World AIDS Day 2012 - A Report

“Working  together  for  an  AIDS free  generation”

On the occasion of World AIDS Day on 1^st Dec 2012, Shanker Foundation DjNP+ organized an awareness programme at Chowrasta Darjeeling as an opportunity for people in the hills to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

Around 2000 people attended the event. Stalls were set up by various NGO’s with banners and posters about their respective organisations. The participating NGO’s were Kripa Foundation, Child In Need Institute (CINI), Miitjyu and Shanker Foundation DjNP+. IEC materials were displayed and distributed to the visitors of the stalls. A mobile ICTC van was placed in the premises by the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Darjeeling for anyone who was willing to undergo the HIV tests. Red ribbons were distributed by volunteers of Shanker Foundation to people visiting Chowrasta to spread the awareness on HIV/AIDS.

The program began with a welcome address by Mr. Dhurba Chettri, District Program Manager, District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Darjeeling. The Chief guests for the event were Mrs. Asha Gurung, Sabhasad Health Department, Gorkha Territorial Administration, Mr Amar Rai, Chairman Darjeeling Municipality, Mrs Urmila Rumba, Sabhasad, Gorkha Territorial Administration, Dr. R. Ghosh DMO, District Hospital Darjeeling, Dr. S. Bhowmick CMO, District Hospital Darjeeling, Mr. S. Das Health Secretary, Mr. K. Agarwal Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling, Ms. Purnima Sherpa, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Mrs. Anuja Ghaley, President of Darjeeling NGO Network.

The guests were felicitated with khadas. The lamp lighting ceremony was conducted by Mrs. Asha Gurung followed by the release of the Shanker Foundation ‘Positive Calendar’ for the year 2013.

Mrs Asha Gurung in her speech stressed on fighting for the Rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Darjeeling and assured of medical aid and setting up of a hospice in Darjeeling in the future.

Mr Dhurba Chettri elaborately spoke on HIV/AIDS: The facts, modes of transmission and ways of prevention. He also briefly outlined the network of organisations at the national, state and district level working exclusively on HIV/AIDS.

Mr Shankermani Rai, President of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ brought to light the reality of living with HIV/AIDS in Darjeeling. Contrary to our perception, people with HIV/AIDS are still discriminated in every aspect of day to day living. He related the struggles faced by the organisation in working efficiently and the red tapism involved which delayed funds for the organisation thus keeping on hold many essential activities for the HIV/AIDS infected and affected people.

Many other guests also spoke on the current trends in HIV/AIDS prevalence and Prevention. Mrs Anuja Ghaley in her speech explained the connection of HIV/AIDS with other social ills in our society like Human trafficking and Drug Abuse and how a consolidated plan of action is required to tackle the menace of HIV.

‘Aarambh’, a short skit on the social stigma and discrimination faced by People Living with HIV/AIDS and awareness about the routes of transmission and modes of Prevention was performed by members of Baishnavi Production. The play was directed by Mr. Aditya Raya.

This was followed by rock music performances by local bands like Grey Matter, Helium Heart, Primitive Future, Ground Zero, N/A, Method 29, Baraka, Funeral Fire. Powerpoint presentation and messages on HIV/AIDS awareness was displayed during the performances.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Hari Chettri, Secretary Shanker Foundation.

BIJANBARI WORLD AIDS DAY PROGRAM

On behalf of Shnaker Foundation DjNP+, Mrs Purnima Tamang, Out Reach Worker of the Foundation, organised a Red Ribbon Campaign in the Bijanbari block covering the Bijanbari Rural Hospital, Fire Brigade area, Block Office and the Bazar area. Around 500 copies of IEC materials were distributed on the occasion.

As reported by Nisha Chettri
Counselor

World AIDS Day coming up

WAD Celebration in Darjeeling - Poster

World AIDS Day 2012, observed worldwide on 1 December since 1998, is just round the bend. World AIDS Day unites people from around the world to raise awareness of the global AIDS response and join, in solidarity, the millions of people living with and affected by HIV.
 
“Getting to Zero” is the theme of World AIDS Day, echoing the UNAIDS vision of achieving “zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths.” This theme will be used until 2015.
 
Here are some popular messages suggested by some of our friends and supporters. Lets try and keep them in our mind as we go through our lives this coming year.
 

• A nation’s greatest weakness is measured by how it treats its weakest members. – Mahatma Gandhi. How do you treat People living with HIV/AIDS?
• STOP AIDS – Don’t share body piercing objects.
• STOP AIDS– Practice safe sex
• STOP AIDS – Use sterilized sharps, needles and HIV tested blood.
• STOP AIDS – There are no high risk groups, only high risk behavior.
• GETTING TO ZERO – HIV is a manageable infection.
• GETTING TO ZERO – Get tested, know your HIV status.
• GETTING TO ZERO – Each one, teach one about HIV/AIDS.
• HIV does not discriminate. We are all vulnerable to HIV.
• REDUCE STIGMA – Provide care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
• REDUCE STIGMA – LOVE and Respect people living with HIV/AIDS.
• REDUCE STIGMA - Embrace people living with HIV/AIDS.
• REMOVE MISCONCEPTIONS – HIV/AIDS is not spread by sharing food or water.
• REMOVE MISCONCEPTIONS – Body contact does NOT spread HIV/AIDS. It is okay to hug, kiss, touch or hold hands with People living with HIV/AIDS .

  

Workshop on Awareness in HIV/AIDS, STI/RTI and Universal Precautions Organized for Health Workers of Rural hospital, Bijanbari

A one day training session on HIV/AIDS, STI/RTI, and Universal Work Precaution was organized by Shanker Foundation for the health workers of the Rural Hospital of Bijanbari at GDNS in Darjeeling on the 8th of September.

The session began with a welcome speech by Nisha Chettri followed by a brief introduction by all the participants. There were about 70 health workers along with the BMOH who attended the training session.

A presentation on HIV/AIDS, its Routes of Transmission, Prevention, Myths and Misconceptions were made by Hari Chettri.

In the second session Hari Chettri continued his presentation on Stages of HIV, Impact of HIV, CD4 cell count test, OI (Opportunistic Infection), Treatment and Benefits of ART, etc. He also spoke on Social Marketing of Condom. Shankermani Rai then gave a demonstration on how to use a male condom.

Case study on social stigma and discrimination was presented by Hari Chettri.

In the third session Nisha Chettri gave a presentation on STI/RTI, the Transmission, Signs and Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, etc.

In the fourth session a presentation on Universal Precautions for the health workers was given by Sona Rana Subba. She explained in details regarding the medicines like PEP (POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS) to be used within 72 hours in case of exposure. She also spoke on other issues related to HIV like NEVARAPINE that   is to be given to the infected women when she is about to conceive and two drops of the same medicine to be given to the new born baby.

After the sessions, the BMOH of rural hospital Bijanbari asked some basic questions to the participants from the presentation of the day and also told them other important things that were missing in the presentation. NACO’s guideline under NACP III was also discussed by him which is to be followed till 2012. He presented data on the number of people suffering from HIV/AIDS and the tests conducted till date within Bijanbari block as well as India.

The program ended with a vote of thanks by Sona Rana Subba, followed by lunch for the participants.

Workshop on HIV/AIDS With Faith Based Organizations

20th May, 2012 
Good Will Centre, Darjeeling

A workshop was organized byShanker Foundation DjNP+ at the Good Will Centre, Darjeeling with the support of friends. Sona Rana Subba, one of the friends of Shanker Foundation started the workshop by welcoming everyone and by introducing theparticipants from different Faith Based Organization. She also briefly described the participants about the background of the foundation as well as International Candlelight Memorial which was to be celebrated on the same evening at Chowrasta.

Hari Chettri, SecretaryShanker Foundation  started off with his presentation on the present scenario, care and support issues in the Darjeeling Hills like inadequate medical services and variouscase studies on stigma & discrimination faced by the members of ShankerFoundation. He also gave  a brief description about the services provided by the foundation to its members as below:
1. Psycho-SocialSupport
2. Medical Support
3. Nutritional Support
4. Educational support
5. Awareness on HIVprevention and stigma discrimination
6. Advocacy(Specially with govt. agencies for improved medical services etc)

He also discussed on how Faith Based Organisations could provide support to the Shanker Foundation.

Mr. Jiwan Giri, the representative from Manav Uthan Sewa Samity, placed his interest on organizing an awarenessprogram among the members of their organization.

A representative from BhramaKumaris said that they too are interested in organizing an awareness programin at their place and  also shared his feeling by telling that people in today's world are aware of the things happening around them, but due to lack of spiritual and moral knowledge their actions are  lagging behind. So knowledge should be given to them on scientific as well as spiritual basis.

Members of Sai Samity were interested in organizing an awareness program among their members. Some myth about some Ayurvedic treatment was also discussed in the workshop. Hari Chettri also spoke to the participants about the Positive Calendar which Shanker Foundation releases every year and told them that they can also provide  support to the Foundation by buying these calendars.

The workshop turned out to be successful with the active participation of all present and was concluded formally with vote of thanks by Sona and also asking them to head to Chowrasta to observed the International Candlelight Memorial.

regards
Shanker Foundation Team

International Candlelight Memorial 2012

20th May, 2012 - Chowrasta,  Darjeeling
The 2012 International Candle lightmemorial service was observed by Shanker Foundation, Darjeeling Network ofPositive People with the support of Friends of Shanker Foundation and the citizens of Darjeeling.

Sona Rana Subba, a friend of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ welcomed thepeople present at Chowrasta for the Candlelight Memorial while Shankermani Rai, Secretary of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ gave a brief description of why theInternational Candlelight Memorial is observed and briefly introduced the vision, mission and existing activities of the Foundation.

Sona Rana and Nisha Chettri, a counselor of Shankerfoundation read about the Candlelight Memorial both in English and Nepali. Here is the excerpt from that reading - “The International AIDS CandlelightMemorial being planned for Darjeeling is part of a larger, global campaign,coordinated by the Global Network of People living with HIV, one of the world’soldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness inthe world. Started in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial takes place every thirdSunday in May and is led by a coalition of some 1,200 community organizationsin 115 countries hosting local memorials to honor the lives lost and raisesocial consciousness about HIV. The Candlelight Memorial is also much more thanjust a memorial. It provides opportunities for leadership development, policyadvocacy, partnerships, and improvement of community mobilization skills. With33 million people living with HIV today, the Candlelight Memorial continues toserve as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking downbarriers, and giving hope to new generations”.

Differentreligious leaders from the Japanese temple, local Hindu temples, the churches and members of the Brahma Kumaris andManav UthanSewa Samity conducted a solidarity and prayer service during the program. Bhajans and hymns were also chanted by the members of Mahakal Mandir Committee and theyouths of Sacred Heart Church.The candlelight ceremony was started after the lighting of lamps by religiousleaders and followed by all the participants who lit the candles and placed itin a shape of the AIDS symbol.

A local Gospel band, Soul Winner, performed for the people  to create awareness among the youth on the importance of observing the International Candlelight Memorial Day and also for the acceptance of PLHAs in our communities. The participants werepresented from different CBOs, NGOs, FBOs and Govt. organizations.  The lighting ceremony was started at 4: PM and and ended at 8pm with vote of thanks from the Foundation.

Kurseong
The Candle light memorial service at Kurseongwas observed by the staff of Shanker Foundation, Mr. D.K. Subba, supported bythe staff of the local Hospital at the Sub-Divisional Hospital premises, Kurseong.

The program was started by Mr.D.K  subba by welcoming participants in the program. He also spoke on the present scenario and background of the Shanker Foundation. He read about the Candle light memorial service and requested the participants to pay their homage to the victims of HIV/AIDS by lighting candles.

Members of the local Sai Samity conducted a solidarity and prayer service and also chanted bhajans in the  memory of those who have died of AIDS and also requested all the participants to pray for their soul to rest in peace. Participants consisted of members from local CBOs and NGOs of Kurseong.

regards
Shanker Foundation Team

Dear Friends,
On behalf of the members and friends of Shanker Foundation, I request you to please join in a global solidarity event that is held each year toremember victims of HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness. This event is held on the third Sunday of May each year and this year it falls on the 20th of May.

We invite you to commemorate this day with us as an act of solidarity with the larger International AIDSCandlelight Memorial event. We urge you to hold prayers and encourage communitydialogue focused on the care and societal support needs of People Living withHIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
We also invite you to join community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and others at the Candlelight Memorial to be held in Chowrasta, Darjeeling and in Kurseong on the 20th of May, 2012 at 4 pm.

The global theme for this year is “Promoting Health and Dignity Together”. The memorial is not just for all the people who have died but also for those who are living with HIV/AIDS. We would like you to reach out to those living with HIV/AIDS and help them to lead a healthy life along with dignity.We have a culture of supporting each other and the time is now to embracepeople living with HIV/AIDS in the Darjeeling Hills and break down the walls of stigma and discrimination.

We thank you for your support and solidarity for the memorial and look forward to your continued support inthe fight against HIV/AIDS and stigma it needlessly carries.

Yours sincerely,
Hari