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Documentation Of Hiv Prevention Research And Programmatic Learnings From India—Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles And Key Highlights: 2013-2014 (Volume 2), Population Council
Documentation Of Hiv Prevention Research And Programmatic Learnings From India—Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles And Key Highlights: 2013-2014 (Volume 2), Population Council
HIV and AIDS
Over the past decade (2001–11), there has been a steady decline in adult HIV prevalence in India as a result of evidence-based, intensive, and scaled HIV-prevention programs. Findings from the implementation of programs have been widely documented and have been published both as reports and peer-reviewed journal articles. In “Documentation of HIV Prevention Research and Programmatic Learnings from India,” Volume 2, we bring together recent articles published in peer-reviewed journals on the lessons learned from the HIV-prevention program in India. The document is divided into four thematic sections, and research highlights are presented at the start of each section. This …
Program And Policy Considerations For Tenofovir Gel In India: An Overview, Population Council
Program And Policy Considerations For Tenofovir Gel In India: An Overview, Population Council
HIV and AIDS
The 2011 National Sentinel Surveillance estimated that 1.9 million people in India aged 15 and older were living with HIV. An estimated 39 percent are women. Given the urgent need for HIV-prevention options for women, a number of efforts are underway to prepare for introduction of tenofovir gel should it be shown to be effective. One of these is a guide to assist policymakers and program managers in identifying the most strategic opportunities for introducing tenofovir gel. The guide includes three related components: a landscape analysis, a discussion guide for key opinion leader interviews, and a program planning tool. The …
High Hiv Incidence Among Male Injection Drug Users In Delhi, India, Waimar Tun, Lopamudra Saraswati, Mary Philip Sebastian, Vartika Sharma, Amita Yadav, Ira Madan, Ibou Thior, Avina Sarna
High Hiv Incidence Among Male Injection Drug Users In Delhi, India, Waimar Tun, Lopamudra Saraswati, Mary Philip Sebastian, Vartika Sharma, Amita Yadav, Ira Madan, Ibou Thior, Avina Sarna
HIV and AIDS
India has a large injection drug user (IDU) population estimated at 177,000. The overall national HIV prevalence is around 7.2 percent in this group, the highest among all key populations in the country. There is limited HIV incidence data among IDUs in India. In collaboration with Arise—Enhancing HIV Prevention Programs for At-Risk Populations, the Population Council initiated a prospective cohort study at five centers in Delhi to examine HIV incidence and behavior change both pre-introduction and post-introduction of HIV prevention services among IDUs. HIV transmission risk remains high among IDUs in Delhi despite targeted prevention interventions. Despite the widespread availability …
Prevalence Of Hiv, Hepatitis B And C, And Co-Infection In A Cohort Of Male Injection Drug Users In Delhi, Lopamudra Saraswati, Mary Philip Sebastian, Avina Sarna, Vartika Sharma, Ira Madan, Dean Lewis, Ibou Thior, Waimar Tun
Prevalence Of Hiv, Hepatitis B And C, And Co-Infection In A Cohort Of Male Injection Drug Users In Delhi, Lopamudra Saraswati, Mary Philip Sebastian, Avina Sarna, Vartika Sharma, Ira Madan, Dean Lewis, Ibou Thior, Waimar Tun
HIV and AIDS
India has a large injection drug user (IDU) population estimated at 177,000 nationally with an HIV prevalence of 7.2 percent. Historically, the presence of IDU populations and associated HIV infection was concentrated in the northeastern states of the country. Recent evidence documents IDU populations in other parts of the country. Delhi has an estimated 17,000 IDUs and the second highest HIV prevalence in India at 18.3 percent. The probability of becoming infected with HIV after using an infected syringe ranges from 0.34 percent to 1.4 percent. By comparison, the risk for hepatitis C (HCV) ranges from 1.5 percent to 5 …
Documentation Of Hiv Prevention Research And Programmatic Learnings From India—Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications From The Knowledge Network Project (Volume 1), Population Council
Documentation Of Hiv Prevention Research And Programmatic Learnings From India—Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications From The Knowledge Network Project (Volume 1), Population Council
HIV and AIDS
Over the past decade (2000–11), India has achieved dramatic successes in reversing the HIV epidemic. These successes are largely due to the implementation of upscaled HIV-prevention interventions by the National AIDS Control Organization, two other donors, and nongovernmental organizations, under the National AIDS Control Program III. As the epidemic in India is concentrated in vulnerable subpopulations, these interventions were focused on high-risk groups. It is important to understand the lessons learned from the implementation of HIV-prevention programs and the vulnerabilities that need to be addressed to reach the goal of zero new infections. To support this understanding, the Population Council …
Prevalence And Correlates Of Hiv Infection In A Cohort Of Male Injection Drug Users In Delhi, Waimar Tun, Vartika Sharma, Mary Philip Sebastian, Ira Madan, Amita Yadav, Meredith Sheehy, Dean Lewis, Ibou Thior, Avina Sarna
Prevalence And Correlates Of Hiv Infection In A Cohort Of Male Injection Drug Users In Delhi, Waimar Tun, Vartika Sharma, Mary Philip Sebastian, Ira Madan, Amita Yadav, Meredith Sheehy, Dean Lewis, Ibou Thior, Avina Sarna
HIV and AIDS
Baseline assessment of HIV infection among male injection drug users to understand the correlates of HIV infection and high risk injection practices and sexual behavior in Delhi, India.
Migration And Hiv In India: Study Of Select Districts, Niranjan Saggurti, Bidhubhusan Mahapatra, Suvakanta N. Swain, Madhusudana Battala, Alka Narang, Umesh Chawla
Migration And Hiv In India: Study Of Select Districts, Niranjan Saggurti, Bidhubhusan Mahapatra, Suvakanta N. Swain, Madhusudana Battala, Alka Narang, Umesh Chawla
HIV and AIDS
Report of a study assessing the important role of migration in the spread of HIV in districts with high out-migration in India. The study suggests a considerable spread of HIV linked to migrants’ extramarital sexual behaviors, and subsequent delay in treatment for infected spouses. In order to control the spread of HIV, the study provides programmatic recommendations made by the study participants and the counselors from ICTCs and ART centers. These suggestions include village-level mapping of at-risk persons, mainstreaming HIV prevention interventions within current health resources, improving various village level HIV prevention programs, and involving women left behind by migrant …
Hiv Transmission Among Married Men And Women In Districts With High Out-Migration In India: Study Brief, Niranjan Saggurti, Bidhubhusan Mahapatra, Suvakanta N. Swain, Madhusudana Battala, Umesh Chawla, Alka Narang
Hiv Transmission Among Married Men And Women In Districts With High Out-Migration In India: Study Brief, Niranjan Saggurti, Bidhubhusan Mahapatra, Suvakanta N. Swain, Madhusudana Battala, Umesh Chawla, Alka Narang
HIV and AIDS
This brief describes a study examining the links between male out-migration and HIV transmission among married men and women and other mechanisms by which HIV is transmitted within marital relationships in districts with high out-migration.
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Promoting Gender Equity To Fight Hiv, Horizons Studies 1999 To 2007, Julie Pulerwitz, Annie P. Michaelis, Ellen Weiss
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Promoting Gender Equity To Fight Hiv, Horizons Studies 1999 To 2007, Julie Pulerwitz, Annie P. Michaelis, Ellen Weiss
HIV and AIDS
In 1997, the Population Council initiated the Horizons Program—a decade-long USAID-funded collaboration with the International Center for Research on Women, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, PATH, Tulane University, Family Health International, and Johns Hopkins University—designing, implementing, evaluating, and expanding innovative strategies for HIV prevention and care. Horizons developed and tested ways to optimize HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs; worked to reduce stigma and improve gender-biased behaviors; and greatly expanded knowledge about the best ways to support, protect, and treat children affected by HIV and AIDS. In all its projects, Horizons strengthened the capacity of local institutions by providing support and …
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Reducing Hiv-Related Stigma, Horizons Studies 2000 To 2007, Julie Pulerwitz, Annie P. Michaelis, Ellen Weiss, Lisanne Brown, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Reducing Hiv-Related Stigma, Horizons Studies 2000 To 2007, Julie Pulerwitz, Annie P. Michaelis, Ellen Weiss, Lisanne Brown, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra
HIV and AIDS
In 1997, the Population Council initiated the Horizons Program—a decade-long USAID-funded collaboration with the International Center for Research on Women, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, PATH, Tulane University, Family Health International, and Johns Hopkins University—designing, implementing, evaluating, and expanding innovative strategies for HIV prevention and care. Horizons developed and tested ways to optimize HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs; worked to reduce stigma and improve gender-biased behaviors; and greatly expanded knowledge about the best ways to support, protect, and treat children affected by HIV and AIDS. In all its projects, Horizons strengthened the capacity of local institutions by providing support and …
Factors Affecting Enrolment Of Plhiv Into Art Services In India, Avina Sarna, Damodar Bachani, Mary Philip Sebastian, Ruchi Sogarwal, Madhusudana Battala
Factors Affecting Enrolment Of Plhiv Into Art Services In India, Avina Sarna, Damodar Bachani, Mary Philip Sebastian, Ruchi Sogarwal, Madhusudana Battala
HIV and AIDS
At the end of 2007, India had an estimated 2.31 million people living with HIV, and an HIV prevalence of 0.34 percent. Despite the low HIV prevalence, these statistics place India among countries with a large number of people living with HIV (PLHIV). To address the care and support needs of PLHIV, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, initiated a national program in 2004 to provide free antiretroviral therapy (ART) for PLHIV. By March 2009, there were 211 functioning Antiretroviral Treatment Centers and 254 Community Care Centers across the country, and to date 217,781 individuals are …
Patterns And Implications Of Male Migration For Hiv Prevention Strategies In Karnataka, India, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Pranita Achyut, Saumya Ramarao, Anrudh K. Jain
Patterns And Implications Of Male Migration For Hiv Prevention Strategies In Karnataka, India, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Pranita Achyut, Saumya Ramarao, Anrudh K. Jain
HIV and AIDS
Karnataka is one of the high HIV prevalence states in India. Results from the National Family Health Survey indicate that 0.69 percent of adults aged 15–49 were infected with HIV in 2005–06. According to sentinel surveillance system data, HIV prevalence among pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) in Karnataka was 1.3 percent. Further, 18 of the state's 27 districts have recorded HIV prevalence of more than 1 percent among pregnant women receiving ANC in sentinel sites. Strong male migration patterns are evident in some of the state’s high HIV prevalence districts. According to the 2001 census, Karnataka ranks fourth in …
Promoting Gender Equity As A Strategy To Reduce Hiv Risk And Gender-Based Violence Among Young Men In India, Ravi K. Verma, Julie Pulerwitz, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Sujata Khandekar, A.K. Singh, S.S. Das, Sunil Mehra, Anita Nura, Gary Barker
Promoting Gender Equity As A Strategy To Reduce Hiv Risk And Gender-Based Violence Among Young Men In India, Ravi K. Verma, Julie Pulerwitz, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Sujata Khandekar, A.K. Singh, S.S. Das, Sunil Mehra, Anita Nura, Gary Barker
HIV and AIDS
The Horizons Program, CORO for Literacy, MAMTA, and Instituto Promundo developed, piloted, and scaled-up a behavior-change intervention in India to examine the effectiveness of interventions to improve young men’s attitudes toward gender roles and sexual relationships, and to reduce HIV risk behaviors and partner violence. The results of this study suggest that young men became less supportive of inequitable gender norms after participating in the interventions. Similarly, there were significant improvements among intervention participants in key outcome indicators, including condom use, partner communication, partner violence, and attitudes toward PLHIV. To maximize the chances of long-term sustainability of these positive changes, …
Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Karnataka 2007-08, Shiva S. Halli, Raluca Buzdugan, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Stephen Moses, James Blanchard, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Ajay Kumar Singh, Suvakanta N. Swain
Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Karnataka 2007-08, Shiva S. Halli, Raluca Buzdugan, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Stephen Moses, James Blanchard, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Ajay Kumar Singh, Suvakanta N. Swain
HIV and AIDS
The present study was undertaken by the Population Council and the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust to study the patterns and factors driving migration among men and the extent to which they engage in high-risk activities associated with HIV. The specific objectives of the study were: to understand the patterns and factors driving the migration of men seeking work in the state of Karnataka; to describe the characteristics of vulnerable subpopulations among migrant men; and to examine the determinants of high-risk sexual behavior among the subpopulations of migrant men, with an emphasis on their mobility as one possible factor. Results suggest …
Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Andhra Pradesh 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Hanimi Reddy Modugu, Saumya Ramarao, Ajay Kumar Singh, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Anrudh K. Jain
Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Andhra Pradesh 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Hanimi Reddy Modugu, Saumya Ramarao, Ajay Kumar Singh, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Anrudh K. Jain
HIV and AIDS
This report presents the findings from the female sex workers study in Andhra Pradesh, India implemented by TNS India Private Limited and the Population Council in New Delhi. Specifically the study was undertaken to assess the volume and patterns of mobility of female sex workers; to describe the characteristics of mobile female sex workers; and too examine the determinants of HIV risk among female sex workers, with particular emphasis on mobility-related characteristics. The report concludes that targeting such highly mobile female sex workers in intervention programs requires a comprehensive understanding of their places of solicitation and sex. Female sex workers …
Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Karnataka 2007-08, Shiva S. Halli, Raluca Buzdugan, Ravi K. Verma, Stephen Moses, James Blanchard, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Suvakanta N. Swain, Niranjan Saggurti
Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Karnataka 2007-08, Shiva S. Halli, Raluca Buzdugan, Ravi K. Verma, Stephen Moses, James Blanchard, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Suvakanta N. Swain, Niranjan Saggurti
HIV and AIDS
In Karnataka, South India, HIV infection is spreading, with female sex workers (FSWs) a high-risk group. In an effort to gain control over the epidemic, the HIV/AIDS program has made substantial efforts in the last few years toward offering FSWs access to information about sexually transmitted infections/HIV/AIDS and to condoms, clinics, and other medical services. The present study was undertaken by the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust and the Population Council to determine the patterns and factors that drive mobility among FSWs and the association of mobility with HIV risk. The report’s findings—including mobility routes, sociodemographic profiles of FSWs, membership in …
Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Maharashtra 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Rajendra Singh, Saumya Ramarao, Suvakanta N. Swain, Ajay Kumar Singh, Anrudh K. Jain, Ravi K. Verma
Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Maharashtra 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Rajendra Singh, Saumya Ramarao, Suvakanta N. Swain, Ajay Kumar Singh, Anrudh K. Jain, Ravi K. Verma
HIV and AIDS
According to recent estimates, Maharashtra, India recorded high HIV prevalence among female sex workers, however there is a dearth of research documenting the migration patterns of sex workers and the linkages between their mobility and vulnerability to HIV. This Population Council study attempts to answer some of the questions on mobility and migration of female sex workers in Maharashtra as they relate to the HIV epidemic. Findings show an association between degree of mobility and the indicators of HIV risk such as consistent condom use with different types of partners, STI symptoms reported, sexual violence, and self-perception of risk for …
Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Tamil Nadu 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Suvakanta N. Swain, Hanimi Reddy Modugu, Ajay Kumar Singh, Saumya Ramarao, Anrudh K. Jain
Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Tamil Nadu 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Suvakanta N. Swain, Hanimi Reddy Modugu, Ajay Kumar Singh, Saumya Ramarao, Anrudh K. Jain
HIV and AIDS
In past years, considerable research has been undertaken on the role of female sex workers (FSWs) in the transmission of HIV infection. FSWs have been seen as a major “source” of infection, and consequently, have been extensively targeted to prevent its spread. There is, however, a gap in our understanding of the dynamics of sex work, sex workers' patterns of mobility, and the relationship of such mobility with risk of HIV infection and gender-based violence. The Population Council collaborated with its local partner, TNS, to carry out a study in Tamil Nadu to examine the patterns of mobility of FSWs …
Patterns And Implications Of Male Migration For Hiv Prevention Strategies In Maharashtra, India, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Anrudh K. Jain, Pranita Achyut, Saumya Ramarao
Patterns And Implications Of Male Migration For Hiv Prevention Strategies In Maharashtra, India, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Anrudh K. Jain, Pranita Achyut, Saumya Ramarao
HIV and AIDS
Maharashtra was one of the first states to be affected by HIV in India. Results from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) in 2005–06 indicate that 0.62 percent of men and women aged 15–49 years were infected with HIV, as compared to the national average of 0.28 percent. HIV sentinel surveillance data from sites across Maharashtra indicate that 1.3 percent of pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) and 10.4 percent of patients receiving treatment for sexually transmitted infections in 2005 were infected with HIV. At the same time, Maharashtra ranks first nationally in the proportion of total migrants, and there …
Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Andhra Pradesh 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Hanimi Reddy Modugu, Ajay Kumar Singh, Suvakanta N. Swain, Ravi K. Verma
Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Andhra Pradesh 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Hanimi Reddy Modugu, Ajay Kumar Singh, Suvakanta N. Swain, Ravi K. Verma
HIV and AIDS
The Population Council, in collaboration with TNS India Pvt. Ltd., undertook a study in Andhra Pradesh, India, to examine the patterns of male migration and its links with HIV risk. The goal was to provide evidence to inform the design and implementation of HIV interventions for male migrant workers. The study documented the volume and patterns of mobility, including the social dynamics within the contract system that employs these men as laborers, and the sexual risk behaviors and addictive behaviors of male migrants. The results suggest a predominance of interdistrict movements of men within Andhra Pradesh with a strong positive …
Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Maharashtra 2007-08, K. Anil Kumar, Shalini Bharat, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Kanchan Mukherjee, Ajay Kumar Singh, Suvakanta N. Swain
Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Maharashtra 2007-08, K. Anil Kumar, Shalini Bharat, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Kanchan Mukherjee, Ajay Kumar Singh, Suvakanta N. Swain
HIV and AIDS
HIV prevalence in Maharashtra is one of the highest among Indian states. The specific objectives of this study were: to understand the patterns and drivers of migration/mobility of men who migrate for the purpose of work in the state of Maharashtra; to describe the characteristics of vulnerable subpopulations among migrant men; and to examine the determinants of high-risk sexual behavior among the subpopulations of migrant men with particular emphasis on the role of mobility in determining the sexual risk behavior. The present study clearly demonstrates that these male migrants, married or otherwise, retain strong connectivity to their native villages, but …
Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Tamil Nadu 2007-08, Anjaneyalu Subbiah, S. Ramachandran, A.K. Ravi Shankar, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Suvakanta N. Swain, Ajay Kumar Singh
Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Tamil Nadu 2007-08, Anjaneyalu Subbiah, S. Ramachandran, A.K. Ravi Shankar, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Suvakanta N. Swain, Ajay Kumar Singh
HIV and AIDS
The present study was undertaken by the Population Council in partnership with Annamali University, Tamil Nadu, India to study the broad patterns and motivating forces driving migrant men’s mobility and the contexts that determine and influence their engaging in high-risk activities that increase their vulnerability to HIV. The results indicate large interdistrict movements of working men in Tamil Nadu with a little variation across districts and greater mobility among younger men. Research results suggest that further examination of the contract system under which many of the migratory laborers work is a potential focus for program intervention. Places of origin offer …
Patterns And Implications Of Male Migration For Hiv Prevention Strategies In Andhra Pradesh, Ravi K. Verma, Niranjan Saggurti, Madhumita Das, Saumya Ramarao, Anrudh K. Jain
Patterns And Implications Of Male Migration For Hiv Prevention Strategies In Andhra Pradesh, Ravi K. Verma, Niranjan Saggurti, Madhumita Das, Saumya Ramarao, Anrudh K. Jain
HIV and AIDS
HIV is widespread in Andhra Pradesh, with high HIV prevalence among pregnant women receiving antenatal care and patients receiving treatment for sexually transmitted infections. High HIV prevalence among women indicates that the infection, rather than being restricted to groups at high risk, is present in the general population. Districts with high HIV prevalence are also destinations for large numbers of male migrants. Migration may be a major contributor to the spread of HIV in the state, however empirical evidence is limited. Furthermore, evidence is required to maximize the impact of programmatic inputs intended to contain the spread of the epidemic. …
Intergenerational Communication On Sexuality And Hiv/Aids: Exploring Feasibility Of Building Effective Youth-Adult Partnerships To Reduce Young People's Hiv Vulnerabilities, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Sarat Chandra Pradhan, Saraswati Swain, Aradhana Nanda, Sanjit Patnayak, Sucheta Panda, Rajendra Prasad
Intergenerational Communication On Sexuality And Hiv/Aids: Exploring Feasibility Of Building Effective Youth-Adult Partnerships To Reduce Young People's Hiv Vulnerabilities, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Sarat Chandra Pradhan, Saraswati Swain, Aradhana Nanda, Sanjit Patnayak, Sucheta Panda, Rajendra Prasad
HIV and AIDS
In India, over one-third of all reported AIDS cases occur among people aged 15–24 years. Young people need competencies to navigate daily-life situations and engage in productive activities, and the relationships they form with adults and peers are the source of support and guidance critical to the development of their competencies. The peer-based approach is integral to sexual health and HIV-prevention programs for youth. However, in some settings, program and policy directions have been hampered by adult beliefs of what young people should be permitted to know. Recent projects show that working on changing the norms and beliefs of adults …
Continuum Of Care For Hiv-Positive Women Accessing Programs To Prevent Parent-To-Child Transmission: Findings From India, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Rupa Mudoi, Archana Oinam, Venkat Pakkela, Avina Sarna, Sucheta Panda, Ashok Rau, L. Birendrajit Singh, Naomi Rutenberg
Continuum Of Care For Hiv-Positive Women Accessing Programs To Prevent Parent-To-Child Transmission: Findings From India, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Rupa Mudoi, Archana Oinam, Venkat Pakkela, Avina Sarna, Sucheta Panda, Ashok Rau, L. Birendrajit Singh, Naomi Rutenberg
HIV and AIDS
This study examined the efforts of PPTCT programs in different cities in India to offer women a continuum of care, and shows that the programs have both strengths and shortcomings. The government launched a national treatment program that offers antiretroviral therapy (ART) to HIV-positive women, children below 15 years of age, and men. However, since the start-up of the ART program there have been concerns about limited access to and utilization of these services by women and children. To address these shortcomings, the PPTCT programs studied should strengthen their referral systems to public and private treatment and family planning services, …
Injecting Drug Users In India: Understanding Sexual Behaviours And Sexual Networks To Design Effective Behaviour Change Strategies, Avina Sarna, Waimar Tun, Aruna Bhattacharya, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Neville Selhore, Arjun Singh, Louis Apicella
Injecting Drug Users In India: Understanding Sexual Behaviours And Sexual Networks To Design Effective Behaviour Change Strategies, Avina Sarna, Waimar Tun, Aruna Bhattacharya, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Neville Selhore, Arjun Singh, Louis Apicella
HIV and AIDS
The practice of injecting drug use has been spreading to different parts of India since the early 1980s and is associated with an increase in HIV prevalence rates. Injecting drug users (IDUs) engage in both risky injection and sexual practices that increase the risk for HIV transmission. While risky injection practices are well understood, there is limited understanding of IDUs’ sexual behaviors and social networks. The Population Council conducted a cross-sectional study to explore patterns of risky sexual behaviors, sexual network characteristics, and drivers of high-risk behaviors of IDUs in Delhi and Imphal. The contrasting settings were selected to allow …
Exploring The Barriers To Accessing Care And Treatment For Hiv-Infected Children In India: A Diagnostic Study, Avina Sarna, Jaleel Ahmad, Glory Alexander, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Ashok Rau, Arjun Singh, Naomi Rutenberg
Exploring The Barriers To Accessing Care And Treatment For Hiv-Infected Children In India: A Diagnostic Study, Avina Sarna, Jaleel Ahmad, Glory Alexander, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Ashok Rau, Arjun Singh, Naomi Rutenberg
HIV and AIDS
Each year 27 million births take place in India. A conservative estimate of HIV prevalence of 1 percent among antenatal women translates to about 80,000 HIV-infected children being born annually. The latest figures from the National AIDS Control Organisation show that there are about 5,600 documented HIV-positive children (0–14 years), but a very small number are receiving antiretroviral therapy. The Population Council and partners conducted a qualitative study in three high-prevalence states of India to explore the facilitators and barriers to accessing care for HIV-positive children and assessed the current level of adherence to ART among children receiving treatment. A …
Voices From The Street: Comics For Young Men On Masculinity, Sexuality And Hiv—An Evidence-Based Communication Initiative, Vijaya Nidadavolu, Leena Joshi, Vinita Nathani, Atanu Ghosh, Isidore Phillips
Voices From The Street: Comics For Young Men On Masculinity, Sexuality And Hiv—An Evidence-Based Communication Initiative, Vijaya Nidadavolu, Leena Joshi, Vinita Nathani, Atanu Ghosh, Isidore Phillips
HIV and AIDS
HIV infection is spreading rapidly among young people in India. With more than 30 percent of new infections in 2006 in the 15–29-year age group, the need to address the vulnerability of this population subgroup is pressing. Existing literature shows that young men subscribe to norms of masculinity that lead to risky behavior patterns. Misinformation about HIV coupled with a low perception of risk to themselves make young men even more vulnerable. To bring about social and attitude change in the long-term, communication strategies that are evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and designed in consultation with target audiences are needed. The Population …
Our Stories: Women Speak Out Against Hiv And Aids—An Interactive Communication Package For Rural Low-Literate Women, Vijaya Nidadavolu, Moumita Saha, Vijaya Usha Rani
Our Stories: Women Speak Out Against Hiv And Aids—An Interactive Communication Package For Rural Low-Literate Women, Vijaya Nidadavolu, Moumita Saha, Vijaya Usha Rani
HIV and AIDS
The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) estimates that there are over 5.1 million people living with HIV and AIDS in India. Among new infections reported in 2006, 88 percent were reported in the reproductive age group (15–49 years). The virus is spreading rapidly among women, including married and monogamous women, and adolescent girls. Existing literature shows that women's vulnerability is compounded due to their gendered disadvantage in information access, literacy, and decision-making. This disadvantage is particularly acute in the case of married women in rural India. NACO has indicated the need to develop audience-appropriate strategies for communicating HIV-related information. To …
Context And Dynamics Of Same-Sex Behavior Among Long-Distance Truckers In India: Findings From Qualitative Research, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Ravi K. Verma, Pertti J. Pelto, Sarat Chandra Pradhan, Vibha Singh, Asha Rao, Tarun Vij
Context And Dynamics Of Same-Sex Behavior Among Long-Distance Truckers In India: Findings From Qualitative Research, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Ravi K. Verma, Pertti J. Pelto, Sarat Chandra Pradhan, Vibha Singh, Asha Rao, Tarun Vij
HIV and AIDS
It is well established that truckers (drivers and helpers) have higher rates of nonmarital sex than any other occupational group. Because of this multipartner sexual activity, truckers form a key group of prevention efforts for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Thus far, HIV/STI prevention interventions for truckers have been geared to providing risk-reduction information and services within a heterosexual context. Recent evidence suggests that a significant number of truckers engage in male-to-male (MSM) sexual activity that has implications for HIV/STI transmission. Therefore, information on the nature and extent of MSM activity among these populations is urgently needed for the …