15th International AIDS Conference Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10441)

Joshi R
Prerana, Kathmadu, Nepal

ISSUES: There are around more than 60 thousand PLWHAs in Nepal. Large-scale of stigma and discrimination exists which makes difficult for PLWHAs to come out and access services.

DESCRIPTION: Based on the personal experiences of discrimination author decided to work for creating a favorable environment for PLWHAs in Nepal. There fore he joined the first support group formed in Nepal by PLWHA named Prerana which means inspiration in Nepali. However setting up a support group and working for involvement of PLWHAs was not so easy. A numbers of problem encountered. Most of the members were from injecting drugs user background with high relapse rate or low-socio-economic status. Moreover decision making was not done by PLWHAs but the NGO's. NGO's felt that PLWHAs need sympathy and support adopted or a service delivery/charity approach. Lesson learned: The immediate needs for food, shelter or drugs were more important than issues of rights and advocacy. Prerana come to be seen as employment agencies for PLWHAs. In absence of a strong co-ordinate and skill building on organization and management it was difficult to enforce discipline and maintain records and account. Donor and Government viewed Prerana with distress and stopped funding. In absence of salary it was difficult to maintain interest of PLWHAs members and Prerana disintegrate. Recommendation: There is a ray of hope. Dedicated members have got together and have decided to revive Prerana. Members had learned from the past mistakes and have now taken decision making in their own hands. There is a hope that with proper capacity building Prerana will be able to build the trust of people advocate for the cause involvement of PLWHA.

040711
D10441

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