The Positive Calendar - December 2008

The 2009 Positive Calendar is up for sale and we look forward to your continued solidarity.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year All the members of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ and Friends

Please contact Vikram at vikram_rai79@yahoo.co.uk
or call him at 9832042879 and 9800694703

Yours in Solidarity
Samir

Break the Silence

Dear All,

Here's a song that Dimple's written for people living with HIV AIDS. Its called 'break the silence". He has this to say "this song is my hope for a change that we can bring for the people living with HIV AIDS today....enjoy!"

So as the New Year comes upon us let us break the silence and reach out.

Check out the song at

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=151852951

warm regards

Samir

December 2008 Updates

Winter has set in the Darjeeling Hills, but doesnt mean life comes to a stand still. Members of Shanker Foundation along with the representative of Shanti International are at Pokhriabong for an awareness programme. We have come a long way but we are not there as yet, and we have miles to go before we are sleep...

"Jaga, jaga, jaga na jaga, Ghor nind aba parityaga – Dharnidhar Sharma."

"Take the lead for the dignity and rights of PLWHA – All the HIV positive people living in Darjeeling"

The 2009 Positive Calendar is up for sale and we look forward to your continued solidarity.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year All the members of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ and Friends

World AIDS Day 2008

Day 1 December is observed as World AIDS day.

India

Approximately 2.5 million people were living with HIV in India in 2006. Whilst almost 25% of the country's population is between the ages of 15-29 years, this age group accounts for 31% of people living with HIV, demonstrating that young people are at particularly high risk of contracting HIV. To face this risk and turn around the epidemic, young people must be encouraged and supported to take leadership roles within their communities.

HIV/AIDS and the Darjeeling Hills

The Darjeeling Hills are a highly vulnerable area with regards to HIV/AIDS. The backwardness of the region leading to high migration, intra-venous drug users, floating sex worker population, awareness focused in urban areas only are cross cutting factors resulting in the vulnerability.

The data obtained from various sentinel sites and surveillance works in the Darjeeling Hills shows that the hills have a higher prevalence of HIV among different groups that in most other districts in the state. The average HIV positivity in the Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing Centre(VCCTC) in the district is 10.8%. The HIV prevalence among attendees of the Sexually Transmitted Disease(STD) and Ante-natal clinics(ANC) is 2.7% (2006) and 0.84%(2005) respectively in Darjeeling. The HIV prevalence among Injecting Drug Users and Commercial Sex Workers ranges from 3.2 to 10% and 7.5 to 14% respectively. (DACC 2005/2006).

Does this sound that I am playing the number game??? Does this mean that I am dehumanizing the entire process??? Does this mean after years work nothing has happened???

Well maybe I am playing the number game, but because Darjeeling Hills did not have any numbers, due to many reasons, we lost out on the national debate on HIV/AIDS. With much personal debate, I am including the first ever numbers from the Darjeeling Hills. I do believe that I have dehumanized the entire process with the percentages but at a certain level percentages is all that speaks. Finally it does not mean nothing has happed in the Darjeeling Hills. This year 11 PLHIVs are coming out in the open. The best being Rupa who came out open first time in her own community. Now the campaign is on to have Rupa change her occupation from a tea plucker to a peer educator in the tea garden she lives in. The state of pseudo-inaction also needs to be looked at from the historical perspective of how our community has evolved. The various interventions on HIV/AIDS or lack of it in this evolutionary process of our community need to be analysed. Bottom-line the state our community is in:

Denial – A state of denial exists in society and the individual. The society has yet to accept HIV/AIDS as its issue. This state of denial pushes HIV/AIDS to the margins and necessary actions are relegated as an unimportant issue. HIV/AIDS is a developmental issue affecting all of us, yet it is never discussed as one, in all walks of life. At an individual level, most people look at HIV/AIDS as something that will not affect him or herself, indulging in high risk behaviour or not accepting positive people.

Stigma and Discrimination – This state of denial, the image that is created around HIV/AIDS and myths and misconception of HIV/AIDS has led to a very high stigma on HIV/AIDS. The stigma prevails in the Darjeeling hills too denying the right to a dignified life for the people and families living with HIV/AIDS.

UNAIDS characterizes HIV-related stigma as a process of devaluation of those living or associated with the epidemic. Discrimination is defined as the unfair and unjust treatment of an individual based on real or perceived status.

The existing state of our community results in:

People and families living with HIV/AIDS are denied a dignified life

HIV/AIDS gets hidden

Rapid spread of HIV/AIDS

TAKE THE LEAD this World AIDS Day and the coming years The theme of "TAKE THE LEAD" – 2007 and 2008, builds on 2006 theme of accountability to stop AIDS by keeping the promise. All of us are called to be leaders of our family, friends, colleagues and community. Take the lead and talk about HIV/AIDS with your family, friends, colleagues and community. Open your welcoming arms of love to people and families living with HIV/AIDS. Be a partner in providing care and support to People and Families living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Advocate proactively for the rights of PLWHA.

Be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. - Lord Buddha

This year the AIDS Day will start with a meeting with Doctors, Police and other important officials in the Shanker Foundation Office. This is followed by an awareness programme in Marwari Sahayik Hall in town with Shanker Daju giving the keynote address. There will be three stalls in Big Bazar, Chowrastha and Lower Bata with resource persons, information and also the POSITIVE CALANDER 2009.

A press release was done today which highlighted the issues and problems of PLHIV in the Darjeeling Hills. The local channel is featuring a programme tomorrow evening at 7 pm from a rights based perspective.

Besides, other organizations are taking individual programmes like signature campaigns, human chain in Kalimpong, information kiosks will be going on tomorrow.

Yours in solidarity

Roshan

Lead, Empower, Deliver

Build Up to World AIDS Day_Background on World AIDS Day themes

Background on World AIDS Day themes

The overall purpose of the World AIDS Campaign from 2005 to 2010 is to ensure that leaders and decision makers deliver on their promises on AIDS, including the provision of Universal Access to Treatment, Care, Support and Prevention services by 2010. Within that five-year mission, annual campaigning themes are selected which are timely, relevant and adaptable to a number of different regions and issues.

The theme for World AIDS Day has been determined by the World AIDS Campaign since 1997. Since that time, the campaign has developed into to its current form, governed by a committee of global constituency-based AIDS networks. The Global Steering Committee of the World AIDS Campaign selected the theme of leadership during their fifth steering committee meeting held in Geneva on 8th and 9th of February 2007. This Global Steering Committee is comprised of the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, the Youth Coalition, the Global Unions Programme on HIV/AIDS, the International Council of AIDS Service Organisations, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, and the International Women’s AIDS Caucus. UNAIDS and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria are nonvoting members.

For further information see www.worldaidscampaign.org

November 2008 Update

Dear Friends of Shanker,

The year's just getting by and all of us are trying to get the Postive Calender 2009. The positive shoot by the Mass Com students of St. Joseph's College starts morrow.

Importantly, an organisational assessment is being facilitated on 5th of November by the CHAI Project Staff. Two sets of focus group discussions will be held. One with the board and the other with the staff. This will be the basis of evolving the organisational development plan which is much needed with the Network growing day by day. This will enable us to strengthen the exisiting activities of the network as well as look at sustainability issues.

We look forward to the World AIDS day 1st December 2008. Taking the lead and keeping the promise from last year.

Yours sincerely

Roshan

The 1st of December, World AIDS Day, is the day when individuals and organisations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Whilst we have come a long ways since 1988, there is still much more to be done.

October 2008 Updates

Remembering all of us on Gandhi Jayanti and quoting the Mahatma:

"Be the change you want to see in the world"
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."

Dasain and Tihar is here, festivities signifying triumph of good over evil as well as coming together of family, friends and communityWe have good news on the care and support front with the opening of the Community Care Centre. Now that we have Glenn Family Foundation Centre in Kalimpong and Prayash in Darjeeling the scenario of care and support is improving and becoming more accessible to PLHIV in Darjeeling Hills.

The question that rattles me is - is this the positive social change we are looking forward to???

We have a community care centre but do we have a community that really cares and supports? Have we really reduced stigma and discrimination? Do we realize that the rights of PLHIVs are directly linked with prevention too?

To take stock, the Shanker Foundation Darjeeling Network of Positive People membership has increased to 101 members. Yet the five who came out in the open in 2006 are still the only public face of DjNP+. Shanker Daju(Secretary of DjNP+) is in need for second line ART but it is not available as yet. There have been promises, about ART distribution from Darjeeling for ages but promises are meant to be broken.

There is a team of students from NP College Mass Com department making a film on Hari(President of DjNP+). This for me is a great trend in the education process of our community, where students pursue local issues and pursue their creativity too while learning life skills. The film will be part of Montage 2008 where the students' short films are screened. Montage 2008 is about Stars of Darjeeling. Hari is a rock of our community and the DjNP+. His is a world view which is truly global which encompasses us all. Hari brings hope and celebration into our lives. Definitely a Star of Darjeeling.

Shanti International is the latest members of the friends network. Shanti International has committed support to the Network which brings a sigh of relief – with increasing members and reducing government support. For further info on Shanti International please check: http://www.shanti-international.org.uk/

Edith Wilkins Street Children Foundation is providing medical service. This adds another doctor to a band of dedicated doctors in Darjeeling. Their support also comes with medicines.

CHAI Project continues their dedicated support with funds and medical support.

Amazing are the individuals who silently contribute and extend their support. Their anonymity is their greatness.

Time has come for the Positive 2009 calendar. We want to continue it for it generates awareness as well as funds. WE NEED SPONSORS FOR THE PRINTING. Remember the WAD 2007 TAKE THE LEAD.

yours sincerely,
Roshan

Taking HIV AIDS to the Workplace: Glenarys - A Postive Example

Hari from Shanker Foundation speaking to the Glenary's staff

Birthdays are never complete in Darjeeling without a cake from Glenarys. Glenarys is one of the oldest and most loved bakeries here. It has grown and added a resto-bar and the Restaurant still serves the best sizzlers in town, but the essence of Glenarys lies in its bakery. You must be wondering why Glenarys is featured so prominently in an article on HIV/AIDS. The truth is, Glenarys is the first private commercial establishment in Darjeeling that has organized an awareness program for its 150 strong staff on HIV/AIDS including alcoholism and drug addiction.

Shanker Foundation was invited to conduct an awareness program for its staff on the 7th of July. Hari from Shanker Foundation, Uncle Rajen from Kripa, together with other members conducted the awareness program in two sessions. Ajoy Edwards, the proprietor of Glenary’s and the staff listened with rapt attention. Hari, demystified the basics of HIV/AIDS with a clarity that left little room for doubt among the staff. He also spoke on the types of Sexually Transmitted Disease and Reproductive Tract Infection. Lawrence, a member, gave demonstrations on how to effectively use a condom to protect oneself from HIV/AIDS and STDs. This session was naturally punctuated by giggles and downcast eyes. Sex is something we don’t talk about candidly here and the fact that a person starts a condom demonstration was uncomfortable for some. But this is what these HIV/AIDS awareness are meant to do, break the silence on HIV/AIDS that is linked with sex, drugs and promiscuity in the conscience of the community.

Then Lawrence shared his experiences and explained why he has come out in the open with his positive status. He said “I don’t wish that anybody should go through what I have gone through” and therefore he was standing in front of them. This line touched the hearts of the staff. It was a powerful message that has according to Mr. Edwards motivated three of his staff members to organize and invite Shaker Foundation to conduct similar programs in their community. They have even volunteered to get themselves tested which is a huge step.

Mr. Edwards stressed on eliminating stigma and discrimination. He gave an important example of the early days of Tuberculosis (TB) when people with TB were socially ostracized, when marrying into a family with a member with T.B was considered equivalent to embracing death. He was very appreciative of the work done by the members of SF describing that their job was not just another job but a mission. He said that to talk about HIV/AIDS is one of the ways to prevent it.

When I asked the staff of Glenarys what they thought of the program, everyone said it was very informative. Binod Valmiki, told me that he had never discussed HIV/AIDS nor had he ever attended such a program! Most of the staff members had heard about HIV/AIDS but the information they had was vague and hearsay. But what they had now was detailed information on HIV/AIDS and a reference point where they could address their questions and doubts i.e. the Shanker Foundation.

An important response from the staff was their increased compassion and understanding about People Living with HIV/AIDS. There were many in the staff that were Hari’s classmates and commented on the fact that they were pleasantly surprised to find him so spirited and smarter.

This awareness programme on HIV/AIDS in Glenarys has been one of the first in a commercial establishment/workplace. A lot of people cannot afford to attend workshops and awareness due to work schedule and other circumstancesl, therefore, such awareness conducted in the workplace reaches out to the layman very effectively. It also brings about change in the way PLWA are perceived in the workplace and allows them to continue working for their present organisations without the fear of being removed or prejudiced.

Are other organisations equally brave enough to invite us for a sensitization programme?

Lets wait and see... my fingers are still crossed.

Report compiled by Tashi (Friends of Shanker)
She can be contacted at tashi5_sherpa@hotmail.com

POSITIVE STORIES - Priya

Priya* is one of the 36 women in the Foundation, a petite lady with a ready smile. She married young hoping for a better life. She became a mother at a young age and then discovered her husband had HIV/AIDS. The first thought that crossed her mind was of death, an early horrible death. She was terrified and feared HIV/AIDS. But she did not give up caring for her ailing husband.

She became the sole breadwinner and caregiver of her family. But since Darjeeling is a small town, word spread around and she was discriminated at her workplace. She started to live in denial and would run away if any member of Shanker Foundation approached her. But the burden of care could not be borne alone any longer so she sought the help of the Foundation. After joining the Foundation she started to open up to people and learn about HIV/AIDS. Gradually she overcame her fear of HIV/AIDS. She got herself tested and turned out HIV+. She lost her husband in 2007.

Priya* now works as a Peer Educator in the Foundation under the project supported and funded by The Adventurists in partnership with Mercy Corps raised from the Rickshaw Run in India. This Project aims at raising awareness on HIV/AIDS through workshops in rural and urban Darjeeling. The Project also provides support for transport to the Foundation since the only ART (Anti-Retroviral) Centre is in the North Bengal Medical College, Siliguri (a 3 hour drive from Darjeeling) as well as funds for Opportunistic Infections (OIs).

There are six members currently working under this Project and Priya is one of them. Workshops are conducted by members providing basic information on HIV/AIDS and a very important session wherein one of the member shares his/her experiences. Discrimination and stigma is still prevalent against people living with HIV/AIDS in Darjeeling and therefore these workshops are very important in combating these twin issues.

As a Peer Educator, Priya* not only counsels but also facilitates meetings and workshops in the community and schools. Since the start of the Project, Priya has become more confident and articulate. She says that the sense of responsibility and the will to live has grown stronger in her. Through the Project she travels to various areas and shares her experiences with the community. Priya* tells me that she is very happy and the sound of her laughter tells all...

* Name as been changed to maintain confidentiality

Submitted by Tashi (Friends of Shanker)

She can be contacted at tashi5_sherpa@hotmail.com

The Positive Calendar - July 2008

HELP US LIVE RESPECTABLE LIVES... BE A FRIEND OF THE SHANKER FOUNDATION

HIV/AIDS Estimates and the Quest for Universal Access

The Lancet, UK 18/06/2008

Kevin M De Cock - Department of HIV/AIDS, WHO, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
Paul De Lay - Department of Evidence, Monitoring, & Policy, UNAIDS, Geneva, Switzerland

Recent debates about trends in HIV infections have overshadowed genuine achievements in addressing the pandemic.1 WHO, UNAIDS, and UNICEF have recently issued a series of reports that assess progress towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.2,3 Leaders of the G8 countries had committed to this ambitious goal in Gleneagles, UK, in 2005 and in the political declaration made at the UN General Assembly.4,5 On the basis of data from 143 countries, by the end of 2007, almost 3 million people in low-income and middle-income countries were being maintained on antiretroviral therapy—1 million more than the previous year. Almost three-quarters of the individuals on therapy lived in sub-Saharan Africa, where measurable reductions in AIDS mortality are occurring, and 200 000 were children. Treatment coverage globally was estimated at 31%; the total estimated need for therapy under current treatment recommendations6 is 9·7 million people.

Coverage for antiretrovirals in HIV-positive pregnant women for prevention of mother-to-child transmission in low-income and middle-income countries increased from 9% in 2004 to 34% in 2007. In such countries, the percentage of young people having sex before age 15 years is decreasing in all regions, a continuation of trends detected earlier this decade.

Despite these gains, huge gaps in access remain. Only 20% of people with HIV in low-income and middleincome countries are aware of their infection status. Surveys indicate that 40% of men and 38% of women at ages 15–24 years had accurate and comprehensive knowledge about HIV and about how to avoid transmission. In countries with epidemics that are concentrated within the populations most at risk, HIV prevention programmes fail to reach many people at risk of acquiring HIV, including most men who have sex with men and injecting drug users.

Focusing scale-up of services where they are needed requires "knowing your epidemic", globally and locally.7 According to the 2007 UNAIDS/WHO AIDS epidemic update,8 at the end of 2007, 33·2 million people(range 30·6–36·1) were living with HIV. Some 2·5 million people became newly infected that year, and 2·1 million died of AIDS. AIDS remains the leading cause of death in Africa. These latest estimates refl ect expanded sets of data, including the use of population-based surveys, and improved methods of analysis, and are better than nearly all other estimates for other global health problems.

Sub-Saharan Africa, with two-thirds of those living with HIV, has seen self-sustaining HIV epidemics with very high levels of HIV prevalence in the general population of many countries. In most of the rest of the world, HIV has occurred in concentrated epidemics that aff ect specifi c groups at risk (men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, female commercial sex workers) and their partners. The recent Report of the Commission on AIDS in Asia9 supports the concept of predominantly concentrated epidemics in that populous region.

Compartmentalising the world into concentrated and generalised epidemics usefully conveys likely trends, yet incompletely captures the complexity and heterogeneity of the epidemic. The probability of heterosexual HIV spread is infl uenced by local HIV prevalence, sexual networks, rates of partner change, and types of partner selected. Risk of heterosexual acquisition of HIV varies enor mously internationally, though even very low risk is not zero risk.

It is this complexity around the likelihood and extent of heterosexual HIV transmission that is at the root of extreme claims in the mass media1 that false information has been conveyed or that HIV/AIDS poses no risk to heterosexuals outside Africa. Generalised epidemics have occurred in Haiti and Papua New Guinea, and heterosexual transmission drives the epidemic in sex workers, their partners, clients, and their clients' partners in Asia and elsewhere. Such observations do not predict extensive or generalised spread, but neither do they indicate lack of any heterosexual transmission beyond the populations most at risk. As with hepatitis B virus infection, many heterosexual patients with HIV seem not to belong to any population that is most at risk, but still became infected.

Conveying the heterogeneity of risk is a challenge in public health in general. HIV/AIDS epidemiology changes slowly, current trends providing the basis for appropriate targeting of prevention and treatment eff orts. Just like other sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS should be an integral component of sexual and reproductive health interventions and education, but targeting eff orts aimed at the risk populations and settings where HIV transmission is most intense is crucial. Accurate size estimation and mapping of populations most at risk in concentrated HIV/AIDS epidemics can be diffi cult, with underestimation as well as overestimation possible. More investment in surveillance and epidemiology is required for the continued and objective documentation of trends. Of ongoing concern is the long-term sustainability of eff orts in terms of the future burden of HIV and availability of the necessary funding. In addition to the debate around epidemiology, arguments are being made that too muchfunding is going to HIV/AIDS compared with other health priorities.10 Recent data show how far we are from universal access, and the problem is not excessive funding for HIV/AIDS, but continued inadequate funding for all major challenges in global health, and the need for their accurate measurement. In 2008, protection against major infectious diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, should be seen as a universal obligation, and universal access refers to everybody in need, everywhere.

The Positive Calendar - June 2008

WE NEED YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT, NOT YOUR SYMPATHY.

Dont marginalise us, please...

Shanker Foundation Darjeeling- May 2008 Update

Time…seems like yesterday and a month has gone by. We have experienced so many incredible moments in the Darjeeling Hills in the past month that this update would be an impossible task to capture all these moments. But the purpose of these updates are not to make a political commentary but to document the Shanker Foundation and Friends thus would like to restrict my expressions to those and not be one of the additions to all the happenings in our beloved hills.
Momentous has been the past month so would like share some events which I feel are the important ones.

Shanker Foundation Darjeeling Network of Positive People was faced with their first public allegations of corruption in Himali Darpan 19 April 2008. The story was that Shanker Foundation is receiving DOLLARS from foreign sources, charges Rs. 20000 to Rs 24000 per patients, caters to drug addicts and neglects other patients. The story appeared as a quote of Mrs. Ramala Sharma "The foundation also made it clear that anyone who wishes to check the accounts and reports can do so by coming over to the office."

Incidentally, we were in our monthly members meeting when the story appeared so we broke up into groups and discussed possible actions. Lot of anger and ideas later considering the parameters in Darjeeling we drafted a response. Jist of our response: The story is totally wrong and should be retracted. Himali Darpan should have contacted Shanker Foundation with their response to the allegations before printing. Shanker Foundation does not receive DOLLARS and has been supported by Darjeeling AIDS Control Centre (DACC)(for the past year), Opportunistic Infections treatment from CHAI Project and contributions of FRIENDS. The membership fee is Rs. 5 which also is seldom collected due to the economic status of most members. Shanker Foundation is a network of HIV Postive people and does not discriminate or look into the mode of acquiring the virus of the member.

With this response all of us trooped to Himali Darpan office. My personal experience "Wish we had just taken a legal action against Himali Darpan. They had the audacity to tell us that due to media ethics they have to print any news that is given to them and it is the duty of the other party to refute the charges. We are filled with self righteous so called intellectuals in Darjeeling". Finally we came to an agreement that the response would be printed and it was printed as a response to the allegation in the following day's edition 20 April 2008.

The fallouts:- The damage has been done, a sense of doubt has entered all the readers of the story. - It has increased fear amongst positive people who are still an invisible community in the hills. - A number of organizations including government officials are now keeping a distance from the organisation and some have withdrawn support. Relationships with these organizations had been cultivated over a period of time which has come crashing down.

We are recovering from this story and as one of the damage control exercise have been sending the response to key stakeholders in the government and non-government organizations. But it is damage control only.

Well, this one tops the lows of the month and let me not add anymore. Most of the other lows are stories of discrimination and denial.

Positively: CHAI Project is going to support 2 staff in Darjeeling, 1 in Pokhriabong, 1 in Kurseong and 1 in Kalimpong for six months. Their roles will be to organize awareness programmes as well as strengthen the network. Kurseong and Pokriabong are strategic as the network has very little presence and a large number of patients have been emerging from these areas.

DACC will be extending their support for the next 3 months.

We had our first case of a positive mother give birth in the Darjeeling Government Hospital with all necessary Prevention of Parent to Child Transfer Treatment measures being followed. The story is covered in 8 May 2008 Himali Darpan and Telegraph. Telegraph should have an electronic version of the story. We have our fingers crossed and prayers for the mother and the child.

Shanker Foundation and Friends in Darjeeling will be meeting next week. This meeting has been long overdue. Hoping Friends meeting are taking place other cities, towns and villages.

peace
Roshan

The Positive Calendar - May 2008

"ACCESS TO CARE AND SUPPORT SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO EVERY PLWHA"

Development & Disasters in a time of HIV & AIDS

An HIV Mainstreaming Toolkit
for development and humanitarian response workers

Please see below the link for the new CAFOD HIV mainstreaming toolkit.

It comes from the premise that HIV mainstreaming must be applied to wider development and humanitarian response programmes if these are to remain effective and do no harm in contexts affected by HIV and AIDS.

This toolkit was produced by CAFOD as a practical guide to the work of HIV mainstreaming for all NGOs and groups working in this area.

Click below for link to the pdf version
http://www.cafod.org.uk/var/storage/original/application/7ab71768f885645946df1622fcf340
d2.pdf

The Positive Calendar April 2008

HELP US SAVE LIVES. BUY THE "POSITIVE CALENDAR" TODAY.

WE STILL HAVE COPIES LEFT.

PLEASE CONTACT Roshan @ +91 99320 24812

Shanker Foundation Update_April 2008_HIV AIDS

It has been a long time and I recall the song, sister golden hair, 'i might have been a bad correspondent but doesn't mean you ain't been on my mind…' Too much has been going on and have just got been caught up in the daily struggle of trying to fulfill the promise we took in World AIDS Day 2007.

"TAKE THE LEAD This year the theme of "TAKE THE LEAD" builds on last year's theme of accountability to stop AIDS by keeping the promise. All of us are called to be leaders of our family, friends, colleagues and community. Take the lead and talk about HIV/AIDS with your family, friends, colleagues and community. Open your welcoming arms of love to people and families living with HIV/AIDS. Be a partner in providing care and support to PLWHA. Advocate proactively for the rights of PLWHA."

Since my last update in December 2007, 20 members of the Shanker Foundation Darjeeling Network of Positive People have died. Most have been husbands who have left behind a family. Some of the wives have tested positive and they are scared to test their children. Most of them are from rural and tea garden areas. In their deaths we have come to realize or should I say we have confirmed what we already knew, that HIV has spread to all parts of Darjeeling, yet our awareness programmes do not reach these areas. These deaths have also confirmed that stigma and discrimination still are prevalent in our Hills, even with the medical faculty. The last six patients died in DDMA as government facilities claim that they are unable to treat positive people. People do not die of HIV but they die of discrimination, discrimination that pushes them from medical facilities. Opportunistic Infections which finally kill positive people can be treated at any sub-divisional hospital, but the constant excuse is that they do not have the facility to deal with such patients. It's the willingness that is not there rather than the lack of information, skill or facility that stop these government doctors from helping positive people. One gets tired of hearing the line, 'We are not equipped to handle positive cases here…' from doctors. What happened to the PUBLIC SERVANT? And the oath of service they are supposed to take on graduation? The nurses in Eden Hospital are very helpful and it looks like the various meetings and discussions have definitely helped.

Dr. Plaban Das from DDMA has proven a shining star in this bleak update. Dr. Plaban worked in Nagaland previously and has a great understanding of the issue. He treats all the members for free and also gives a discount in the hospital. He has taken one of the members under his wing and is helping her upgrade her medical skills so that she can become a paramedic for the foundation. By the way, Dr. Plaban is getting top notch international plastic surgeons to DDMA for a conference. In the conference 4 patients, selected on a needs basis, are getting a free surgery many others at cost price. JAI Dr. Plaban.
During the two weeks strike that was rocking Darjeeling, we realized how difficult political situations make marginal communities further marginalized. Siliguri became very difficult to reach and that's where Anti Retro-viral Therapy, CD4 count test, Opportunistic Infections treatement are available. Then it was the reaching out to patients in far flung areas without communication facilities. It was harrowing and testing times for the members with some being stranded in Siliguri and others needing to get to Siliguri. We also made a lot of friends in those days and help came from unexpected quarters. Dr. Plaban arranged for ambulances to pick up members from Siliguri, sad the driver got slapped on the way down by one of the macho picketing guys. I hope in Gorkhaland, positive people's rights and dignity will be respected.
During the strike we lost 5 patients consecutively in 5 days. Network ma pani panchak lagdo rahecha. Discrimination raised its ugly head when the family of one of the patients refused to receive the dead body. Negotiations with the Samaj finally resolved the issue of last rites. Even in death one is discriminated against. Darjeeling Hills' culture is a culture of unconditional social support in times of death, birth, marriages and sickness. This is what sets us apart from other cultures that have evolved from Nepali roots, yet the need for further evolution is evident with this experience. To date only one Samaj has come forward in support of a positive patient in the hospital. In all the other cases the patient is just dumped on the Network. The Network has been providing care and support to all the patients but the Network also has limited resources both in terms of people and finances. I have never come across a group of people who provide such unconditional service with hardly any resources. One must also remember that they themselves are immuno-compromised.

Worldwide it has been found that public declarations by positive people are an inspiration for other positive people, advance the promotion of rights of positive people and enable the prevention process. This understanding in reality is true but what it doesn't talk about is the extreme sacrifice these people have to face to go public. The 5 people who came out in public with their status have faced discrimination in some way or the other. 3 of them are no longer living with their families and have moved to a different town while continuing their service to society. Hari and Shanker Da are the only ones still living with their families. But they also face discrimination in subtle ways constantly. They are constantly in the public eye which is extremely judgmental and unforgiving. The need to give a face to HIV in the Darjeeling Hills and advocate for their rights prompted the 5 to take this courageous stand to go public. Their strength is also a positive example of living and loving for other invisible positive people. One tends to feel that it is ignorance that pushes people to such behaviour and this is true to some extent, but these past few months we have met people who are hiding their positive family member even when they are highly informed about HIV.

Calendars are still being sold even though it is the 3rd month of 2008. Help promised has not been delivered and we have had a few cases where people have mentioned that this is a bad cause and these people need to be shot. Easy way out huh, we be martial race and Aayo Gorkhali is the solution. Sometimes I feel we are a race of mercenaries, ready to kill and die for others. But overall the calendars have been doing great. Mrs. Mehatab has sold 110 till date; Products Himalaya 100 and so on and so forth… impossible to mention all but our people are definitely charitable. One must not forget all the people who sponsored the pages too. The members are now going to educational institutions selling calendars as well as fixing appointments for awareness programmes in these institutions. WE WILL HAVE CALENDARS BY OCTOBER THIS 2008 for 2009

THIS 2008 for 2009
Awareness programmes have been going on full swing with other NGOs. Strategically the most important one is the training that the Network has been providing to Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS is a government programme) health workers at the block levels. This will definitely go a long way in pushing public awareness forward to rural areas. By product, the ICDS has sold 100 calendars. We even had one awareness programme with the Bar in Darjeeling. This was a great experience and the Bar has offered free legal services to the members. THANK YOU BAR ASSOCIATION and ICDS. Tashi has been the technical expert in the awareness programme especially when the presentation is on rights. With her legal background from a human rights perspective and having worked at a national level she has become a permanent feature of the awareness programmes.
The sale of calendars is a great support for the treatment of the patients. The calanders have finally reaches Delhi. SORRY for the DELAY
There is need to expand the awareness programmes so please pass on the message or facilitate the organisation of awareness programmes in your work place and locality and we will be there.

The awareness programmes not only spread the information on HIV but expand the FRIENDS OF SHANKER and also increase confidence and esteem of the members. In these awareness programmes more and more members are coming out in the open with their personal life sharings. Typically the awareness programme is divided into: 1. HIV/AIDS and STI – technical input 2. Shanker Foundation – history, need and activities 3. Stigma and Discrimination and Rights of PLWHA 4. Personal Sharing by PLWHA 5. Plan of Action

We need to take the programmes to Kurseong, Mirik and Kalimpong and your help is required to spread the message TAKE THE LEAD peace

roshan

Global AIDS Week of Action 18-24 May, 2008

Global AIDS Week of Action 18-24 May, 2008

One week. One voice

Is the world doing enough to stop AIDS? Take action in your country and show solidarity globally. Join a groundswell of civil society voices from across the world during the week of 18-24 May to demand urgency, accountability and more resources in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

WHY: The severe impact of the AIDS pandemic on families, communities and economies is commonly acknowledged by scientists, the media and politicians the world over. However, more than 25 years later the losses remain stark: AIDS continues to kill almost 6000 people each day and more than 2 out of 3 HIV positive people still lack access to treatment. While women make up an increasing proportion of those living with HIV and bear a greater burden of care, current AIDS responses do not tackle the violation of women's rights – a key driver of the pandemic.

For the past two years during the Global AIDS Week of Action, activists have organised actions in over 30 countries to hold world leaders accountable on their landmark commitment to fight AIDS made at the United National General Assembly Special Session on AIDS (UNGASS) in 2001.

In 2005 world leaders made another historic promise on universal access, committing to: "developing and implementing a package for HIV prevention, treatment and care with the aim of coming as close as possible to the goal of universal access to treatment by 2010."The world needs to honour this ambitious promise to stop the needless deaths of women, men and children. Our governments must meet their national targets for universal access to treatment prevention, care and support. Multinational drug companies must stop putting profits before people. Rich nations, including the G8, must back their warm words on AIDS with real funds.The Global AIDS Week of Action is the defining mobilisation moment before world leaders report back to the UN on the progress they have made to meet their commitments on HIV and AIDS. So as our governments boast about their efforts at the UN meeting in New York, in cities from Abuja to Phnom Penh and Delhi to Lilongwe, citizens will call on them to deliver on their promises.WHEN: The Global AIDS Week of Action from 18-24 May 2008 is an opportunity for activists around the world to stand together, generate political pressure and demand action from our leaders. The week starts with the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day on 18 May – a Sunday when the world recognizes and remembers those who have died of AIDS. The week of action is just two weeks before a high level meeting at the UN discusses the progress made by each of our governments in the fight against AIDS. In early July the club of rich nations (G8) meet in Japan – let them know that the world is watching to see if they put money where their mouth is and agree a funding plan for the universal access goal.

HOW: Between now and the end of May, it's time to take action. You bring together fellow activists in your country to plan what action to take and what demands to make of your government. You then share your plans with friends and activists in other countries through the Global AIDS Week website, www.globalaidsweek.org.

Communication of your ideas and plans is the glue that will bind all our actions together and send a strong message to world leaders.Are you ready to join the Global AIDS Week of Action: Take the initiative by sending an email with the plans agreed by activists in your country to info@globalaidsweek.org and we will add you to the list of active countries and send you updates. Then log on to the website to see your actions listed!

There is no global secretariat or chief organiser – the groups listed below are joining forces to make this call, and the rest is up to you. The success of the Global AIDS Week of Action depends entirely on committed people and networks working together in a coalition in their own countries. During this one week we must show solidarity internationally by campaigning nationally.

To see what people did in 2007, go to: www.globalaidsweek.org

JOINT CALL TO ACTION by:ActionAid InternationalAfrican Civil Society Coalition on AIDSAIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA)Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APN+)The Coalition of Asia Pacific Regional Network on HIV/AIDS (the Seven Sisters)Global Network of People living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+)Health & Development Network (HDN)International HIV and AIDS AllianceInternational Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC)MWENGO (Mwelekeo Wa Ngo)Pan-African Treatment Access Movement (PATAM)Treatment Action Campaign (TAC)World AIDS Campaign

●ACCESS TO TREATMENT●END HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS●FUNDING FOR AIDS●END DONOR CONDITIONALITY●EVIDENCE-BASED PREVENTION ●END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN●INVEST IN HEALTH WORKERS●END STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION●HEALTH SYSTEMS FOR ALL!

One week to make leaders keep their promises. Let's make a big noise.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR and may the new year bring all the positive energy in your lives. We spent the 31st Dec selling the positive calander in town and did get a positive response. We still need more people to buy the calander. Later we had to shift one of our members to a private nursing home which has a more congenial environment to positive people. The government Doctor started shirking from his duty once the status was known to him. This is the state of affairs even with doctors as we bid 2007 goodbye. But, there are also very supportive doctors as in this private nursing home. The member is recovering well. The same day the President of Shanker Foundation had to file an official compliant about a governement doctor from NBMC who wanted the patients to come to his clinic and refused his services at the government facility which is free. He also offered commission to one of the members if he brings patients to him. An official complaint has been lodged against the doctor. A strong way to bid 2007 goodbye. Lots of positive work is happening and as 2008 approaches we build on the experiences and struggles of the last year and strengthen our work further. We need you solidarity and support. Battles have been won but the war is not over as yet. HAPPY NEW YEAR

World AIDS DAY

We did manage to rustle up a World AIDS Day in Darjeeling on the 1st Dec at Hayden Hall. We had flex put up with the Take the Lead to Stop AIDS by Keeping the Promise in prominent places and also in Batasia with Hari DjNP+ President on it. We had a huge turnover and people had to stand in the Hall, we easily crossed 500 people and many Samaj leaders. 200 plus students so a very good mix and not to forget a bunch of Gay Pride folk in the crowd. It was a great day for me as we had none dignitaries on the dias and we started exactly on time at 10 am with a Sarva Dharma Prayer for the people who passed away with HIV/AIDS, people and families living with HIV and working with HIV and also for soceity to be able to accept positive people and families. The prayers were from Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Islam faiths. We had Major Malla Convenor, World AIDS Day Committee, welcoming everyone followed by Hari Chettri, President DjNP+ sharing and calling all to talk about HIV/AIDS and accept positive people. This is a great achievement as in the past WAD positive people had no space for expression on stage except to march in the rally. Dr. Sabina Rongong(Shanker Foundation and Friends) gave a technical input on HIV/AIDS and safe blood donation with an appeal to Samaj to organise blood donation camps year long. A panel discussion and question hour round with 3 government Doctors, Dr. Sabina, Dr. Bag(VCCTC) and CMOH was facilitated. Tashi(Shanker Foundation and Friends), a lawyer, presented on HIV/AIDS socio-legal perspectives. Mr. Sharma, Member Secretary Darjeeling AIDS Control Centre, Hari Chettri and Dinesh Daju, Convenor Darjeeling NGO Network released The 2008 Positive Calander and 3 documentaries. 4 documentaries were screened, one of them documenting the difficulty of accesing ART for the positive people from Darjeeling from NBMC. The calender is priced Rs. 75/- minimum in the Darjeeling Hills. The WAD ended with renewal call to Take the Lead by Mr. Sharma. The WAD will be followed by further screening of the movies and getting literature out to the Samajs. Thank you one and all who supported the effort of WAD. You have taken the lead.