TARGETED INTERVENTIONS AMONG MIGRANTS
Thousands of industrial textile workers, construction
& contract workers migrate from various states & districts to Tirupur
& Coimbatore district seeking employment in Hosiery industries, textiles,
Bricklins and construction companies. Lack of awareness among the migrant workers
on Preventive Strategies and Health Care, owing to their living situations is
at high risk and become vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
Stigma among the people living with HIV/AIDS is an
important factor influencing the non-disclosure of diseases as well as availing
the treatment services, not receiving periodical ART treatments and adherence
to treatment services due to self-stigma adds to the widespread presence of
HIV/AIDS among migrant workers.
With the objective of reducing the prevalence of
HIV/AIDS, the targeted interventions Projects at Coimbatore and Tirupur are
implemented under the guidance of NACO (National AIDS Control Organization),
with the Technical and Financial support from TANSACS (Tamilnadu State AIDS
Control Society).
Activities:
The project staff regularly visits industries that
employ more number of migrants and conduct awareness programs on prevention of
HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections STI. The awareness programs enable
the project to identify High Risk Migrants, followed by counseling. HIV and STI
camps involving exhibitions, street theatre, and congregation events are
conducted at the industrial sites.
The HIV infection is also tested with the support of
District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU). The migrants identified as
HIV positive are referred to Government hospitals for ART treatment and
followed up for regular treatment services.
Social Marketing of Condoms is facilitated at the
outlets nearby the industries. 4 Drop in Centre have also been established at
Coimbatore and Tirupur exclusively for counseling and Hotspot meetings.