Padmapani Foundation

Rural-Level HIV/AIDS Prevention – Link Workers Scheme.

The Link Workers Scheme is a vital initiative aimed at addressing the complex needs of HIV/AIDS prevention at the rural community level. This project has been implemented with the support of the Telangana State AIDS Control Society across 100 villages in the Karimnagar Joint District, specifically in Peddapally, Jagithayal, and Siricilla, since 2020. Our target population includes high-risk groups such as Female Sex Workers (FSWs), Men who have Sex with Men (MSMs), People Living with HIV (PLHIV), vulnerable rural populations, migrant workers, and truck drivers. With a dedicated team of 30 staff members, the project is driven by the mission to provide targeted interventions and critical support to these communities.

Project Partners:

The project is supported by Government of India and the project is central government scheme, NACO, in association with TSACS.

Start Year:

PSHE Supporting the project in 2020 in Karimnagar and has continued to expand its operations.

Staff Count:

The project is supported by a team consisting of 26staffs which includes DRP, data staff , field staffs.

Activities and Implementation

Our project focuses on a multi-pronged approach to HIV/AIDS prevention, awareness, and support:

1. Major Activities:

• HIV Testing and Screening: Offering accessible testing to identify HIV-positive individuals.
• Hotspot Identification: Mapping areas with high concentrations of vulnerable populations.
• Prevention Campaigns: Conducting workshops and community meetings to educate and raise awareness.
• Support Services: Providing emotional, social, and medical support to those living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

2. Step-by-Step Approach:

• Screening: So far, we’ve conducted 4,580 screenings, identifying those at high risk of infection.
• Hotspot Mapping: Key villages and routes, such as migrant and truck driver pathways, have been identified and targeted for intervention.
• Awareness Initiatives: Through ongoing workshops and public meetings, we address the stigmatization of HIV/AIDS, particularly in rural settings.
• Direct Support: We have provided direct support to 8,339 individuals, including women, marginalized groups, and those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, ensuring access to treatment and care services.

3. Project-Specific Goals:

• Reduce new HIV infections by increasing access to testing and prevention tools.
• Educate the target population to reduce stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
• Provide continuous support to those living with HIV/AIDS, ensuring improved quality of life.
• Ensure that vulnerable and high-risk populations are regularly screened and monitored.

Impact and Outcomes

Since its inception in 2020, the Link Workers Scheme has made a significant impact in the rural areas of Karimnagar Joint District. We’ve reached 1,814 women, conducted 4,580 screenings, and directly supported 8,339 people. By addressing both the prevention and social aspects of HIV/AIDS, we are steadily decreasing stigma while increasing awareness about the disease in hard-to-reach communities.

Looking ahead, our aim is to continue expanding our reach within these 100 villages and beyond, striving for broader social acceptance of HIV/AIDS-positive individuals, improving testing and treatment access, and ultimately decreasing the rate of new infections in these rural areas.