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Migration is a common phenomenon among people over generations, however today's context this is critical, as rapid urbanization, crime, increased challenges with housing, education, health and development etc are linked with this. HIV and AIDS is yet another link with migration. Migrants are served as one of the key bridge population in terms of the spread of the infection in this country. For more details mail to: [email protected]
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INSIDE
SCAN - Transform communities and nations
September 2013
..................................................................................................................................................
For Private Circulation only
1
2
4
8
10
15
16
18
Migration: Effects on the Family and Society
Message from the Director
Migration and HIV/AIDS in India
Together We Can Stop HIV
Recent Updates on HIV
Lighthouse Series:Daud Memorial Christian Gramin Vikas Samiti
CANA News
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012
Copyright 2013 CANAC
VERVIEW OF MIGRATION: Migration is a common phenomenon among Opeople with no land to cultivate or those with lands suitable only for seasonal
agriculture. Permanent in and out migration is seen throughout the world and in
most cases the migrant is provided no compensation if their ancestral property is lost
or damaged. When the poor temporarily move out of their homes in search of
employment, it creates a situation conducive to exploitation of these migrants. The
impact of migration on the family can be enormous especially if the male head of
household has to migrate out for long periods of time. It is even harder on the family
when the mother migrates with young children including those of school-going age.
The duration of migration ranges from few weeks to few months. The distance
travelled to seek employment could range from 80 to 150 Kms. The distance and
number of households determines the mode of travel; in form of public jeeps, buses,
private lorries or trucks.
In the year 1994, we conducted a survey of the Vasava tribal people, in
Songadhtaluk, South Gujarat who were engaged in violent activities because they
had lost their ancestral land and other privileges due to the construction of the Ukai
dam across Tapi River near Songadh. The people of 14 villages clustered close to
each other between Songadh and Selamba along the northern
MIGRATION: EFFECTS ON THE FAMILY AND SOCIETY
contd.. on page 12
September 2013 September 2013
02 SCAN 03 SCAN
Disclaimer:The views expressed in the a r t i c les do no t necessarily represent those of CANA and some of the articles have been edited for space and technical appropriate-ness.
Dear Friends,
Greetings from CANA in the Name of Jesus!!!
I am pleased to have this opportunity once again, to interact with you through this
tool that you are very familiar to, known as “SCAN”, the newsletter of CANA. To
be more environmental friendly (and to reduce the cost of CANA’s overhead), we
have decided to have few hard copies, for those who have no access to reading the
electronic version.
This particular issue of SCAN that you are reading has a special focus on the
subject/issue of “MIGRATION”. What is migration? When one tries to
understand migration, especially human migration (as every species migrates in
some form or other), which is the movement by humans from one place to another,
in varied distances, at varied periods, alone or in large groups. Historically this
movement was nomadic, often causing significant conflict with the indigenous
population and their displacement or cultural assimilation. Only a few nomadic
people have retained this form of lifestyle in modern times. Migration continues
today in the form of voluntary migration within one's region, country, or beyond.
People who migrate into a territory are called immigrants, while at the departure
point they are called emigrants. Small populations migrating to develop a
territory considered void of settlement depending on historical setting,
circumstances and perspective are referred to as settlers or colonists, while
populations displaced by immigration and colonization are called refugees. There
are various forms of temporary migrations which include travel, tourism,
pilgrimages, or the commute. Some includes "change of residence" and others
may pitch temporary shelters. Many kinds of migration are still involuntary
migration which includes the slave trade, trafficking of human beings and ethnic
cleansing, which is such a common phenomenon.
In today’s life, who is not a migrant? The answer is almost everyone is migrating at
some point or the other in their life. Therefore the question is why have we given
importance to this issue of migration and dedicated to focus it in SCAN? It is
because when we see the vulnerabilities to HIV, migration plays and has played as
one of the root causes for its spread. Today, in India, the migrant population (long
distance truckers, migrant laborers) serve as the major “bridge population” to
carry HIV, the virus that causes AIDS from the high risk population groups
(FSW/MSW-Female and Male sex workers, IDUs-drug abusers, Homosexuals) to
the general populations ,especially the house wives, and those who live in no risk
situations.
Various sources have identified that mass migration in India is causing the widespread of
HIV in India, including governmental agencies, NGOs, FBOs and media organisations. An
article ‘Mass migration driving widespread HIV in India, January 30, 2013 can be found in
http://group.bmj.com/group/media/latestnews/Mass %20 migration %20driving%20widespread
%20HIV %20in %20India.pdf . At CANA, we are concerned about communities in the source
and destination points from where migrants leave and eventually go to. We have moral
and Christian responsibilities at this given time, to make every migration “SAFE”.
Therefore, we promote “Safe Migrations”. What do we mean by this?. There is a great and
definite role that the Church and Christian agencies play in order to help the migrants to be
safe in all aspects of life: physically, emotionally, socially, economically and spiritually, and
specifically, in our context, to be free from getting infected by HIV, due to a high prevalence
of high-risk behaviors or due to ignorance. The Church needs to prepare and protect at
source or at destination, young adults and grownups by facilitating them to live a life that
the Lord Jesus promised of fullness and in abundance so that they do not fall prey to
temptation and ruin their life.
The current issue of SCAN is a call for readers, to learn more on the issue of “migration” and
learn to take the responsibility to make the migration phenomenon a safe, non-threatening
and positive exchange of social, cultural and spiritual well beings of human kind. We
welcome your suggestions on themes for the future SCAN issues, which may serve as root
causes, fuelling the increase of HIV and increasing devastations such as migration. We call
out to the Churches and Christian communities in India to urgently respond to such issues.
S. SAMRAJExecutive Director, CANA
For a hardcopy of the SCAN mail your
requirement to [email protected]
or print your copy.
Write to us at:
RZ-61, Palam Vihar, Behind ICON
International School, Dwarka, Sector-6,
New Delhi - 110075
Call us: 011 -25089302/4/5/7/9
Our Website: www.cana-india.org
SAVECANA's newsletter is
now a e-newsletter,
to subscribe email us at
September 2013 September 2013
02 SCAN 03 SCAN
Disclaimer:The views expressed in the a r t i c les do no t necessarily represent those of CANA and some of the articles have been edited for space and technical appropriate-ness.
Dear Friends,
Greetings from CANA in the Name of Jesus!!!
I am pleased to have this opportunity once again, to interact with you through this
tool that you are very familiar to, known as “SCAN”, the newsletter of CANA. To
be more environmental friendly (and to reduce the cost of CANA’s overhead), we
have decided to have few hard copies, for those who have no access to reading the
electronic version.
This particular issue of SCAN that you are reading has a special focus on the
subject/issue of “MIGRATION”. What is migration? When one tries to
understand migration, especially human migration (as every species migrates in
some form or other), which is the movement by humans from one place to another,
in varied distances, at varied periods, alone or in large groups. Historically this
movement was nomadic, often causing significant conflict with the indigenous
population and their displacement or cultural assimilation. Only a few nomadic
people have retained this form of lifestyle in modern times. Migration continues
today in the form of voluntary migration within one's region, country, or beyond.
People who migrate into a territory are called immigrants, while at the departure
point they are called emigrants. Small populations migrating to develop a
territory considered void of settlement depending on historical setting,
circumstances and perspective are referred to as settlers or colonists, while
populations displaced by immigration and colonization are called refugees. There
are various forms of temporary migrations which include travel, tourism,
pilgrimages, or the commute. Some includes "change of residence" and others
may pitch temporary shelters. Many kinds of migration are still involuntary
migration which includes the slave trade, trafficking of human beings and ethnic
cleansing, which is such a common phenomenon.
In today’s life, who is not a migrant? The answer is almost everyone is migrating at
some point or the other in their life. Therefore the question is why have we given
importance to this issue of migration and dedicated to focus it in SCAN? It is
because when we see the vulnerabilities to HIV, migration plays and has played as
one of the root causes for its spread. Today, in India, the migrant population (long
distance truckers, migrant laborers) serve as the major “bridge population” to
carry HIV, the virus that causes AIDS from the high risk population groups
(FSW/MSW-Female and Male sex workers, IDUs-drug abusers, Homosexuals) to
the general populations ,especially the house wives, and those who live in no risk
situations.
Various sources have identified that mass migration in India is causing the widespread of
HIV in India, including governmental agencies, NGOs, FBOs and media organisations. An
article ‘Mass migration driving widespread HIV in India, January 30, 2013 can be found in
http://group.bmj.com/group/media/latestnews/Mass %20 migration %20driving%20widespread
%20HIV %20in %20India.pdf . At CANA, we are concerned about communities in the source
and destination points from where migrants leave and eventually go to. We have moral
and Christian responsibilities at this given time, to make every migration “SAFE”.
Therefore, we promote “Safe Migrations”. What do we mean by this?. There is a great and
definite role that the Church and Christian agencies play in order to help the migrants to be
safe in all aspects of life: physically, emotionally, socially, economically and spiritually, and
specifically, in our context, to be free from getting infected by HIV, due to a high prevalence
of high-risk behaviors or due to ignorance. The Church needs to prepare and protect at
source or at destination, young adults and grownups by facilitating them to live a life that
the Lord Jesus promised of fullness and in abundance so that they do not fall prey to
temptation and ruin their life.
The current issue of SCAN is a call for readers, to learn more on the issue of “migration” and
learn to take the responsibility to make the migration phenomenon a safe, non-threatening
and positive exchange of social, cultural and spiritual well beings of human kind. We
welcome your suggestions on themes for the future SCAN issues, which may serve as root
causes, fuelling the increase of HIV and increasing devastations such as migration. We call
out to the Churches and Christian communities in India to urgently respond to such issues.
S. SAMRAJExecutive Director, CANA
For a hardcopy of the SCAN mail your
requirement to [email protected]
or print your copy.
Write to us at:
RZ-61, Palam Vihar, Behind ICON
International School, Dwarka, Sector-6,
New Delhi - 110075
Call us: 011 -25089302/4/5/7/9
Our Website: www.cana-india.org
SAVECANA's newsletter is
now a e-newsletter,
to subscribe email us at
September 2013 September 2013
04 SCAN SCAN 05
The Census of India defines a migrant as a person who has moved from one politically
defined area to another similar area. Migrants can be classified into 3 categories:
äIn country rural –urban migrants and rural to rural migrantsäTrans border migrants from neighboring countriesäOverseas migrants
Rural poverty and impoverisation have
been major reasons for migration of people
from the lower socio economic strata,
especially, unskilled and illiterate people
from populous and poorest states to urban
areas. Studies have shown that there are
clear patterns in migration and also pockets
of migration. Large number of people
migrate from rural area during non-
sowing seasons and there are certain
geographical regions to which large
number of people migrate. For example,
Ganjam district in Orissa to Surat in
Gujarat, Tirunelvelli district in Tamil Nadu
to Mumbai in Maharashtra. Migration has
been significantly studied in the country for
HIV programming. Mapping of in country
migration has been completed for more
than 22 states, which provides significant
information about the source- destination
place, duration and season of migration.
While migration is not a risk factor, short
term and single migrants pose high risk for
HIV because of their frequent movement
between source and destination places.
This short term migration accounts for
more than 8.64 million people spread over
different locations in India which has
Migration and the spread of the HIV Virus
become a significant challenge for
programming. As per the 64th round of the
National Sample Survey, there are over 200
million migrants in India. As per the survey
conducted by National Sample Survey
Organisation in 2007-2008 it was estimated
that 326 million or 28.5 per cent of the
population are internal migrants. In
addition to the above, nearly 3 million
Indian migrants live in Gulf countries.
Migrants bear a heightened risk to the HIV
infection, which is a consequence of the
prevailing condition and structure of the
migration process. Available evidence
suggests that migration could be playing an
important role in the spread of HIV
epidemic in high out- migration states(
source states from which many people
move out in order to find jobs) such as Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Orissa, Madhya
Pradesh and Gujarat. HIV sentinel
surveillance data shows that these states
accounts for 41% new infection. In
addition, data from integrated counseling
and testing centers (ICTCs) in destination
areas such as Thane District of Maharashtra
State and Surat district of Gujarat State
have revealed high HIV-infection rates
among migrants. The HIV-positivity rate
among male migrants from UP tested at
Thane ICTCs was 9.1% and female
migrants were 7.9%. Similarly, the male
migrants from Andhra Pradesh tested in
Thane ICTC had a prevalence of 23.8% and
female migrants were 16.4%. Likewise, the
ICTC data in Surat district shows that 2.3%
of migrant men and 3.5% of migrant
women from Orissa tested were diagnosed
1HIV-positive . Growing evidence of
research on migration and spread of HIV
from high to low prevalence areas suggests
high incidence of HIV among migrants
returning to source from destination states
and the partners of migrants in the places of
origin. Since, the migrants contribute
significantly to national income, the
involvement of industries is important to
address the needs of the migrants.
Access to health care, counseling and
information are of paramount importance
for migrants’ wellbeing. However, this is
grossly inadequate at the destination (place
where a migrant goes to find work) which is
further fuelled by social exclusion which
leaves them highly vulnerable.
Programs have to address all categories of
migrants i.e., active migrants, returning
migrants and potential migrants.HIV
intervention needs to map clusters of
region high in migration, identify key
source and destination sites of migration
and run focused intervention programs.
Developing a database on the number,
route and types of migration will help to
plan effective strategy for intervention.
HIV intervention should focus on
prevention activities at both source and
destination, on short term migrants who
typically live in large cluster formation
around industries and unauthorized
slums.
There is no much information available on
Addressing health issues
Female migrants
1 NACP IV Plan document
September 2013 September 2013
04 SCAN SCAN 05
The Census of India defines a migrant as a person who has moved from one politically
defined area to another similar area. Migrants can be classified into 3 categories:
äIn country rural –urban migrants and rural to rural migrantsäTrans border migrants from neighboring countriesäOverseas migrants
Rural poverty and impoverisation have
been major reasons for migration of people
from the lower socio economic strata,
especially, unskilled and illiterate people
from populous and poorest states to urban
areas. Studies have shown that there are
clear patterns in migration and also pockets
of migration. Large number of people
migrate from rural area during non-
sowing seasons and there are certain
geographical regions to which large
number of people migrate. For example,
Ganjam district in Orissa to Surat in
Gujarat, Tirunelvelli district in Tamil Nadu
to Mumbai in Maharashtra. Migration has
been significantly studied in the country for
HIV programming. Mapping of in country
migration has been completed for more
than 22 states, which provides significant
information about the source- destination
place, duration and season of migration.
While migration is not a risk factor, short
term and single migrants pose high risk for
HIV because of their frequent movement
between source and destination places.
This short term migration accounts for
more than 8.64 million people spread over
different locations in India which has
Migration and the spread of the HIV Virus
become a significant challenge for
programming. As per the 64th round of the
National Sample Survey, there are over 200
million migrants in India. As per the survey
conducted by National Sample Survey
Organisation in 2007-2008 it was estimated
that 326 million or 28.5 per cent of the
population are internal migrants. In
addition to the above, nearly 3 million
Indian migrants live in Gulf countries.
Migrants bear a heightened risk to the HIV
infection, which is a consequence of the
prevailing condition and structure of the
migration process. Available evidence
suggests that migration could be playing an
important role in the spread of HIV
epidemic in high out- migration states(
source states from which many people
move out in order to find jobs) such as Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Orissa, Madhya
Pradesh and Gujarat. HIV sentinel
surveillance data shows that these states
accounts for 41% new infection. In
addition, data from integrated counseling
and testing centers (ICTCs) in destination
areas such as Thane District of Maharashtra
State and Surat district of Gujarat State
have revealed high HIV-infection rates
among migrants. The HIV-positivity rate
among male migrants from UP tested at
Thane ICTCs was 9.1% and female
migrants were 7.9%. Similarly, the male
migrants from Andhra Pradesh tested in
Thane ICTC had a prevalence of 23.8% and
female migrants were 16.4%. Likewise, the
ICTC data in Surat district shows that 2.3%
of migrant men and 3.5% of migrant
women from Orissa tested were diagnosed
1HIV-positive . Growing evidence of
research on migration and spread of HIV
from high to low prevalence areas suggests
high incidence of HIV among migrants
returning to source from destination states
and the partners of migrants in the places of
origin. Since, the migrants contribute
significantly to national income, the
involvement of industries is important to
address the needs of the migrants.
Access to health care, counseling and
information are of paramount importance
for migrants’ wellbeing. However, this is
grossly inadequate at the destination (place
where a migrant goes to find work) which is
further fuelled by social exclusion which
leaves them highly vulnerable.
Programs have to address all categories of
migrants i.e., active migrants, returning
migrants and potential migrants.HIV
intervention needs to map clusters of
region high in migration, identify key
source and destination sites of migration
and run focused intervention programs.
Developing a database on the number,
route and types of migration will help to
plan effective strategy for intervention.
HIV intervention should focus on
prevention activities at both source and
destination, on short term migrants who
typically live in large cluster formation
around industries and unauthorized
slums.
There is no much information available on
Addressing health issues
Female migrants
1 NACP IV Plan document
September 2013 September 2013
06 SCAN SCAN 07
female migrants. Female workers in
unorganized sector are difficult to reach
and equally vulnerable to HIV and females
who may not be migrants, but are partners
of migrants at the workplaces are also
vulnerable.
HIV intervention needs to focus on linking
s o u r c e , t r a n s i t a n d d e s t i n a t i o n .
Comprehensive program at source
combined with services such as HIV
counseling and testing services for returnee
migrants and their spouses and linkages to
services is essential. Migrants are
heterogeneous in nature due to language,
culture and place origin. Program needs to
be designed in a way to overcome these
cultural barriers to improve access to
services. Migration from low prevalent
states and location to high prevalent
destination poses a high risk of
transmission and is a barrier to forming an
effective program.
Rapid assessment to understand places,
pattern, route and mode of transport and
risk behavior of migrants are important.
This information will help to design
programs more effectively. In many of the
projects implemented at the source,
information was provided on destination
places, job opportunities, heath care
facilities, cultural groups and their contacts
along with information on HIV which has
found to be effective.
Community led activities for spouses of
migrants and HIV testing of returnee
migrants can decrease the risk of
transmission and providing early care and
At source
support can increase awareness levels of
families of migrants.
The transit locations are those routes
through which migrants either leave for
destination or return from destination
before they finally reach their areas.
Migrants spend few days to several weeks
before moving to destination or source. It is
important to carry out strategic behavior
change communication activities at these
transit locations in partnership with either
state or central funded agencies (such as
bus depots, railways etc.)
At the place of destination, peer led
activities will be able to provide
information in a more acceptable manner.
Linking migrants to socio-cultural
activities will also be helpful to attract
migrants to safe spaces such as drop-in
centers. These centers should be able to
provide HIV prevention information,
counseling and testing facilities. Linking
migrants with affordable health services is
also an essential component. Innovative
ways such as radio programs in the same
languages in destination sites can be used
to reach out to migrants. For imparting HIV
information the migrants can be linked to
the corporate sector and industrial bodies
to initiate work place intervention which
will prove to be sustainable in the long run.
There are special challenges when migrants
need to accesses treatment especially ART.
Since they are mobile in nature many are
In transit
At destination
Care and support services for migrants
living with HIV
denied services due to lack of supportive
documents such as address, ration card as
well as peers to ensure treatment
compliances. Due to the same, migrants are
often denied services at destination sites.
Successful migrant programs are able to
provide necessary linkages with treatment
services both in destination and source
places so that migrants can continue to
work and earn rather than losing their job
and being located in one place for
treatment. Linking with ADHAR card and
providing identification card are also some
of the measure to overcome these issues.
Given that sexual transmission is one of the
main means of HIV transmission, it is
crucial to ensure that sexual and
reproductive health services and HIV
initiatives are integrated. Intervention for
migrants should go beyond prevention,
treatment and care to the provision of HIV
services which would include among
others, education programs, counseling on
safer sex, contraception, pregnancy and
birth. Programs should be designed to
reach the greatest number of people
possible. In this context, special attention
should be paid to women, mothers and
young girls and children from migrant
communities, who are often extremely
vulnerable and confronted with multiple
sources of discrimination and exclusion.
Universal access to health services has a
beneficial impact on the individual as well
as on society at large, whereas exclusion
exacerbates vulnerability, stigmatization,
and discrimination. Understanding and
constant monitoring migration pattern in
low prevalent settings will help design
programs more effectively.
- Mrs. Mini Varghese
September 2013 September 2013
06 SCAN SCAN 07
female migrants. Female workers in
unorganized sector are difficult to reach
and equally vulnerable to HIV and females
who may not be migrants, but are partners
of migrants at the workplaces are also
vulnerable.
HIV intervention needs to focus on linking
s o u r c e , t r a n s i t a n d d e s t i n a t i o n .
Comprehensive program at source
combined with services such as HIV
counseling and testing services for returnee
migrants and their spouses and linkages to
services is essential. Migrants are
heterogeneous in nature due to language,
culture and place origin. Program needs to
be designed in a way to overcome these
cultural barriers to improve access to
services. Migration from low prevalent
states and location to high prevalent
destination poses a high risk of
transmission and is a barrier to forming an
effective program.
Rapid assessment to understand places,
pattern, route and mode of transport and
risk behavior of migrants are important.
This information will help to design
programs more effectively. In many of the
projects implemented at the source,
information was provided on destination
places, job opportunities, heath care
facilities, cultural groups and their contacts
along with information on HIV which has
found to be effective.
Community led activities for spouses of
migrants and HIV testing of returnee
migrants can decrease the risk of
transmission and providing early care and
At source
support can increase awareness levels of
families of migrants.
The transit locations are those routes
through which migrants either leave for
destination or return from destination
before they finally reach their areas.
Migrants spend few days to several weeks
before moving to destination or source. It is
important to carry out strategic behavior
change communication activities at these
transit locations in partnership with either
state or central funded agencies (such as
bus depots, railways etc.)
At the place of destination, peer led
activities will be able to provide
information in a more acceptable manner.
Linking migrants to socio-cultural
activities will also be helpful to attract
migrants to safe spaces such as drop-in
centers. These centers should be able to
provide HIV prevention information,
counseling and testing facilities. Linking
migrants with affordable health services is
also an essential component. Innovative
ways such as radio programs in the same
languages in destination sites can be used
to reach out to migrants. For imparting HIV
information the migrants can be linked to
the corporate sector and industrial bodies
to initiate work place intervention which
will prove to be sustainable in the long run.
There are special challenges when migrants
need to accesses treatment especially ART.
Since they are mobile in nature many are
In transit
At destination
Care and support services for migrants
living with HIV
denied services due to lack of supportive
documents such as address, ration card as
well as peers to ensure treatment
compliances. Due to the same, migrants are
often denied services at destination sites.
Successful migrant programs are able to
provide necessary linkages with treatment
services both in destination and source
places so that migrants can continue to
work and earn rather than losing their job
and being located in one place for
treatment. Linking with ADHAR card and
providing identification card are also some
of the measure to overcome these issues.
Given that sexual transmission is one of the
main means of HIV transmission, it is
crucial to ensure that sexual and
reproductive health services and HIV
initiatives are integrated. Intervention for
migrants should go beyond prevention,
treatment and care to the provision of HIV
services which would include among
others, education programs, counseling on
safer sex, contraception, pregnancy and
birth. Programs should be designed to
reach the greatest number of people
possible. In this context, special attention
should be paid to women, mothers and
young girls and children from migrant
communities, who are often extremely
vulnerable and confronted with multiple
sources of discrimination and exclusion.
Universal access to health services has a
beneficial impact on the individual as well
as on society at large, whereas exclusion
exacerbates vulnerability, stigmatization,
and discrimination. Understanding and
constant monitoring migration pattern in
low prevalent settings will help design
programs more effectively.
- Mrs. Mini Varghese
September 2013 September 2013
08 SCAN SCAN 09
An article was written by Debbie
Dortzbach on how in the next 1000 days we
can stop HIV from infecting babies
worldwide. UNAIDS and the United States
Office of Global AIDS Coordination set up a
task force with a goal to eliminate new
infections among children by 2015 and to
keep their mothers alive.
Debbie writes in the article that, “Being the
faith community and members of the
global family, we have work to do. Only a
few years ago, I cradled a pencil-thin
woman whose one desire was to cradle her
own baby just one more time. Her children
were far from her. She longed to be strong
enough to return to them.”
Today, antiretroviral treatments enable
infants to avoid getting HIV from their
HIV-positive mothers and dramatically
enable HIV-positive women to not only
become healthy but maintain their health
for many productive years, investing in
their own lives and the lives of their
families.
She goes on to share the tragic story of a
Mozambican family of three generations
impacted by HIV. The boy, who is the
primary caregiver now, is providing care to
his nephew whose mother died of HIV,
along with the boy’s mother, the
grandmother of the baby. Their local
church stepped in to help this family. Once
again, faith communities across our world
have a clear call to accept the challenge to
help millions of children, born and not yet
born, to never be exposed to the virus. At a recent event in Washington, DC, Dr.
Eric Goosby, the U.S. Global AIDS
Coordinator praised the past work of faith
communities, claiming they had a “pivotal,
unique role…providing health, healing,
and especially hope.” He concluded by
saying, “We need you now, more than
ever.”
Here are some immediate steps from recent
lessons learned from PEPFAR and
collaborative discussions with faith-based
What can we do as a faith community?
organizations and CCIH members that she
shares. 1. Keep the course. We cannot grow
weary. The images may not splash
across our screens and the money may
not pour in, but the need is no less.
Harness the good experience and
knowledge base and networks, avoid
duplication of resources and keep
going. Read the Institute of Medicine’s
Evaluation of PEPFAR, and the
Countdown to Zero: The Global Plan
toward the Elimination of New HIV
Infections among Children by 2015 and
Keeping Their Mothers Alive. Learn
more about knowledge management,
and current thinking on bringing
successful programs to scale. Stay
active in networks such as CCIH to
exchange ideas and be innovative. 2. Integrate the Faith Partnership
Campaign developed by CCIH and
partners into your church networks and
organization and encourage continued
engagement of churches to work
toward an HIV-free generation. 3. Pray that the Lord, “like an eagle that
stirs up its nest, that flutters over its
young, spreading out its wings,
catching them, bearing them on its
pinions…” (Deut. 32:11) will use His
people to care for His families and spare
generations to come from the impact of
HIV.
TogetherWe CanStop HIV
Debbie Dortzbach is Senior Health Advisor at World Relief. She has spent 16 years with World
Relief, most of it in Kenya, and presently is a Senior Health Advisor, calling Baltimore, Md. her home.
She is a nurse and has always loved public health. She claims it is a profession birthed right at home, in
her role as the oldest of nine children
For more on CCIH (Christian Connections for International Health),view their website - http://www.ccih.org/
September 2013 September 2013
08 SCAN SCAN 09
An article was written by Debbie
Dortzbach on how in the next 1000 days we
can stop HIV from infecting babies
worldwide. UNAIDS and the United States
Office of Global AIDS Coordination set up a
task force with a goal to eliminate new
infections among children by 2015 and to
keep their mothers alive.
Debbie writes in the article that, “Being the
faith community and members of the
global family, we have work to do. Only a
few years ago, I cradled a pencil-thin
woman whose one desire was to cradle her
own baby just one more time. Her children
were far from her. She longed to be strong
enough to return to them.”
Today, antiretroviral treatments enable
infants to avoid getting HIV from their
HIV-positive mothers and dramatically
enable HIV-positive women to not only
become healthy but maintain their health
for many productive years, investing in
their own lives and the lives of their
families.
She goes on to share the tragic story of a
Mozambican family of three generations
impacted by HIV. The boy, who is the
primary caregiver now, is providing care to
his nephew whose mother died of HIV,
along with the boy’s mother, the
grandmother of the baby. Their local
church stepped in to help this family. Once
again, faith communities across our world
have a clear call to accept the challenge to
help millions of children, born and not yet
born, to never be exposed to the virus. At a recent event in Washington, DC, Dr.
Eric Goosby, the U.S. Global AIDS
Coordinator praised the past work of faith
communities, claiming they had a “pivotal,
unique role…providing health, healing,
and especially hope.” He concluded by
saying, “We need you now, more than
ever.”
Here are some immediate steps from recent
lessons learned from PEPFAR and
collaborative discussions with faith-based
What can we do as a faith community?
organizations and CCIH members that she
shares. 1. Keep the course. We cannot grow
weary. The images may not splash
across our screens and the money may
not pour in, but the need is no less.
Harness the good experience and
knowledge base and networks, avoid
duplication of resources and keep
going. Read the Institute of Medicine’s
Evaluation of PEPFAR, and the
Countdown to Zero: The Global Plan
toward the Elimination of New HIV
Infections among Children by 2015 and
Keeping Their Mothers Alive. Learn
more about knowledge management,
and current thinking on bringing
successful programs to scale. Stay
active in networks such as CCIH to
exchange ideas and be innovative. 2. Integrate the Faith Partnership
Campaign developed by CCIH and
partners into your church networks and
organization and encourage continued
engagement of churches to work
toward an HIV-free generation. 3. Pray that the Lord, “like an eagle that
stirs up its nest, that flutters over its
young, spreading out its wings,
catching them, bearing them on its
pinions…” (Deut. 32:11) will use His
people to care for His families and spare
generations to come from the impact of
HIV.
TogetherWe CanStop HIV
Debbie Dortzbach is Senior Health Advisor at World Relief. She has spent 16 years with World
Relief, most of it in Kenya, and presently is a Senior Health Advisor, calling Baltimore, Md. her home.
She is a nurse and has always loved public health. She claims it is a profession birthed right at home, in
her role as the oldest of nine children
For more on CCIH (Christian Connections for International Health),view their website - http://www.ccih.org/
September 2013 September 2013
10 SCAN SCAN 11
Leash on NACO funds stops free HIV treatment, April 25, 2013
Scientists say 'promising' HIV cure on the horizon, April 29, 2013
New Guidelines Suggest HIV Screening for All Adults, April 29, 2013
HIV deciphered, scientists hope to find its weakness, May 30, 2013
HIV patients, who were getting free treatment at a community care centre in the remote Tarwa-Karwa village at
Hazaribag have stopped getting the facility because of withdrawal of Rs 14 lakh grants from the National Aids Control
Organization. The centre provided medicines, food and accommodation to 40 to 50 patients suffering from HIV but
now they have been compelled to withdraw the facilities as NACO felt patients should avail treatment at the ART
Centre functioning on the Sadar Hospital campus. The funds provided by NACO have stopped since March 31 and
90% of HIV patients admitted to the centre were discharged as there was no money to meet the expenses of the
patients.
Source- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Leash-on-Naco-funds-stops-free-HIV-
treatment/articleshow/19719264.cms
Denmark researchers say a promising breakthrough that could ultimately lead to a cure for human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) may be very close. Researchers from Aarhus University Hospital said they will be trying a novel strategy in
humans with HIV. The therapy involves cleansing HIV from the reservoirs it forms within DNA cells forcing the virus to
come to the DNA’s surface. The body’s immune system then cooperates with a potential vaccine which can find the
virus and destroy it. The therapy was found to be effective when utilizing human skin cells in the lab. Its success in the
human body is still unknown. Researchers state that the challenge in the therapy will be getting the patients' immune
system to recognize the virus and destroy it which depends on the strength and sensitivity of individual immune
systems.
Source- http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/04/29/scientists-say-promising-hiv-cure-on-horizon/
New guideline from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has called for virtually every adult to be routinely screened
for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The updated recommendations, which are published in the April 30 issue of the
journal Annals of Internal Medicine, suggest that pregnant women and all people aged 15 to 65 be screened for HIV.
The guidelines have been updated with an evidence that treatment is effective especially when started early in the
course of HIV infection. Experts agree that such blanket screening is the best and only possible way to stop the HIV
epidemic in its tracks. HIV screening will be effective as treating HIV infection has both personal and public health
benefit.
Source- http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/04/29/new-guidelines-suggest-hiv-
screening-for-all-adults
Scientists have for the first time peeled open the virus that can lead to AIDS from its shell giving an insight into how it
can be stopped from infecting millions across the globe every year. A team of researchers from the University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine have announced that they have peeled open HIV's outer coating and discovered 4-
million-atom structure inside the protein shell. The findings will ultimately lead the way to fending off an often-
changing virus that has been very hard to conquer. Scientists say developing an effective vaccine to prevent HIV
infection is one of the most daunting challenges ever faced. One of the main reasons for this is that HIV is an incredibly
elusive virus. HIV is among the most mutating viruses.
Source- http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-30/science/39628226_1_hiv-infection-hiv-
genome-hiv-replication
The officials of District Aids Programme Control Unit (DAPCU) are reaching out to migrant laborers and truckers
through folk artists, appraising them about methods helpful in preventing the spread of HIV. Almost 40% individuals
among the target groups of migrant laborers and truckers were aware of the factors responsible for the spread of AIDS.
The DAPCU has deputed teams of Meerut and Lucknow-based folk artists to spread awareness among the target
groups. Under the strategy, two street plays or other events are being held in 60 selected villages with basic health
workers motivating villagers to attend the folk artistes' show. The artistes also carry out counseling and IEC
(information, education and communication) sessions for truckers/migrant laborers, who are one of the strongest
modes of HIV transmission across the state.
Source- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Folk-artistes-roped-in-for-AIDS-awareness-
efforts/articleshow/20640432.cms
The Chennai Corporation AIDS Control and Prevention Society has taken up the task of sensitizing about
16,000 migrant labourers from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha, working for Chennai
Metro Rail project. The laborers camp mostly on allotted sites in 14 different locations in the city. These
laborers are vulnerable to HIV and need to be sensitized and oriented towards better management of sexual
needs. The objective of the programme is to continuously motivate them on safe sexual behavior. The
current action plan envisages a schedule of activities to provide them with sustained information and
access to available HIV intervention services in the metro. Source- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-corporation-targets-metro-
workers-for-AIDS-awareness-campaign/articleshow/20677791.cms
Washington: Scientists have developed a new delivery system for a combination of two HIV drugs that may serve as an
effective treatment for the deadly virus. The discovery, which allows for a combination of decitabine and gemcitabine
to be delivered in pill form, marks a major step forward in patient feasibility for the drugs, which had been available
solely via injection.
Source- Hindustan Times, Vol II.No.173, Monday, September 02, 2013.
Folk artistes roped in for AIDS awareness efforts, June 18, 2013
Chennai Corporation targets metro workers for AIDS awareness campaign,
June 20, 2013
Two-drug combo poll to fight HIV: scientists
September 2013 September 2013
10 SCAN SCAN 11
Leash on NACO funds stops free HIV treatment, April 25, 2013
Scientists say 'promising' HIV cure on the horizon, April 29, 2013
New Guidelines Suggest HIV Screening for All Adults, April 29, 2013
HIV deciphered, scientists hope to find its weakness, May 30, 2013
HIV patients, who were getting free treatment at a community care centre in the remote Tarwa-Karwa village at
Hazaribag have stopped getting the facility because of withdrawal of Rs 14 lakh grants from the National Aids Control
Organization. The centre provided medicines, food and accommodation to 40 to 50 patients suffering from HIV but
now they have been compelled to withdraw the facilities as NACO felt patients should avail treatment at the ART
Centre functioning on the Sadar Hospital campus. The funds provided by NACO have stopped since March 31 and
90% of HIV patients admitted to the centre were discharged as there was no money to meet the expenses of the
patients.
Source- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Leash-on-Naco-funds-stops-free-HIV-
treatment/articleshow/19719264.cms
Denmark researchers say a promising breakthrough that could ultimately lead to a cure for human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) may be very close. Researchers from Aarhus University Hospital said they will be trying a novel strategy in
humans with HIV. The therapy involves cleansing HIV from the reservoirs it forms within DNA cells forcing the virus to
come to the DNA’s surface. The body’s immune system then cooperates with a potential vaccine which can find the
virus and destroy it. The therapy was found to be effective when utilizing human skin cells in the lab. Its success in the
human body is still unknown. Researchers state that the challenge in the therapy will be getting the patients' immune
system to recognize the virus and destroy it which depends on the strength and sensitivity of individual immune
systems.
Source- http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/04/29/scientists-say-promising-hiv-cure-on-horizon/
New guideline from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has called for virtually every adult to be routinely screened
for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The updated recommendations, which are published in the April 30 issue of the
journal Annals of Internal Medicine, suggest that pregnant women and all people aged 15 to 65 be screened for HIV.
The guidelines have been updated with an evidence that treatment is effective especially when started early in the
course of HIV infection. Experts agree that such blanket screening is the best and only possible way to stop the HIV
epidemic in its tracks. HIV screening will be effective as treating HIV infection has both personal and public health
benefit.
Source- http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/04/29/new-guidelines-suggest-hiv-
screening-for-all-adults
Scientists have for the first time peeled open the virus that can lead to AIDS from its shell giving an insight into how it
can be stopped from infecting millions across the globe every year. A team of researchers from the University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine have announced that they have peeled open HIV's outer coating and discovered 4-
million-atom structure inside the protein shell. The findings will ultimately lead the way to fending off an often-
changing virus that has been very hard to conquer. Scientists say developing an effective vaccine to prevent HIV
infection is one of the most daunting challenges ever faced. One of the main reasons for this is that HIV is an incredibly
elusive virus. HIV is among the most mutating viruses.
Source- http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-30/science/39628226_1_hiv-infection-hiv-
genome-hiv-replication
The officials of District Aids Programme Control Unit (DAPCU) are reaching out to migrant laborers and truckers
through folk artists, appraising them about methods helpful in preventing the spread of HIV. Almost 40% individuals
among the target groups of migrant laborers and truckers were aware of the factors responsible for the spread of AIDS.
The DAPCU has deputed teams of Meerut and Lucknow-based folk artists to spread awareness among the target
groups. Under the strategy, two street plays or other events are being held in 60 selected villages with basic health
workers motivating villagers to attend the folk artistes' show. The artistes also carry out counseling and IEC
(information, education and communication) sessions for truckers/migrant laborers, who are one of the strongest
modes of HIV transmission across the state.
Source- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Folk-artistes-roped-in-for-AIDS-awareness-
efforts/articleshow/20640432.cms
The Chennai Corporation AIDS Control and Prevention Society has taken up the task of sensitizing about
16,000 migrant labourers from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha, working for Chennai
Metro Rail project. The laborers camp mostly on allotted sites in 14 different locations in the city. These
laborers are vulnerable to HIV and need to be sensitized and oriented towards better management of sexual
needs. The objective of the programme is to continuously motivate them on safe sexual behavior. The
current action plan envisages a schedule of activities to provide them with sustained information and
access to available HIV intervention services in the metro. Source- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-corporation-targets-metro-
workers-for-AIDS-awareness-campaign/articleshow/20677791.cms
Washington: Scientists have developed a new delivery system for a combination of two HIV drugs that may serve as an
effective treatment for the deadly virus. The discovery, which allows for a combination of decitabine and gemcitabine
to be delivered in pill form, marks a major step forward in patient feasibility for the drugs, which had been available
solely via injection.
Source- Hindustan Times, Vol II.No.173, Monday, September 02, 2013.
Folk artistes roped in for AIDS awareness efforts, June 18, 2013
Chennai Corporation targets metro workers for AIDS awareness campaign,
June 20, 2013
Two-drug combo poll to fight HIV: scientists
September 2013 September 2013
12 SCAN SCAN 13
banks of the Ukai dam reservoir and had
their villages near the river. The water
began to submerge the village as the height
of the dam was raised up. The people were
permanently displaced and were not
compensated by the government for the
loss and damage of their property. This
sudden incident, which threatened their
existence and shook the smooth running of
their life, caused interest groups to allot a
land for them in Baroda, a forest land,
located 48 kms away from Songadhtaluk.
This change resulted in them being cut off
from easy access to road, transportation,
electricity, schools and markets, in addition
to which the changed environment caused
inconveniences in their lifestyle as they had
less access to maintaining a livelihood. The
people were forced out of their hometown
for no fault of their own. In order to sustain
themselves and their families many
migrated seasonally to cities like Surat,
Vapi, Valsad, Bharuch, Rajpipla and
Vadodara districts for a period of 6 to 8
months in a year, which badly affected their
children’s education, health and life in
total.
The people of these 14 villages were under
conflict with the government officials in
order to claim exclusive ownership over the
newly given forest land. The clashes
between government and the affected
people group spread like wild fire and the
area was under the grip of unpredicted
ethnic violence. The whole community was
in great distress and confusion.
Since the people had no other way to
sustain themselves, they became an easy
prey to agents who promised them work in
other parts of the state. The people travelled
to look for employment opportunities. The
mode of transportation was decided, after
the distance and the number of families
travelling were listed. In most cases the
migrants travelled by public jeeps, buses,
private lorries and trucks. The agents
arranged the vehicle to pick the migrants
and deducted the expense for the travel
from the migrants, which was the first of
many ways in which migrants got
exploited. The migrants however were
willing to oblige as it was their only way of
escape from the dire situation. Therefore,
the first point of exploitation in migration
began when the migrants were transported
from his/her hometown to the place of
work.
At the end of each monsoon, which was
usually in the month of September, agents
approached the villagers and informed
them about work in other cities and towns
in Gujarat. They were taken to the work
place and returned back to their village in
the middle of April every year. At the place
of work the migrants were housed in very
small huts either on a public vacant land or
along the sides of the roads. In each locality
hundreds of such hutments were found.
This was the second point of exploitation
which occurred at the place where the
people migrated.
The major activity that the migrants were
involved in was to cut sugarcane for the
factories in Surat, Valsad, Vapi, Rajpipla
and Bharuch districts and load the cut
sugarcane onto a bullock cart which was
provided by the agents or the factory. The
migrant was then expected to cut a specific
number of sugarcane and supply it to the
factory every day. If the required amount of
sugarcane was not given then, the exact
wages were not given to the family. This
formed as the third point of exploitation in
the migrant’s life.
The exploitation of labor took its worst
form when wages were not paid regularly
to the migrant worker. In most cases wages
were not paid regularly. Money was
arbitrarily deducted for transportation,
housing and cost of advances. At the end of
their labor a migrating family usually
received about Rs. 2000.This was a huge
sum of money for the migrant but did not
represent the entire wages. The migrants
usually had a lingering suspicion that they
have been cheated of their rightful full
wages. This formed as the fourth point of
exploitation.
One way to end the exploitation was to
fight for their rights but it was unlikely that
it would be favorable as agents and sugar
factory owners could harass them and
eventually deny them employment, which
would further multiply the problems of the
migrants. However we chose a strategy to
provide alternate livelihood to ensure that
migrants would get an adequate income
throughout the year. We used a community
based child centered socio-economic
development approach as, in migration, the
entire family and social system of the
village got affected.
The main aim of the project was to stop
migration of the people from the area
through implementing development
programs based on their felt needs and to
educate the children over a period of 8
years.
The program addressed the main causes of
poverty in the migrant population, which
were:
1. Permanent displacement which was
caused by the submersion of their land
by Ukai dam.
2. Seasonal Migration which was caused
d u e t o l a c k o f e m p l o y m e n t
opportunities in the displaced area and
3. Lack of infrastructure facilities such as
school, good road & transportation,
electricity supply, health care services,
safe drinking water, free civil supplies
and food services.
The 7 villages covered under this
programme consisted of 822 families and a
total population of 3308. The population
consisted of 96.5% from the Vasava
community and 3.5% from the Kothvalia
and Kothadia community. In 1988, there
was only one primary school up to 3rd
standard in each village with only 1 teacher.
There were, however, schools in the
neighbouring district.
The problems that the community
identified and prioritized were seasonal
migration, lack of education, lack of health
facilities, lack of agricultural infrastructure,
prevalence of polygamy and substance
abuse.
The community based child centered socio-
economic development approach provided
Early Community – based Child Care
which included provision of nutritional
supplements, education to children,
cont... from page 1
September 2013 September 2013
12 SCAN SCAN 13
banks of the Ukai dam reservoir and had
their villages near the river. The water
began to submerge the village as the height
of the dam was raised up. The people were
permanently displaced and were not
compensated by the government for the
loss and damage of their property. This
sudden incident, which threatened their
existence and shook the smooth running of
their life, caused interest groups to allot a
land for them in Baroda, a forest land,
located 48 kms away from Songadhtaluk.
This change resulted in them being cut off
from easy access to road, transportation,
electricity, schools and markets, in addition
to which the changed environment caused
inconveniences in their lifestyle as they had
less access to maintaining a livelihood. The
people were forced out of their hometown
for no fault of their own. In order to sustain
themselves and their families many
migrated seasonally to cities like Surat,
Vapi, Valsad, Bharuch, Rajpipla and
Vadodara districts for a period of 6 to 8
months in a year, which badly affected their
children’s education, health and life in
total.
The people of these 14 villages were under
conflict with the government officials in
order to claim exclusive ownership over the
newly given forest land. The clashes
between government and the affected
people group spread like wild fire and the
area was under the grip of unpredicted
ethnic violence. The whole community was
in great distress and confusion.
Since the people had no other way to
sustain themselves, they became an easy
prey to agents who promised them work in
other parts of the state. The people travelled
to look for employment opportunities. The
mode of transportation was decided, after
the distance and the number of families
travelling were listed. In most cases the
migrants travelled by public jeeps, buses,
private lorries and trucks. The agents
arranged the vehicle to pick the migrants
and deducted the expense for the travel
from the migrants, which was the first of
many ways in which migrants got
exploited. The migrants however were
willing to oblige as it was their only way of
escape from the dire situation. Therefore,
the first point of exploitation in migration
began when the migrants were transported
from his/her hometown to the place of
work.
At the end of each monsoon, which was
usually in the month of September, agents
approached the villagers and informed
them about work in other cities and towns
in Gujarat. They were taken to the work
place and returned back to their village in
the middle of April every year. At the place
of work the migrants were housed in very
small huts either on a public vacant land or
along the sides of the roads. In each locality
hundreds of such hutments were found.
This was the second point of exploitation
which occurred at the place where the
people migrated.
The major activity that the migrants were
involved in was to cut sugarcane for the
factories in Surat, Valsad, Vapi, Rajpipla
and Bharuch districts and load the cut
sugarcane onto a bullock cart which was
provided by the agents or the factory. The
migrant was then expected to cut a specific
number of sugarcane and supply it to the
factory every day. If the required amount of
sugarcane was not given then, the exact
wages were not given to the family. This
formed as the third point of exploitation in
the migrant’s life.
The exploitation of labor took its worst
form when wages were not paid regularly
to the migrant worker. In most cases wages
were not paid regularly. Money was
arbitrarily deducted for transportation,
housing and cost of advances. At the end of
their labor a migrating family usually
received about Rs. 2000.This was a huge
sum of money for the migrant but did not
represent the entire wages. The migrants
usually had a lingering suspicion that they
have been cheated of their rightful full
wages. This formed as the fourth point of
exploitation.
One way to end the exploitation was to
fight for their rights but it was unlikely that
it would be favorable as agents and sugar
factory owners could harass them and
eventually deny them employment, which
would further multiply the problems of the
migrants. However we chose a strategy to
provide alternate livelihood to ensure that
migrants would get an adequate income
throughout the year. We used a community
based child centered socio-economic
development approach as, in migration, the
entire family and social system of the
village got affected.
The main aim of the project was to stop
migration of the people from the area
through implementing development
programs based on their felt needs and to
educate the children over a period of 8
years.
The program addressed the main causes of
poverty in the migrant population, which
were:
1. Permanent displacement which was
caused by the submersion of their land
by Ukai dam.
2. Seasonal Migration which was caused
d u e t o l a c k o f e m p l o y m e n t
opportunities in the displaced area and
3. Lack of infrastructure facilities such as
school, good road & transportation,
electricity supply, health care services,
safe drinking water, free civil supplies
and food services.
The 7 villages covered under this
programme consisted of 822 families and a
total population of 3308. The population
consisted of 96.5% from the Vasava
community and 3.5% from the Kothvalia
and Kothadia community. In 1988, there
was only one primary school up to 3rd
standard in each village with only 1 teacher.
There were, however, schools in the
neighbouring district.
The problems that the community
identified and prioritized were seasonal
migration, lack of education, lack of health
facilities, lack of agricultural infrastructure,
prevalence of polygamy and substance
abuse.
The community based child centered socio-
economic development approach provided
Early Community – based Child Care
which included provision of nutritional
supplements, education to children,
cont... from page 1
September 2013 September 2013
14 SCAN SCAN 15
education-based resources and spiritual
care. The program also provided sports
materials to middle school going children
and provided education support without
nutrition and clothes for high school-going
children.
Apart from educating the children, the
program also was involved in women
empowerment, economic empowerment,
community health, spiritual care and
development programs based on general
need.
We provided child care support to the
people without reservations based on caste,
creed or religion. Some of the villagers were
skeptical of the program in the beginning
and refused to participate as they had
doubts about the purpose of the program.
But, eventually as time went by, the
villagers could see that we were motivated
to serve them because of the love of Christ
and realized the benefits that were
provided to others and requested if they
could be included as well. Before the
program began, Christians and non-
Christians lived in enmity and there were
occasional attacks on Christians. The
program, however, brought different
committees and groups together.
In many instances we were able to stand
above the situation and build bridges for
communal harmony with the packages of
social, economic and other need based
development programs with the assurance
of God’s continuous presence and
protection. We find in the scripture that in
many circumstances holistic ministering
was involved.
We learnt some valuable lessons based on
our experiences there.
a) While working in the migration prone
areas, it was important for us to know
the root causes, the expectations of the
affected people and how they operated.
b) It was important to get the right
information about the affected group
and the safety of the staff.
c) To build rapport with the affected
people and the groups in the
community
d) Our work was to unite people rather
than separate them.
e) Above all of these, we found that prayer
was the key to our safety, sanity,
satisfaction, and sustenance.
The Bible encourages us to ‘live in harmony
with one another’, so let us be willing to
serve people with fewer means.
Henry Jesu Dasan is currently working with Navjeevan Seva Mandal in its headquarters at Sevoor,
Tamil Nadu. This is an example of intervention on migration which plays a great role in reduction of
vulnerabilities to HIV in the communities.
[The views expressed here are personal and may be prone to bias. It offers insights about the migrants,
their challenges and their work life ethics, in south Gujarat].
Light House Series shares the expertise and experiences of Churches and Church based agencies in their efforts in envisioning a HIV free nation. Please forward your profile and updates on HIV and AIDS ministry for the next Light House Series.
Daud Memorial Christian Gramin Vikas
Samiti is an organisation working in
Gorakhpur, Mahargunj and Siddharth
Nagar areas in Eastern U.P. The
organisation was set up with the vision to
visualize a developed community based on
equality, self-dependence, justice and
cheerfulness of life for all. Even though it is
an organisation with few staff members, the
work they have done over the past few
years has brought tremendous change in
the region where they are working. In
September 2012,the group attended a 6 day
Love your neighbor with AIDS TOT
(Training of trainers) at JSK, Thane,
organized by Christian AIDS/HIV
National All iance (CANA) which
motivated them to begin a project called the
‘Pratham Sopan’ to support people living
with HIV and AIDS.
They began the program in December 2012,
by requesting a list of PLHAs from the
positive network in Gorakhpur for
providing them with nutrition and
clothing. They took the opportunity to
invite 25 people living with HIV/AIDS to
celebrate Christmas with them. During this
meeting, they were given the Christmas
message of hope. Their interaction with the
people living with HIV did not end there.
They decided to raise support to provide
nutrition and clothing on a monthly basis.
In January, 2013, the members of the
organisation began to raise funds
DAUD MEMORIAL CHRISTIAN GRAMIN VIKAS SAMITI
individually and were able to organize a
meeting with the 25 PLHAs( 15 children, 13
widows and 2 widowers) they had met
during the Christmas celebration and
provide them with nutrition and school
uniforms for the orphaned children. In the
month of March the organisation also
invited, Dr O.P.G Rao, Deputy CMO of
Gorakhpur to share to the 25 people about
the schemes provided by the government
for PLHAs and also talked on different
health issues related to children and
widows.
Currently, the organisation has 35
voluntary sponsors who have agreed to
help the families on a regular basis for a
year. The people living with HIV/AIDS are
motivated to live a joyful life, receive hope
through the word of GOD, they are also
provided with information to live a healthy
life and the importance of regular
medication. They are invited to an
environment void of st igma and
discrimination in order to discuss their
problems and find out a solution for it.
September 2013 September 2013
14 SCAN SCAN 15
education-based resources and spiritual
care. The program also provided sports
materials to middle school going children
and provided education support without
nutrition and clothes for high school-going
children.
Apart from educating the children, the
program also was involved in women
empowerment, economic empowerment,
community health, spiritual care and
development programs based on general
need.
We provided child care support to the
people without reservations based on caste,
creed or religion. Some of the villagers were
skeptical of the program in the beginning
and refused to participate as they had
doubts about the purpose of the program.
But, eventually as time went by, the
villagers could see that we were motivated
to serve them because of the love of Christ
and realized the benefits that were
provided to others and requested if they
could be included as well. Before the
program began, Christians and non-
Christians lived in enmity and there were
occasional attacks on Christians. The
program, however, brought different
committees and groups together.
In many instances we were able to stand
above the situation and build bridges for
communal harmony with the packages of
social, economic and other need based
development programs with the assurance
of God’s continuous presence and
protection. We find in the scripture that in
many circumstances holistic ministering
was involved.
We learnt some valuable lessons based on
our experiences there.
a) While working in the migration prone
areas, it was important for us to know
the root causes, the expectations of the
affected people and how they operated.
b) It was important to get the right
information about the affected group
and the safety of the staff.
c) To build rapport with the affected
people and the groups in the
community
d) Our work was to unite people rather
than separate them.
e) Above all of these, we found that prayer
was the key to our safety, sanity,
satisfaction, and sustenance.
The Bible encourages us to ‘live in harmony
with one another’, so let us be willing to
serve people with fewer means.
Henry Jesu Dasan is currently working with Navjeevan Seva Mandal in its headquarters at Sevoor,
Tamil Nadu. This is an example of intervention on migration which plays a great role in reduction of
vulnerabilities to HIV in the communities.
[The views expressed here are personal and may be prone to bias. It offers insights about the migrants,
their challenges and their work life ethics, in south Gujarat].
Light House Series shares the expertise and experiences of Churches and Church based agencies in their efforts in envisioning a HIV free nation. Please forward your profile and updates on HIV and AIDS ministry for the next Light House Series.
Daud Memorial Christian Gramin Vikas
Samiti is an organisation working in
Gorakhpur, Mahargunj and Siddharth
Nagar areas in Eastern U.P. The
organisation was set up with the vision to
visualize a developed community based on
equality, self-dependence, justice and
cheerfulness of life for all. Even though it is
an organisation with few staff members, the
work they have done over the past few
years has brought tremendous change in
the region where they are working. In
September 2012,the group attended a 6 day
Love your neighbor with AIDS TOT
(Training of trainers) at JSK, Thane,
organized by Christian AIDS/HIV
National All iance (CANA) which
motivated them to begin a project called the
‘Pratham Sopan’ to support people living
with HIV and AIDS.
They began the program in December 2012,
by requesting a list of PLHAs from the
positive network in Gorakhpur for
providing them with nutrition and
clothing. They took the opportunity to
invite 25 people living with HIV/AIDS to
celebrate Christmas with them. During this
meeting, they were given the Christmas
message of hope. Their interaction with the
people living with HIV did not end there.
They decided to raise support to provide
nutrition and clothing on a monthly basis.
In January, 2013, the members of the
organisation began to raise funds
DAUD MEMORIAL CHRISTIAN GRAMIN VIKAS SAMITI
individually and were able to organize a
meeting with the 25 PLHAs( 15 children, 13
widows and 2 widowers) they had met
during the Christmas celebration and
provide them with nutrition and school
uniforms for the orphaned children. In the
month of March the organisation also
invited, Dr O.P.G Rao, Deputy CMO of
Gorakhpur to share to the 25 people about
the schemes provided by the government
for PLHAs and also talked on different
health issues related to children and
widows.
Currently, the organisation has 35
voluntary sponsors who have agreed to
help the families on a regular basis for a
year. The people living with HIV/AIDS are
motivated to live a joyful life, receive hope
through the word of GOD, they are also
provided with information to live a healthy
life and the importance of regular
medication. They are invited to an
environment void of st igma and
discrimination in order to discuss their
problems and find out a solution for it.
September 2013
16 SCAN
September 2013
SCAN 17
1. S e r v i n g i n M i s s i o n ( S I M )
Missionaries,
2. Mr. S. Samraj, Executive Director,
CANA and Mr. Benjamin, Senior Program
Officer travelled to Ratlam and
Marcus, Kenneth and his
daughter Jena visited CANA on April 15 –
16th 2013 for an exposure visit to the work
CANA is involved in. CANA presented the
different areas of work that it was involved
with. The visitors visited CANA’s partner
organisation, Navjeeevan Seva Mandal
(NSM), where they had the opportunity of
seeing their work, interacting with the staff
and volunteers and met with families living
with HIV/AIDS.
Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh
3. On April 27th, CANA staff ,
Christodan Benya took part in the Life
Coaching Master’s Training program.
4. CANA’s program officer Ayangla,
met with Rev. Dr. Alemrenba of the Ao
Baptist Church,
between
April 25th to May 1st, 2013 to visit churches
and see their involvement in socio-
community activities. They had the
opportunity to interact with church leaders
and heads of Christian organisations to
assess the issues prevailing in Ratlam and
Mandsaur and encouraged the churches to
particularly respond to HIV/AIDS in the
districts.
This training focused on equipping a group
of individuals in games and activities to
include in between workshop sessions for
participants.
Delhi to interact with the
church to encourage them to get involved
i n t h e C h u r c h a n d C o m m u n i t y
Mobilization Process (CCMP) on May 10th.
An interaction on integral mission in
responding to vulnerability issues also took
place.
at Delhi Brotherhood House on
May 23rd. Teachers from schools in Delhi
a n d f e w i n d i v i d u a l s f r o m n o n -
governmental organisations were also part
of the discussion on the educational system
and moral values existing in India. The
interaction was followed by prayer and
fellowship.
on 30th May at CANA office. Different
issues were taken up and prayed for. The
staff prayed for founding members,
executive directors, board members,
former and present CANA staff, funding
agencies, churches and individuals who
have supported CANA through the past 15
years. The staff also prayed for the different
projects that CANA was involved with in
the past, the present and the upcoming
programs.
As CANA is involved with programs
and implementing of the same in different
regions in the sub-continent, a much
needed Project Cycle Management and
Facilitation Skills Training and an
introduction to Integral Mission was
conducted for the CANA staff team from
11th June to 15th June. Rev Sundar Daniel,
the previous Asia coordinator of Micah
Network was willing to train and share his
e x p e r i e n c e s o n p r o g r a m c y c l e
management.
5. CANA staff, Ayangla Pongen took
part in the 1st Educators Prayer
Fellowship
6. CANA organized the monthly prayer
day
7.
8. CANA staff took part in the
felicitation function for the newly
inducted union ministers, Hon’ble Oscar
Fernandes and Hon’ble J.D Seelan into
the Union Ministry of India,
9. The Annual General Board meeting
10. A workshop on Church Responses to
HIV and related vulnerabilities, for
Church leaders
at CNI
Bhavan on June 27. Members of several
Churches and Christian organisations were
present in order to felicitate them. A panel
discussion on “Scheduled caste status to
Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims:
Opportunities and challenges” followed
the felicitation program.
was held on 25th July at the chairperson’s
residence. On the 26th CANA Board
member, Andi Eicher, team leader of
Jeevan Sahara Kendra visited CANA to
interact with the Director and staff
members on the current role of the
organisation and what we were looking
forward to do in the future. Rev. Sundar
Daniel, CANA consultant also visited the
team on the same day to share insights on
programs and functions that CANA could
create and involve in the coming days.
was held from 7th August –
9th August at Christ ian Medical
September 2013
16 SCAN
September 2013
SCAN 17
1. S e r v i n g i n M i s s i o n ( S I M )
Missionaries,
2. Mr. S. Samraj, Executive Director,
CANA and Mr. Benjamin, Senior Program
Officer travelled to Ratlam and
Marcus, Kenneth and his
daughter Jena visited CANA on April 15 –
16th 2013 for an exposure visit to the work
CANA is involved in. CANA presented the
different areas of work that it was involved
with. The visitors visited CANA’s partner
organisation, Navjeeevan Seva Mandal
(NSM), where they had the opportunity of
seeing their work, interacting with the staff
and volunteers and met with families living
with HIV/AIDS.
Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh
3. On April 27th, CANA staff ,
Christodan Benya took part in the Life
Coaching Master’s Training program.
4. CANA’s program officer Ayangla,
met with Rev. Dr. Alemrenba of the Ao
Baptist Church,
between
April 25th to May 1st, 2013 to visit churches
and see their involvement in socio-
community activities. They had the
opportunity to interact with church leaders
and heads of Christian organisations to
assess the issues prevailing in Ratlam and
Mandsaur and encouraged the churches to
particularly respond to HIV/AIDS in the
districts.
This training focused on equipping a group
of individuals in games and activities to
include in between workshop sessions for
participants.
Delhi to interact with the
church to encourage them to get involved
i n t h e C h u r c h a n d C o m m u n i t y
Mobilization Process (CCMP) on May 10th.
An interaction on integral mission in
responding to vulnerability issues also took
place.
at Delhi Brotherhood House on
May 23rd. Teachers from schools in Delhi
a n d f e w i n d i v i d u a l s f r o m n o n -
governmental organisations were also part
of the discussion on the educational system
and moral values existing in India. The
interaction was followed by prayer and
fellowship.
on 30th May at CANA office. Different
issues were taken up and prayed for. The
staff prayed for founding members,
executive directors, board members,
former and present CANA staff, funding
agencies, churches and individuals who
have supported CANA through the past 15
years. The staff also prayed for the different
projects that CANA was involved with in
the past, the present and the upcoming
programs.
As CANA is involved with programs
and implementing of the same in different
regions in the sub-continent, a much
needed Project Cycle Management and
Facilitation Skills Training and an
introduction to Integral Mission was
conducted for the CANA staff team from
11th June to 15th June. Rev Sundar Daniel,
the previous Asia coordinator of Micah
Network was willing to train and share his
e x p e r i e n c e s o n p r o g r a m c y c l e
management.
5. CANA staff, Ayangla Pongen took
part in the 1st Educators Prayer
Fellowship
6. CANA organized the monthly prayer
day
7.
8. CANA staff took part in the
felicitation function for the newly
inducted union ministers, Hon’ble Oscar
Fernandes and Hon’ble J.D Seelan into
the Union Ministry of India,
9. The Annual General Board meeting
10. A workshop on Church Responses to
HIV and related vulnerabilities, for
Church leaders
at CNI
Bhavan on June 27. Members of several
Churches and Christian organisations were
present in order to felicitate them. A panel
discussion on “Scheduled caste status to
Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims:
Opportunities and challenges” followed
the felicitation program.
was held on 25th July at the chairperson’s
residence. On the 26th CANA Board
member, Andi Eicher, team leader of
Jeevan Sahara Kendra visited CANA to
interact with the Director and staff
members on the current role of the
organisation and what we were looking
forward to do in the future. Rev. Sundar
Daniel, CANA consultant also visited the
team on the same day to share insights on
programs and functions that CANA could
create and involve in the coming days.
was held from 7th August –
9th August at Christ ian Medical
SCAN is CANA's newsletter for “Transform communities and nations”. It is designed to create a platform for strengthening the Christian agencies and individuals working for or with those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. This is done through sharing of resources, best practices, strategies and innovative intervention to facilitate development of the Christian response & voice to combat against the pandemic of HIV/AIDS. Articles, comments or questions from readers are welcome.
SCAN available on Subscription. Annual Rs. 100/-; single copy Rs. 40/-
The Executive Director, CANA, Plot # RZ-61, Palam Vihar, Sector-6, (Near Telephone Exchange), Dwarka, New Delhi - 110 075<E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]> <Tel: 011- 25089302 / 4 / 7 / 9><www.cana-india.org; www.cana-umang.org>
September 2013
Association of India, New Delhi. The
workshop was attended by 30 church
leaders. Bible Studies were conducted on
all the three days on topics such as the body
of Christ living with HIV, stigma,
discrimination, denial, and self-stigma and
full participation of people living with HIV.
Pastor Sanjiv Ailawadi, Hub Church
delivered the keynote address on Integral
Mission. Mr. Issac Jayakumar, Dean
TAFTEE and Mr Sweeharan, World Vision
HIV project were key facilitators for the
Bible studies which involved interaction
with the participants. The workshop ended
with the church leaders writing down an
action plan on how they will respond to
HIV in their church and community.