Our Work

VIHAAN Care and Support for PLHIV

Vihaan Care Support Center (CSC) was established on June 1, 2013, in Kolhapur. Through this project,

we aim to enhance the survival and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).

To achieve this, the CSC focuses on:

Early Linkage: Connecting PLHIV to essential care, support, and treatment services as soon as possible
Treatment Adherence: Improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) through education and support
Positive Prevention: Expanding activities promoting safer sexual practices and HIV prevention among PLHIV and their partners
Social Protection: Enhancing the social protection and well-being of PLHIV through various initiatives
Stigma Reduction: Strengthening community systems and reducing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS

By addressing these key objectives, the Vihaan CSC aims to make a significant impact on the lives of PLHIV in Kolhapur.

Our Interventions

HIV Prevention

Promote comprehensive HIV testing, including screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervical cancer.
Offer individual, family, couple, and child counseling to address HIV-related concerns and provide prevention information.
Provide specialized counseling for discordant couples (where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative).
Ensure access to comprehensive care and support services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, including dialysis.

Quality Healthcare

Advocate for affordable access to essential medicines for PLHIV.
Provide ongoing counseling and follow-up services to ensure adherence to treatment regimens.
Encourage individuals to get regular HIV testing to monitor their status and prevent transmission.
Refer individuals to specialized services, such as cervical cancer screening and TB treatment.

Access to Social Benefits

Identify and address the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing social benefits, such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and income certificates.
Organize one-stop camps where individuals can obtain all necessary documents and complete the application process efficiently.
Provide targeted support to marginalized and low-income individuals who may face additional challenges in accessing social benefits.

Access to Nutrition

Distribute food packs containing essential nutrients to PLHIV and their families.
Provide nutrition counseling to promote healthy eating habits and improve nutritional status.
Support the development of community gardens to promote food security and access to fresh produce.

Discrimination Response Team (DRT)

Debunk myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS to promote understanding and acceptance.
Actively listening to the experiences of individuals facing discrimination to identify specific challenges and needs.
Gathering information, discussing potential solutions, and developing strategies to address and resolve discrimination.
Advocating for policy changes and societal shifts to eliminate systemic discrimination and create a more inclusive environment.

Awareness and Destigmatization

Conduct media campaigns to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, dispel myths, and promote understanding.
Organize community events and activities to promote awareness and reduce stigma.
Conduct sensitization programs for healthcare providers, community leaders, and the general public to address stigma and discrimination.

Marriage Melava: A transformative initiative by NKP+

In order to stop the new transmission of HIV, it is very important for a positive person to get married to a positive person.

NKP+ organized a "Marriage Melava" on May 15, 2022, specifically targeting HIV-positive youth. This event served as a platform for individuals to meet potential partners who shared their HIV status. The Melava provided a supportive and inclusive environment for participants to connect, socialize, and explore potential relationships.

The Marriage Melava was a resounding success, generating significant interest and resulting in several successful marriages between HIV-positive individuals. This intervention not only promoted positive relationships but also contributed to reducing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and fostering a sense of community among participants.

The Marriage Melava demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based initiatives in addressing the specific needs of PLHIV. We seek to organize more such events in the future to continue promoting positive partnerships and reducing stigma.