MNS:- A two-day Inter-Ministerial Conference for mainstreaming HIV will be held on 18-19 December 2012 at New Delhi.
The conference is being held with the following objectives:-
1. To create opportunity through various ministries for enhanced coverage and reach of HIV services to large workforce engaged, especially informal settings consisting of migrants for risk reduction.
2.To strengthen integration of STI/HIV information and services through existing health infrastructure available in various ministries and its departments and autonomous bodies.
3. To strengthen and scale up HIV sensitive social protection to all HIV affected communities through enhanced access to social entitlements and welfare schemes of different ministries and departments.
Besides inaugural and valedictory functions, there will be 6 technical sessions on the following topics during the conference:-
1. Partnership for mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS by improving access to social and legal protection for communities affected by HIV.
2. Partnership to address issues of Sexual Reproductive Health and HIV among adolescents and youth.
3. Partnership for reducing the vulnerability and impact of HIV and AIDS among uniformed personnel.
4. Partnership for improved delivery of HIV Prevention and Treatment and Treatment & Care.
5. Partnership to reach organized and unorganized sectors.
6. Integrating HIV and AIDS Strategic communication for prevention, treatment and stigma free environment.
It may be mentioned that India has the third largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. Department of AIDS Control is working towards providing prevention, treatment, care & support services for HIV/AIDS without stigma & discrimination.
Mainstreaming HIV is an effective approach towards a multi-sectoral response. It has been a strategic priority for India, getting support from highest political and bureaucratic leadership of the country. This has been necessary as the spread of HIV and the impact of HIV and AIDS on individuals, families and communities across are influenced by complicated web of socio-economic factors. While health is of prime importance, it is clear that a comprehensive approach to address the epidemic warrants substantial inputs from the Non-Health Sectors.
Representatives from various ministries, public and private sector companies, industry associations, autonomous bodies, representatives from state governments, State AIDS Control Societies and technical experts in the field will participate in the two-day conference.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/inter-ministerial-conference-for-mainstreaming-hiv/
