Civil Society Organisations in HIV Control

NGOs and civil society organizations have made significant contribution in reaching out HIV prevention and care services to the highly vulnerable population groups. There are numerous NGOs/CSOs working on HIV/AIDS at the local, state and national levels. The National AIDS Control Programme recognizes the importance of their participation, particularly in preventive or targeted interventions for high risk groups, care and support of people living with HIV/AIDS and in general awareness campaigns.

Community mobilization and empowerment are essential for successful transition of a programme to the communities. Civil Society Organizations and NGOs bring with them their experience of community level work in enhancing people’s participation. They, therefore, play a crucial role in preparing communities to take ownership of the programme, and thereby enhance the scope of prevention, care and support. Their participation has immensely benefited the HIV/AIDS programme.

NGOs and Preventive Interventions

Targeted interventions are very significant component of National AIDS Control Programme. These interventions provide comprehensive and integrated approach for HIV prevention among the marginalized and vulnerable populations such as female sex workers (FSW), injecting drug users (IDU), men who have sex with men (MSM), Transgender (TG) and other vulnerable population such as migrant workers and truckers. NACO, in partnership with CSOs/NGOs, provides HIV prevention services to these groups at a place and time where they can be most effectively accessed.

Given the efficacy of CBOs/NGOs in reaching the targeted interventions, their involvement is steadily expanding. Their greater involvement and participation at grass roots/district/state/national level in providing home-based care, Care and Support Centre, addressing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS etc. With this view, NACO conducts capacity-building programmes for these NGOs/CBOs; it also encourages NGOs in the non-health/HIV sector to expand the scope of their work to include HIV issues especially prevention and in addressing stigma and discrimination.

Faith-based Organisations

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) play an important role in prevention, care and support activities in the far-flung areas. Several FBOs have already taken up mainstreaming activities, and inter-faith coalition on HIV/AIDS can be utilized to strengthen the activities among their members.

Networking and Civil Society Partnership Forums

The CSOs, NGOs, CBOs and FBOs are seen as genuine long-term partners in NACP. Civil society organizations, including NGOs, CBOs, Red Ribbon Clubs, PLHA networks, private sector organizations and academic institutions working for HIV prevention and care in the district can reach out to those pockets which might be vulnerable and not yet accessed.