MDACS

Observation of WAD-07.

In 2007, the theme “Leadership”, highlighted the need for innovation,

vision and perseverance in the face of the AIDS challenge.

The campaign called on all sectors of society such as families,

communities and civil society organizations – rather than just governments

– to take the initiative and provide leadership on HIV/AIDS.

The theme for the year 2007 was “Take a Lead” “Stop AIDS – Keep the Promise”.

It was an opportunity to reach out to the general population with messages on various aspects of HIV/AIDS. This year it was proposed to organize Mahila Melawas, which will be attended mainly by women from SHGs, NGOs.

Across the globe, December 1^st, is observed as World AIDS Day, to show solidarity with all those who are fighting for the cause.

This year In Maharashtra, Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), Mumbai Districts AIDS Control Society (MDACS) and Avert Society (three societies) have jointly observed the day by organizing a series of activities all across the state. Other stakeholders like UNICEF, BMFGF, HLFPPT, Hero’s project, FHI, National Rural Health Mission and ICDS Commissioner have also participated in the WAD observance.

In conjunction with the theme this year, the three Societies had jointly decided that this year the focus should be on women. The Principal Secretary of Public Health & Family Welfare & Chairperson of MSACS & Avert Society had reiterated that this year, the focus should be on women inorder to bring them in the forefront by giving them strength to address issues on stigma & discrimination. On WAD-2007, women from Self Help Groups, NGOs and Civil Societies etc came together on a common platform and pledged to continue their support to the cause. From this togetherness, women also take the leadership and also accountable for continuing the fight against the epidemic in addressing issues of stigma & discrimination.

MDACS organized various activities on 1^st December, 2007, which are as under :-

Promotional Material:-

Promotional materials like bag and pocket calendar with Red Ribbon were designed

specially for World AIDS Day-07, which were distributed among the women as a token of appreciation.

Trophies:-

Trophies were also designed and distributed to the guests, celebrities & outstanding Mahila Performers of the Wards during the function, Mahila Melawa.

Ward Level Function:-

At the Mumbai District level, the focus was bringing women from 24 wards of the Mumbai to take a pledge to work together on issues like stigma & discrimination. In the districts, the Self Help Group members, ICDS workers, NGO representatives and PLHIVs came together to participate in the WAD. For the ward level the three Societies have worked with other stakeholders like UNICEF, BMFGF, HLFPPT, Hero’s Project, FHI, National Rural Health Mission, ICDS Commissioner, HCP/JHU on WAD 07.

MDACS had arranged a Mahila Melawa in 24 wards with the help of PPTCT NGOs. At present nine PPTCT NGOs in Mumbai District are associated with MDACS. On occasion of 1^st December, these PPTCT NGOs had arranged Mahila Melawa in their operational wards. Following activities were carried out during Mahila Melawa.

More than 500 women came together in every ward for rally and after the rally WAD-07 was launched
In every ward more than 500 women attended the Mahila Melawa.
A PLHA member shared his/her experience in the Melawa.
In every ward the Ward Officers, CDOs, Police Officers and Corporators of their respective ward attended the Mahila Melawa.
A street play or skits based on HIV/AIDS awareness were also arranged in Mahila Melawa.
The Momento was given to the best outstanding Mahila performer of the respective ward.
Red Ribbon was also pinned on to all participants.
Exhibition stall was erected in the hall where the Mahila Melawa was held.
A bag of IEC material like Pamphlets, Leaflet, Pocket Calendar was also distributed to each participant of Mahila Melawa.
Snacks were also served to all participants of Mahila Melawa.

To carry out above activities MDACS had sanctioned Rs. 20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand Only) to each ward. MDACS got a tremendous support from the community. With this function MDACS was able to communicate with upper, middle and lower class people on a large scale and also provided the information about awareness of HIV/AIDS.

Function in Targeted Group.

MDACS have also arranged “Melawa” in Targeted Population such as Migrants, Truckers, MSM and Transgender etc with help of TI NGOs. At present 15 TI NGOs in Mumbai Districts are associated with MDACS. On occasion of 1^st December, these TI NGOs had arranged Melawa in their operational area. Following activities were carried out during Mahila Melawa.

More than 250 targeted populations had come together from every area for rally and after rally WAD-07 was launched.
In every ward more than 250 Targeted populations have attended the Melawa.
A PLHA member shared his/her experience in the Melawa.
The Ward Officers, CDOs, Police Officers and Corporators are also involved in these Melawa.
A street play or skits based on HIV/AIDS awareness were also arranged in Melawa.
The Momentos were given to best performer of the area.
Red Ribbon was also pinned on to all participants.
Exhibition stall was erected in the Hall.
IEC material like Pamphlets, Leaflet and Pocket Calendar were distributed also to each participants of the Melawa.
Snacks were also served to all participants of Melawa.

Function in Medical Colleges / DIC / NMS.

MDACS had also arranged “Melawa” in the four Medical Colleges with help of staff of Medical Colleges on 1^st December. MDACS had also arranged functions through Drop-in-centers and through Nirman Mazdoor Sanghtna.

WAD-07 through Railway:

In order to cover mass population, railway stations are one of the best media through which HIV/AIDS awareness can be successfully done. To support such campaign MDACS had approach to Western Railway and procured their got permission for HIV/AIDS awareness campaign to be carried out at all stations from Churchgate to Dahisar between 11.00 AM to 8.00 P.M. Following activities were carried out from 29^th November, 2007 to 4^th December, 2007.

Exhibition stalls were erected on all railway stations from Churchgate to Dahisar with help of NGOs.
On all Railway stations message of HIV/AIDS was announced on the public announcing system.
Banners were affixed at prominent locations, which were seen by passengers very easily.
All railway staff wore the Red Ribbon.

WAD-07 through BEST Bus:

MDACS have also conducted HIV/AIDS awareness campaign through BEST.

MDACS have provided IEC materials to every bus depot. Especially on 1^st December,

2007 every Bus Driver and Conductor of Mumbai wore the Red Ribbon. IEC materials such

as pamphlets, leaflets were distributed in each and every BEST depot.

WAD-07 through Mumbai Police

MDACS have also conducted HIV/AIDS awareness campaign through Mumbai Police. On occasion of World AIDS Day every police authority of Mumbai wore the Red Ribbon. IEC materials such as pamphlets, leaflets were distributed in each and every police station.

Mass Media Activities

Over an above MDACS had put up special messages pertaining to WAD-2007 on existing hoardings at 22 locations across the Mumbai.

Entertainment Program:

MDACS had arranged an entertainment program (main function) which was specially designed on HIV/AIDS awareness for women namely “Priti Pari Tujvarati” in the evening on 1^st December between 6.30 PM To 9.30 PM at the Parle Tilak High School Ground, Vileparle (East). The following personalities participated in this function.

Guest : Dr. Shubha Raul – Hon. Mayor of Mumbai,

Mr. Gajbiye – Addl. Municipal Commissioner, Smt. Neela Satyanarayan, Dr. Vijaya Patil, Dr. Alka Mandke, Shri. Sridhar Phadake.

Well Known Singers : Uttara Kelkar, Ravindra Sathe, Swapnil Bandawadekar, Priya Bapat, Vaishali samant, Suchrita Bhagwat, Mangala Khadilkar.

Well Know Artists : Ramesh Dev, Seema Dev, Prakash Bhende, Uma Bhende, Mangesh Padgaonkar, Vijay Chavan, Sanjay Uppadhe, Sai Lalit, Priyanka Shetty, Sonia Parchure, Sampada Jogalekar and Chintamani Sohani etc.

The said function was telecasted live on “Star-Maza” Marathi Channel. An exhibition stall was erected at the entrance of the ground. During entertainment program IEC materials were distributed. Specially designed IEC material for WAD-07 i.e. Pocket Calendar & Red Ribbons also distributed to each and every viewer. Red Ribbons were distributed to all celebrities and participants of the function. Around 3000 people attended the function. The function was very much appreciated by the general public as well as the media.

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