Tuesday 30 May 2017

DAPCU Kanyakumari (Tamilnadu) Response to the Theme : DAPCU's role in addressing stigma and discrimination and mobilizing support for high risk groups and people living with HIV

To address stigma and discrimination and mobilize support for high risk groups and people living with HIV, DAPCU Kanyakumari has conducted sensitization programmes for Government departments, schools and the general public.

Government Departments

 Incidents of stigma and discrimination were discussed with Heads of Department to mobilize their support. Sensitization and training programmes have been conducted for department staff, which has resulted in improved delivery of social welfare services to high risk groups and people living with HIV. When beneficiaries approach departments to apply for social benefit schemes, staff now respond to requests with greater sensitivity and understanding. Since participating in the sensitization and training Programme, staff offer necessary support to the client for claiming social entitlements and even enquire about the person’s family situation.


Schools
 School Headmasters have been sensitized to carefully handle cases of stigma and discrimination experienced by students living with or affected by HIV as well as take steps to prevent any harassment due to their status.

Case study
The following case study highlights the role played by DAPCU Kanyakumari in mobilizing support and addressing stigma and discrimination in our community.
In one of the villages, a person living with HIV was not being considered for daily wage work and neighbours were maintaining a distance from her knowing that she was positive. When the lady approached with a complaint, DAPCU took immediate action. With support from the Ward Councilor, a sensitization Programme was conducted in the village. DAPCU raised awareness about HIV, routes of transmission, and common myths surrounding HIV and AIDS. During the Programme, the audience sat near the HIV positive person and shook hands to demonstrate that they accept her as any other person. DAPCU has observed a change in the community’s attitude towards the person since the sensitization Programme was organized.

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