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Special Report on PRASAD Chikitsa’s Tuberculosis Program
The World Health Organization and the Indian government’s Revised National TB Control Program have recognized PRASAD Chikitsa’s TB Program as a Designated Microscopy and Treatment Center (DMC). Out of sixteen NGO* applicants, PRASAD was one of just two organizations to earn this distinction. Read more…
PRASAD Chikitsa's HIV/AIDS Programs
HIV/AIDS in India
According to 2008 figures, there are an estimated 2.3 million HIV positive cases in India — the largest number after South Africa and Nigeria. As in other parts of the developing world, AIDS in India affects the most vulnerable and marginalized sections of society: people who are illiterate and poor and in no position to either take preventive measures or to seek effective treatment.
HIV/AIDS in the Tansa Valley
About one in five of all people living with HIV in India live in the large state of Maharashtra, which is where PRASAD offers its programs to the people of the Tansa Valley. This valley is particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS for many reasons. Two major truck routes traverse the valley, and truck drivers are among the largest carriers of the disease. There's also a large mobile and migratory workforce because of the high concentration of industry in the region. The Tansa Valley also is a tourist and pilgrimage area and has a significant local prostitution network. Government figures show that Maharashtra state has the third highest estimated number of AIDS cases of the 28 states in India.
Due to lack of awareness, stigma and discrimination, patients often are brought for treatment only after AIDS symptoms have become evident or they have fallen prey to opportunistic infections. The problem has been compounded by the fact that HIV/AIDS care facilities are concentrated in the cities and not in rural areas such as the Tansa Valley.
PRASAD Chikitsa's HIV/AIDS Programs
PRASAD Chikitsa began its HIV/AIDS programs in the Tansa Valley in 2004, first offering awareness education. In 2005, PRASAD began offering medical services as well. As of early 2009, the programs have reached 60,000 people, and in 2008, more than 1,000 HIV-positive persons registered with PRASAD’s HIV/AIDS Program – an increase of more than 60 percent from the prior year.
The objectives of PRASAD Chikitsa’s HIV/AIDS programs are:
- Create awareness among people about HIV/AIDS and correlated diseases
- Diagnose early and treat existing HIV/AIDS patients
- Provide medical, psycho-social and psycho-spiritual counseling and care to those affected
PRASAD Chikitsa's programs are comprehensive and cover the following areas:
- Awareness training and education in villages, schools, colleges and market places, and among high-risk groups and self-help groups
- Testing and counseling
- Treatment and support
Awareness Programs: PRASAD volunteers found that the stigma associated with the disease led to the public and private denial of HIV/AIDS. This meant that those affected had little knowledge of the high-risk behavior associated with HIV/AIDS. PRASAD Chikitsa social workers, volunteers and doctors hold two to four awareness trainings or meeting per day - not only visiting the villages, but also working with high-risk groups like factory workers, rickshaw and truck drivers, and working with teachers, police, high-school and college students, and women.
HIV Testing and Counseling: PRASAD Chikitsa’s Family Health Center provides an HIV testing facility for the PRASAD service area. The program also has two full-time counselors who provide counseling before and after testing. Recently, PRASAD’S Family Health Center has been formally recognized by the Indian government as an Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre under Public/ Private Partnership. This means that the government is now providing free HIV test kits to the Center.
One of the most effective ways of combating HIV is by preventing pregnant women who are HIV-positive from passing on the infection to their unborn children. To do this, PRASAD started a collaborative project with seven local public centers and five primary health units (sub centers). Free prenatal blood tests, including HB, Blood Group, VDR (syphilis) and HIV, are offered to all pregnant women with informed consent.
In addition, PRASAD Chikitsa provides antiretroviral drugs free to infected pregnant mothers. If their babies are born infected, these drugs will be provided on a long-term basis to the children.
Treatment and Support: PRASAD’S Family Health Center provides support to HIV-positive patients by treating secondary infections and meeting their nutritional needs. In collaboration with the Indian government’s ART (antiretroviral drug therapy) Centers, PRASAD ensures that all HIV positive clients who need ART are receiving it. The Family Health Center also operates an outpatient clinic and day care center for HIV-infected adults and children. To read more about our program for HIV-positive children, click here.
- Click here to read about our General Health Care, Eye Care, Dental Care, and Community Health programs in Tansa.