIV testing.
• HIV +ve patients are referred to the CCC and the SAMARTH programme, ICTC, PPTCTCs, DOTS, ART and the Community clinics.
• Both programmes make extensive use of The ‘TAMASHA’ concept. To increase visibility the TAMASHA is held on a stage, once a month, in different slums. It makes extensive use of performing arts like magic shows, street plays and bands to mobilize community attention and to disseminate their messages. Messages are given on a Macro to micro level … Mass, one to group, one on one.

The programmes have reached 500,000 + people and have helped reduce HIV related stigma and discrimination.