More than 500 Maharashtra state government officials, employees from non-governmental organizations, and members of support networks for HIV positive people attended the launch of Maharashtra’s new statewide home-based treatment and care campaign, “Ektay Nahi Tumhi, Saath Aahot Amhi,” on May 4, 2007. The campaign — which means, “You are not alone, we are with you” — was launched at the Bel-Air Hospital in Panchgani, Maharashtra, India.
In addition to providing home-based treatment and care services, the program created outreach materials in the area’s local language. These materials will be used by the more than 250 non-governmental organizations, networks of HIV-positive people, and care centers in the region. The goal of the campaign is to address the fear, vulnerability and stigma of HIV/AIDS at the community level by demonstrating that with proper care and treatment HIV is manageable.
The campaign’s materials were designed by HIV-positive people and include posters, pamphlets, films, a music kit, flip-chart, booklet and television spots. The 15 minute film features people who are living positively with HIV. By using these communications materials, community leaders hope to reduce stigma associated with HIV.
The program was developed with support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief to provide home-based treatment and care for HIV positive people in the Indian state of Maharashtra — India’s second most populous state. |
During the launch, singers perform songs from the