Objectives:

Reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS in six selected districts of low prevalence states of Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Rajasthan through Panchayati Raj Institutions:

The project was implemented in 6 selected districts of low prevalence in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and Rajasthan through Panchayati Raj Institutions with the support of Programme Management Organization Department for International Development U.K Supported HIV/AIDS Programmes in India.

The purpose of the project was: To increase awareness, encourage behaviuor change and promote health-seeking behaviour to reduce vulnerability to HIV in the selected project area (migration prone areas) by sensitizing Members of Panchayati Raj Institutions and local youths with support of Peer educators with a view of lowering the risk of HIV transmission.

The basic project strategy was to sensitize & strengthen PRI members through peer educators to take up HIV/AIDS prevention activities in rural communities. The assumption here is that PRI members will be available to come forward for this work. In brief the project strategy will be
• Orientation of Elected Panchayati Raj Institutions on HIV/AIDS
• Training of Peer Educators
• Care & Support for people living with HIV/AIDS

Monitoring of Implementation of Malaria Control Measures under Rengali Irrigation Project Implemented by CDMO Dhenkanal & supported by JBIC

JBIC is supporting the construction of Left Bank Canal system in Dhenkanal district of Orissa under the Rengali irrigation project. VHAI had carried out a detailed malaria impact assessment of this project. Following the submission of VHAI’s report, malaria mitigation measures to be implemented by CDMO Dhenkanal became part of Irrigation Project Phase II.

VHAI is given the responsibility for monitoring of these measures and provide hand holding support to CDMO Dhenkanal. As the coordinating & monitoring agency VHAI has the following role to ensure effective implementation of the programme:

1. Monitoring & facilitating coordination for the individual components of the scheme (as given in project proposal) with analysis, recommendations or counter measures to be taken for effective implementation of the activities.
2. Monitoring of Vector-control Measures involving communities/NGOs, provision of bed nets, creation of revolving funds mechanism to ensure sustainability of the activities and the O&M of the hatcheries.
3. Concurrent analysis, evaluation & reporting of the activities simultaneously, to extract conclusions to plug the shortcomings & enhance effectiveness of the project.