Key Programs & Progress FY 2023-24
1. Targeted Intervention (TI)
In collaboration with the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), funded by the State AIDS Control Society (SACS), SSS focuses on preventing HIV/AIDS by targeting high-risk groups. The organization promotes HIV testing, facilitates access to treatment, and works to reduce stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. SSS ensures that affected communities receive necessary healthcare services, including antiretroviral therapy (ART), and provides ongoing social support to improve the well-being of individuals living with HIV.
The KSAPS Targeted Intervention (TI) Programme plays a vital role in HIV/AIDS prevention by registering and supporting high-risk groups (HRGs), such as women in sex work (WSWs). With 6,898 WSWs registered as of March 2024. We identified 4194 HRGs for HIV/AIDS and referred them for testing, treatment, and care. Additionally, ongoing support is provided, offering counseling and various services to address crises, social entitlements, and other health-related needs.
Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) awareness and support
The Soukhya Samrudhi Samsthe has always recognized that legal support is a crucial component of its work. Many gender and sexuality minorities face legal challenges, including issues related to identity recognition, discrimination in the workplace, and harassment by law enforcement. To address these challenges, the society established a legal advocacy wing that offers free legal advise and representation to those in need. This initiative has been instrumental in securing legal victories that have advanced the rights of gender and sexuality minorities in India.
In addition to legal support, the society provides a range of social support services. These include counselling for individuals struggling with issues related to their gender or sexuality, as well as support groups that offer a sense of community and belonging. The society also works with self-help groups, providing them with guidelines and resources to improve their operations and better serve their members.
We have conducted 21 Advocacy meeting to create awareness and supported 16 individuals facing legal issues and required social support services.
2. KSAPS Link Workers Scheme (LWS)
The KSAPS Link Workers Scheme (LWS) Project focuses on identifying high-risk groups (HRGs) across 100 villages in Kolar, connecting individuals to HIV testing and STI referral hospitals. With a sustainability goal in mind, the project collaborates with Panchayats, PHCs, ASHA workers, and Panchayat health and sanitation committees. Capacity building sessions are organized, ensuring one session per village to strengthen local health knowledge and support systems in these communities.
As of March 2024, the KSAPS Link Workers Scheme (LWS) program has registered 3,477 individuals from diverse groups, including WSWs, MSM, TG, truckers, ANC clients, vulnerable populations, TB patients, migrants, and PLHIV. This registration aims to provide targeted support, healthcare access, and resources tailored to each group’s unique needs.
3. The Network of Maharashtra Positive+ (NMP+) Care and Support Center (CSC)
The Network of Maharashtra Positive+ (NMP+) Care and Support Center (CSC) Project provides vital services for individuals living with HIV, including counseling, adherence follow-up, and health monitoring. Field level community and peer counselors play a key role in encouraging individuals who have discontinued treatment to rejoin the treatment cycle, supporting better health outcomes.
As of March 2024, the Network of Maharashtra Positive+ (NMP+) Care and Support Center (CSC) Project has successfully facilitated the rejoining of 2,708 individuals living with HIV into the treatment process. Furthermore, 624 individuals, including key populations (KPs), adolescents, and children, have been consistently adhering to their treatment on a month-to-month basis.
The Humsafar Trust Netreach Project is a social network-based initiative targeting women in sex work who connect with their clients through social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. The project aims to identify these women in sex work and provide them with critical awareness about HIV and STI-related information. Through the involvement of network operators on social media, the project facilitates outreach and ensures that essential health information reaches the sex worker community effectively.
As of March 2024, the Humsafar Trust Netreach Project has identified 222 women in sex work (WSWs) on social media platforms. Among them, 208 WSWs have undergone HIV testing, while 216 have received counseling and awareness about HIV and STI-related information.
Following are the current program activities:
Awareness on HIV/AIDs
Community Mobilization
Prevention measures on HIV/AIDs
Condom Distribution
Clinical Testing
Referral System
HIV Testing
Syphilis Testing
Counseling
Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTC) Social Support
Advocacy for TI and Social Entitlements