HIV

From Risk to Vulnerability: A globally recognized HIV community mobilization model (2007-2010)

KHPT’s community mobilization model, implemented as part of its initial HIV initiative, adopted an empowerment approach which was the first of its kind globally to address not just HIV risks, but also vulnerabilities and structural (socio-cultural) barriers among the most at-risk, marginalized and socially excluded populations, including female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgenders. Our model, which received global recognition, involved enhancing the self-esteem and dignity of female sex workers (‘power within’), collectivizing the communities to assert their rights as a group (‘power with’), and establishing institutions of these communities with responsive governance systems (‘power over’).
About 1,60,000 lakh female sex workers, about 25,000 MSM and transgenders in Karnataka were involved in this process.

Prevention of Parent-to- Child Transmission (PPTCT) - (2003-2010)

KHPT initiated a program to establish Centres for the Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT), through which all pregnant women accessing antenatal care were tested for HIV and counselled. The objective was to ensure that there was no HIV transmission from the mother to the baby. At the time of delivery, prophylactic treatment was provided to prevent mother-to-child transmission and measures were taken to ensure that the child remained risk-free. We set up PPTCT centres through the Karnataka States AIDS Prevention Society, and supported the recruitment and training of counsellors to ensure that pregnant women received the right information to keep themselves and their babies healthy.

Syndromic Case Management for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Colour Coded Medicines (2010)

KHPT is the first organization to develop and use Colour Coded Drug Packs (CCDPs) for Syndromic Case Management (SCM) of STI among female sex workers in India. A cornerstone of STI Management, it serves as a comprehensive approach for STI control endorsed by the World Health Organization. The colour coded drug kits make it very simple for doctors to treat STI among FSWs, based on patient history and symptoms. Family Health International (FHI) and National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) have since then adopted the use of CCDPs for both presumptive treatment and Syndromic Case Management with most at-risk populations.

Community-led Crisis Management Initiative – (2011)

We developed a crisis management system, which consisted of a community-led ‘fire department’ – a voluntary violence redressal system – managed and run by female sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgenders to address their foremost concerns, including violence, abuse and other threats in their day-to-day life. This included establishing a phone-based system operated by crisis response teams, as well as training them and equipping them to response to crises 24/7. The system helped increase the reporting of violence and had a direct impact on the community’s ability to negotiate with perpetrators of violence such as their partners, family, neighbours and police.

Link Worker Model for rural populations (2004 -2010)

We realized the importance of having male and female community-level link workers encourage people in rural areas to seek HIV testing, counselling and registration, and to create awareness about prevention and care at the village level. This later developed into the Link Workers Scheme (LWS) led by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and implemented in more than 166 districts in India. KHPT has extended technical assistance and contributed towards development of operational guidelines for LWS.

Police and Media Advocacy and Training (2008-2011)

As part of creating an enabling environment for HIV prevention programs, KHPT devised an effective advocacy strategy with police, media personnel and the legal fraternity in Karnataka. This helped safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations, reduce stigma and discrimination, and to conduct HIV activities in a supportive environment. Training and sensitization modules were developed for all three stakeholder groups as part of the effort.

These trainings also helped increase access social welfare schemes to which female sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgenders were entitled.
We trained over 12000 police officers in Karnataka, and about 1470 media personnel in Karnataka through this initiative.

Single Window Cash Transfer System for children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS (2009-2010)

KHPT piloted a single window cash transfer system for Children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Through this system, cash transfers were made to the children’s guardians to meet their education, nutrition and medical needs, amounting to maximum of Rs 9600 per fiscal year. In 2015, the single window cash transfer system was scaled up by the Government of Karnataka through a scheme called the Special Care Program. We reached a total of 15,356 children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS through this initiative.