Target Intervention Programme on HIV/AIDS for 800 FSW at Punjab

Targeted Intervention (TI) is a specific set of intervention in AIDS Control Programme. TI specifically refers to interventions that are working with high-risk behavior groups.

• HIV transmissions among highly vulnerable populations are at greater risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection due to more frequent exposure to HIV.
• The people those who are at high risk are:- Commercial sex workers, Intravenous drug users, Truckers, Men having sex with men & Eunuchs

OBJECTIVES:

• Identify individuals with high risk, establishing rapport with them and to ensure the reduction of growth of HIV infection.
• To ensure that the knowledge, skills and services that are necessary for detection and treatment of STD infection are available for the high-risk behavior groups.
• In an environment that is empowering, the above situation leads the community to promptly access STD services in the event of STD infection.
• To ensure that the knowledge, skills and services that are necessary for accessing and using condoms in penetrative sexual acts are available for the high risk groups.
• In an environment that is empowering, the above situation leads the community to use condoms in penetrative sexual acts
• To support and facilitate changes in the environment that enables the community to practice safer behaviors. These changes need to become policies and get implemented at state, district and local levels.
• Behavior change communication is a cross cutting issue that provides communication that is aimed at achieving the objectives of the above four components.
• Establishing service linkages like ICTC, PPTCT, ART to the needy community.

The Sentinel Surveillance and other studies conducted suggest that the HIV epidemic is escalating in the state and it may become a medium prevalence state in near future. Punjab is highly vulnerable on account of following contributing factors:

• High incidences of female Sex Work particularly in PartapPura, Bus Stand(Nr. Jawahar Nagar Camp), Rishi Nagar(Block-Y,Z,X), Rishi Nagar -2, Luxmi Nagar, Chander Nagar
• Proximity with the opium slum clusters, & industrial areas
• Seasonal inflow of labourers from neighboring states
• Presence of truckers community
• Low awareness on HIV/AIDS etc.

Female unsafe sex is increasing at an alarming rate in the state of Punjab. Because it is only source of entertainment.

STRATIGIES ADOPTED

• Behavior change communication
• STD prevention & treatment
• Condom Promotion & distribution