Project: RAKSHAK

Since: 2004

Target Population: Men who have sex with Men (MSM) & TGs Living with HIV/AIDS

First ever Drop In Center in India, run and managed by MSM living with HIV/AIDS.

A project for MSM and PLHA (People Living with HIV/AIDS) in Pune was started in January 2004 with the goal to provide support and formulate a conducive and enabling environment for MSM living with HIV/AIDS and their partners/families.

The objectives of the project:

• To identify care and support needs of MSM-PLHA.
• To formulate appropriate services delivery strategies and implement them
• To reduce stigma and discrimination of the MSM – PLHA and their affected family members.

During the needs assessment study there was a need for a ‘safe environment’ for MSM to meet. At the same time it is important to sensitize the community and other key agents. HIV was affecting a growing number of people who are extremely vulnerable and have little or no community support or information or access to services

Hence, need based services was a priority. Establishing a drop in center, Awareness within the community and also at the cruising sites helped in imparting information of the project and its activities. It was initially difficult for the team members to develop a rapport and establish trust within the community. Gradually the numbers of MSM visiting the center increased and access the medical care services also increased. This dual approach of providing safe environment and medical care brought a change in social attitude.

During the project period 104 MSM living with HIV/AIDS were registered by the project and were catered with various services under one roof.