Background
- VHS was selected by NACO as lead management agency for implementing Link Worker Scheme through MOU with TANSACS, supported by GFATM.
- Link Worker Scheme is a rural community based intervention that addresses HIV prevention, care and support needs of high risk groups and vulnerable populations living in high prevalence districts.
- Implemented in 21 high prevalence and vulnerable districts of Tamil Nadu aimed at halting the spread of HIV in rural areas, in close collaboration with TANSACS, and engaging 21 Non-Government Organizations as implementing partners at district level.
- On completion of project period, all 21 NGOs were transitioned to TANSACS through a systematic and transparent process for ensuring ownership and continuity of the program.
- LWS program built the capacity of rural communities in addressing STI/HIV/AIDS, engaged a highly motivated and trained village based work force comprising Supervisors, Link Workers and Volunteers and improved their understanding on STI / HIV / AIDS, gender and sexuality.
- High risk groups and vulnerable populations were sensitized to access HIV/AIDS related services and information and avail government social welfare schemes.
Focus Areas
- Creating awareness among targeted rural populations through correct and comprehensive information on STI/HIV/AIDS.
- Increasing availability, accessibility and use of condoms.
- Generating demand for screening and treatment of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, TB.
- Increasing uptake of HIV and STI clinical services by establishing linkages with service facilities, strengthening the referral mechanism and making regular follow-ups.
- Undertaken sensitization initiatives for enlisting the support of key stakeholders for reducing stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.
- Linking high risk and vulnerable populations with government social protection schemes.
Key Achievements
- Demonstrated rural intervention on HIV/AIDS in 21 high-prevalence districts by involving all key stakeholders at different levels and contributed towards achieving the objectives.
- Built the capacities of rural communities in addressing STI/HIV/AIDS.
- Developed a model training manual on LWS, IPC toolkit, handbook for volunteers, role of village health communities in HIV/AIDS, and other resource materials. The same has been adopted by other SACS and NACO.
- Systematically scaled-up to cover 2,175 vulnerable villages across 21 high prevalence districts.
- Reached out to 24,000 people from high-risk groups, 1.3 lakh bridge population, 1.2 lakh vulnerable population and 7,800 people living with HIV.
- Trained 840 Link Workers and more than 35,000 Volunteers at village level.
- Established more than 3,000 Village Information Centers.
- Formed more than 2,100 Village Health Committees.
- Operationalized nearly 2,800 Red Ribbon Clubs.
- Transitioned the entire Link Worker Program to TANSACS through a systematic process.
- Book on Good Practices on the Link Worker Scheme has been brought out and disseminated.
Key Publications
Contact Us
Director - Projects
CHARTERED - Projects Division
The Voluntary Health Services (VHS)
Rajiv Gandhi Salai, TTTI Post,
Taramani, Chennai – 600 113.
Email ID: williams@vhsprojects.org
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