Trainings To PLHAs

• Care and support to PLHAs which includes psychological, social, health care economical and spiritual supports.
• Psychological supports, self-care and home care trainings and inputs
• Increased accessibility to medical services and ARV Stigma and discrimination
• Networking with other HIV+ networks at the state as well as national level so that their advocacy capacity and positive attitude will be developed
• Stakeholder sensitisation and involvement in reducing stigma and discrimination

Medical Support To PLHAs

As the part of the care and support programmes, medical assistance and support to the PLHAs are provided to cure and prevent Opportunistic Infection (OI) and access to ART from Government Hospital.

Awareness Meetings With PLHAs

1. The PLHAs in general, WAA in particular are subject to stigma and discrimination in the family, society and health care settings.
2. Antagonism, hostility and refusal to interact with the HIV infected are common in these areas as in found elsewhere.
3. The families of PLHAs are forced to live away from the neighbors. Depriving of wives of inheritance right, coercing the wives to undergo testing for HIV and blaming of the wives for being source of infection and forcing her to leave.
4. The community boycotts the businesses run by WAA. And above all denial of treatment for HIV/AIDS and isolation of PLHAs which leads to unwillingness of PLHAs are to reveal their status that contributes to rising infection rates and delay in accessing treatment.
5. Due to frequent illness and physical weakness of parents, the children are in the condition to take up ht responsibility of managing the home by withdrawing from the school.

Community Health Programme

COODU has outreached community Health and rural sanitation. In order to promote community health and Reproductive and Child Health, Total sanitation programmes in rural areas of Coimbatore district, through the women Self Help Groups of COODU, as community based Peer Pressure Groups, the following inputs need to be given to the women SHGs and other horizontal sections of the community.

Prevention Of HIV / Aids Among Tribals In Coimbatore And The Nilgris Districts

COODU carried out intensive campaign for prevention of HIV/AIDS among tribals in 28 hamlets in Coimbatore district and 13 hamlets in the Nilgris district under National AIDS Control Programme (NACP). Under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), COODU undertook IEC activities with messages, materials, activities and events taking into account audience profile, barriers to communication and positioning in different channels for maximum impact, which also lead to behavior change.

Goals

With the goal of creating an enabling environment that encourages HIV related prevention, care and support services and also to reduce stigma and discrimination at all levels.

Methodologies

•Awareness creation about risks and the need for behavior change among tribes, especially youth and women
•Demand generation and facilitating an increase in utilization of HIVS / AIDS related health services by providing details of services and its locations
•IEC materials like posters and flip charts used among tribes to awareness through Interpersonal Communication (IPC)
•Films containing awareness messages screened in tribal hamlets
•Pamphlets containing information on various services like counseling, testing, condoms, treatment and care for STI distributed among tribes
•Condom demonstration and distribution among tribes
•Organizing exhibitions with information display booths of posters, banners, leaflets and brouchers
•Awareness through folk arts / street theatre staged by 8 artists
•IPC by staff trained by resource persons
•Programs supervised by Project coordinator
•Documentation through videos & Photos
Covered 20 tribal villages in the Panchayats of 24 Veerapandiof Periyanaickenpalayam block comprising ten tribal villages in Coimbatore district, Solurmattam comprising four villages,Kunjapanai comprising two villages and Kadasolai, and remaining Thenadu, Kodanadu and AravenuPanchayats in the Nilgiris district. The project duration was 2 months.

Human Resources

• HIV / AIDS resource persons
• Street theatre experts
• NGO workers
• HIV positive network members
• Theatre artists
• Field workers
• Adivas; Association members
• SHG members
• Community members
• Elected representative

Selected Feedback From Tribal Audience

• Very simple and lucid way of awareness creation
• Understand ways to prevent AIDS
• Wonderful awareness programme on HIV /AIDS. Thanks to TANSACS and COODU
• Street theatre is very good and easy to reach common man
• All my doubts cleared about AIDS
• I can tell others on prevention menthods and availability of services
• Nirodh (Condom) – I have seen it for first time. I will use it correctly when needed
• Now I know where to go for STD treatment and HIV testing
• Awareness programme was simple, humorous and thought provoking

Rehabilitation Of Women And Girls Affected By Trafficking, HIV/Aids In Coimbatore District Under UNDP-TAHA

Under the UNDP- TAHA project, COODU has undertaken Trafficking And HIV/AIDS (TAHA) project

Mapping Of High Risk Areas

It is proposed to identify the high risk areas in the district where TAHA is more prevalent on considering the following high risk factors

• Coimbatore District is a commercial centre; with plenty of Industries and cotton mill, oil mill that attracts numerous merchants, mobility and migrant workers to the district throughout the year.
• Increased floating population due to commercial purposes coupled with increase in the number of commercial sex due to poverty are the main causes of HIV transmission among the rural population
• Increase in mobility (Truck drivers) heavy flow of merchants throughout the country from other districts, forces the female industrial to choose sexual affair women involved in sex for money, extra material relationship, husband or wife involving in sex is either of their absence are some of the reasons that transmit HIV.
• In remote areas of the district, there are no proper and intensive sex education measures have been launched on RCH, STI, HIV/AIDS to the youth, adolescents and the mobility and migrant workers. So the illiterate adolescents, women and the people work in fire and match industries are more vulnerable to RTI/STI/HIV transmission.
• Young girls working in industries are sexually exploited that makes them more vulnerable to STI, and also with HIV

Selection And Orientation Of Peer Educators

On identifying the suitable women among WIPs who have the ability, knowledge and skill social consciousness are developed as Peer Educators through meetings and training programmes. Peer education is the one of the important aspect for the successful implementation of the programme. Peer education is important to deliver message of culturally sensitive issues by an individual WIP from the community and influence the target community as the health issues, much as to adopt safe sexual practices, in have Condom negotiation skill and take appropriate treatment of STD. To strengthen Peer educational activity regular weekly and fortnight meetings of peer educators have to be organised and discussions will be made on the issues and problems and progress of the FSWs on STD / HIV / AIDS prevention. Efforts will be taken to strengthen the peer educators groups organised to ensure the sustainability of the project through the formation of Self-organisation, for welfare of their family and children, and availing benefits from the Government.

Community Sensitization Programmes Through Street Theatre

The first step is to create awareness about a particular issue among the participants. Once the participant has relaxed, more information about HIV/AIDS, stigma and discrimination etc are given out. Street theatre performance to the rural populations level of comprehension and needs because developed the script based on the existing condition of the community / village.
After the performance, the street theatre groups mix with the audience for discussion and feedback. Before and after the show, the participants receive questionnaires. The information from the questionnaires helps to assess the impact of the interaction. The question and clarification elicited from the audience after the interaction and at the temporary information booths are the first indicators of changing attitudes and behaviors.
After establishing rapport with Primary Health Centre, Government Hospitals and Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centers, education programmes will be carried out on a symptomatic and undetected STD among ignorant women through the counsellors. The importance of early diagnosis and correct and full counselling treatment of STD is the preventive health measure in preventing HIV infection.

Women SHG Sensitization Activity

It is planned to develop765 Women Self Help Groups organized by COODU as the grassroots functionaries will play to role of HIV/AIDS prevention activities at the hamlet/panchayats/block level . With these points of view, prevention the strategy development is critical unless involvement of partners should be ensured. This can be achieved, as COODU proposes, to involve and develop ----- Women Self Help Groups organised by COODU as community based outreach groups to undertake the preventive measures such as condom promotion, behavioural communication change (BCC) as the Peer pressure on the Community / Village they belong to.

School Going Girls Sensitization

The school children are the future generation who should be sensitized on sex education , HIV/AIDS , Trafficking, child rights and participation etc., COODU has organized the following sensitization programmes for the school going children on their vulnerability and exploitation:

Adolescent Girl Sensitization)

The adolescents in the target region are developed as the education groups by involving them in adolescent girls groups at community level. During the weekly, (at the initial stage) and forthright meetings (at later stage), peer educators prepare the adolescents to learn the knowledge of Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) such as:

• Child and early marriage and consequences
• Importance of education
• Population education
• Reproductive health issues and conserves
• RTI/UTI/STI/HIV/AIDS prevention and symptomatic observation and treatment.

All the adolescent girl groups will be linked with Government Hospitals and Primary Health Center in the nearby town.

Blindness Control Programme

COODU has conducted several eye camps periodically in several blocks of Coimbatore district in association with Aravind Eye Hospital. As a result of these camps, children are identified with eye disorders and referred to AEH for further treatment. Aged people are tested for cataract and blindness and also referred for free operations and spectacles. Through such camps, COODU has made the rural people aware of measures for healthy living.

Iodine Deficiency Programme

In association with the Field Publicity Office of Government of India, COODU has conducted Iodine Deficiency Awareness Campaign in all wards in Coimbatore city. This programme was done by involving all SHG members and Government of India staff.

Conduct Of Medical Camps- Health Camp: 2004-2005

The first health camp by the organisation since its genesis was organised in five villages surrounding Sulur in Coimbatore district in which 750 villagers, including 178 children were attended to by four doctors including two lady doctors specialising in women health along with three paramedical workers. Medicines were supplied. Patients afflicted by STD and leprosy were referred to PHC and GH for treatment.

Awareness Training On HIV/AIDS: 1996

COODU, in association with YRG care foundation organised a three day training programme in March,1996, for students and voluntary organisations. Dr.Suniti Solomon, Director-YRG care expounded on the cause, prevention and treatment for HIV/AIDS. Modules included group discussion, interaction, card playing, safe sex and question -answer section. Books published by YRG care were distributed to participants, as also IEC materials to be distributed to the public at bus stands.

STD/HIV/AIDS Prevention Training For Hotel/Lodge Workers-1995

To create awareness on STD/HIV/AIDS among hotel/lodge workers prone to homosexuality and promote and demonstrate use of condom among travellers staying at lodges seeking CSW, a five one day awareness trainings were conducted in 1995.Trained hotel workers distribute IEC materials and condom for CSW and those who stay in hotel.

Study Of Truckers, Helpers And CSW In Coimbatore 1995

COODU conducted a study of truckers, helpers and CSW on Ukkadam highway and Valayar check post for sexual activity. It was found that commercial sex activity was indeed happening and that CSWs infected with STD never consulted doctors that indicated condoms were not used by all. The findings prompted COODU to undertake intervention measures to prevent HIV/AIDS.

NGOs Meet – March 1995

COODU convened NGOs working in HIV/AIDS field in association with NGOs network on AIDS in Southern most India (Network SMI). 35 member and non- member NGOs participated. The aim was to provide information on funding policy and criteria for funding by VHS- APAC, Chennai. Dr.Bimal Charles provided information on APAC project. Guidelines on concept paper preparation were distributed. It was useful for NGOs seeking funds for AIDS Intervention programmes

AIDS Awareness Meeting: 1995

COODU, on learning that seven deaths due to AIDS had occurred in the last year in Mettupalayam, which is a transit point from various districts, had convened a one day AIDS awareness meeting in Sept,1995 in Mettupalayam in association with ROTARY - Junior Chambers. Key note address was by Mr.Sivam IEC specialist, APAC project. Mr.B.V.Maheshwaran, Executive Director, Network-SMI and Mr.C.R. Gunasekar, Research Director AIMS Research spoken on STD/HIV/AIDS, which was appreciated by the audience.

Health Camp: 1997-98

COODU organised a health camp in five villages in Palladam block on self-hygiene, pre/post child care, pregnancy care etc.Three doctors including one male doctor and two paramedical assistants attended to patients and issued medicines and tonics. Diseases such as STD, leprosy were referred to GH. 1250 people, including 450 children benefitted.

Eye Camp: 1997-98

COODU organised an Eye Camp in Karamadai in association with Annadasampalayam youth club, in which 2300 people attended for various eye ailments. 230 people were referred to GH for cataract operation. Oral pills were issued and eye drops administered. People were motivated to donate eyes and those willing to donate were registered.

HIV/AIDS Prevention: Awareness Training-1997-98

COODU organised the following programmes.
•Two days seminar on STD/HIV/AIDS prevention and safer sex for PG students at Government Arts College, Coimbatore on 07/08-04-97, assisted by NSS programme officials.
•One day orientation programme for hostel students of Dr.Ambedkar Government College for men, Coimbatore on 22.04.97.
•One day Orientation programme for members of youth Federation of India in Coimbatore on 10.05.97.
•Two days training programme on HIV/AIDS for supervisors of Sheikalmudi Tea Estate in Valparaitaluk jointly with INTUC on20/21-05-1997.
•One day awareness programme on HIV/AIDS for members of Thudialur Lions Club on 15.08.1997.
•One day awareness programme on HIV/AIDS for merchants of Mettupalayam Market on 27.08.97.
•One day orientation programme on STD/HIV/AIDS for street and working children in Coimbatore on 25.10.1997.

Drug Abuse Awareness Programme:

With the objective of eradicating habit of drug use and abuse among rural poor, COODU conducted awareness training on ill-effects of drug, in association with youth club of Madapur, in which 32 youth and elected local body members participated.

Health Camp:1998-99

COODU Organised health camp at Velloni tribal village in Valparaitaluk in Oct, 98 Doctors motivated tribals to take allopathic medicine and treatment.

Veterinary Camp:

COODU Organised a veterinary camp at AttavanaiSemsempatti of Annur block in May, 98 27 cows were artificially inseminated. Awareness on foot and mouth disease and Vekkai disease was created by veterinary doctor.

Street Children and HIV/AIDS Prevention:

• In continuation of its work for street children, COODU, through its legal aid team facilitated in accommodating 32 children in Govt. Rehabilitation home in Coimbatore. • COODU facilitated in handing over 43 children safely back to their parents and guardians in the state. • COODU facilitated in the admission of 28 children in the age group of 14-17 years in vocational training courses.

Eye Camp:1999-2000

COODU organised Eye Camp for school children, Aged and general public from Kattur, Katturpudhur, Madhappur, Elavanthi and Kallipalayam villages in Pongalur block, aided by Sankara Eye Hospital. Children from ten elementary schools and three middle schools participated.

Eye Camp:2000-2001.

COODU organised an eye camp sponsored by DRDA- Coimbatore, aided by Sankara Eye Hospital in 18 watersheds in Chinniampalayam in March, 2001, testing and treating 200 people, who pledged to donate their eyes. Camps & Campaigns: • COODU organised Iodine Deficiency Awareness Campaign simultaneously in all wards of Coimbatore corporation on 14.05.2003, in association with field publicity office, Govt of India, with the participation of more than 1000 SHG members.
• COODU conducted Anti-Tobacco Day meeting in Uppilipalayam for 100 SHG members, who would carry the message to their communities.
• COODU organised an Eye Camp, aided by Aravind Hospitals in Singanallur on 13.07.2003, with the participation of 350 people.
• COODU organised AIDS Awareness campaign and Blood Donation camp in Pongalur on 18.07.2003, with the participation of 1200 SHG members and the general public.
• COODU organised AIDS Awareness campaign Rally in Singanallur and Ondipudur on 25.08.2003,with the participation of 500 SHG members and school children.

Training On Naturopathy And Yoga For Women

The National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune has approved training on Naturopathy and Yoga for 40 rural women in Coimbatore District in the year 2002-03, for a period of 6 months. The organization motivated and mobilized women SHG leaders who are eligible and organized the training in Kalapatti town Panchayat, Coimbatore. The training on Naturopathy and Yoga was imparted by a medical practitioner and paramedical personnel to 40 women who now practice in rural areas.