Vasavya Mahila Mandali in Action (Programmes at a glance)
HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Programme VMM initiated HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination Reduction programme with the support from National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) / UNDP to reduce stigma and discrimination in educational institutions, communities, families by sensitizing about HIV Transmission, to create an enabling environment by formation of children support groups and School Support Group and to build the capacities of Children Leadership and Development Association (CLDA), OVC network to improve quality of life of their peers by reduced stigma. The programme is implementing with three interventions by three NGOs in Prakasham, Guntur and Krishna.
SINCE THEN ALL THE CHILDREN ARE FRIENDLY …..
Kanaka Yesu Babu (9) living with HIV/AIDS is studying fourth class in National child Labour Elimination Programme (NCLP) School at T.R.Nagar, Vijayawada, Krishna district of AP. His mother Nagamani had fallen sick and two siblings’ brother and sister are working as daily laborers and leading the family. Both of his parents had disputes now and then. At that time, his father Srinu left the house for 2-3 days. He had extra marital relations with other women. Both of his parents became HIV positive. Extended family members came to know Srinu’s health status and discriminated him. By this reason he addicted to alcoholic and died. His mother worked as daily labor and taking care of the children. As she was suffering with HIV, she could not do the work, therefore the child’s brother Guru Swami aged 16 years and sister K.Thirapathamma, 15 years started working for leading the family. By revealing his mother health status in the community, neighbors’ and family members are discriminated them especially his aunty has taking care of them. While he is studying first class, one of his friends Sai abused him “you and your mother are suffering with HIV/AIDS, so you don’t come along with me” by saying these words he hit him on stomach with leg. At that time he felt very sad and decided to die. Ajay and Rasi, child care guides from Vasavya Mahila Mandali went to T.R.Nagar and conducted an awareness programme on HIV/AIDS among the community people and children. Then they have facilitated for initiation of children support group and explained the cause and consequences of HIV/AIDS with the children in that area. One day Yesu Babu shared to Ajay about how he faced discrimination from his friend in the school. Immediately VMM staff went to the school and initiated children support group with the school children and explained them about HIV/AIDS. Through creating the awareness among the children, since then all the children are friendly with him. Accordingly, the neighbors are also treating them friendly.
