Before World AIDS Day of this year, Dr Denis Broun from UNAIDS India Office posted a query on Solution Exchange-AIDS section, which is an interactive web-based forum initiated by UN agencies India. Dr Denis urged more experience to share and learn regarding with World AIDS Day. Later, 37 feedbacks were sent and reviewed. E. Mohamed Rafique, Resource Person and Rituu B. Nanda, Research Associate compiled and summarized the responses.

　　CHAIN will share its report about UNAIDS/CHAIN Joint Project regarding with community mobilization and information sharing for World AIDS Day in China.

Summary of Responses

　　World AIDS Day (WAD) is a premier event to mobilize the general population to the cause of HIV. Members debated on the usefulness of WAD events, the obstacles in organising them, the issue of stigma, and the role of partners.

　　While WAD has become a major day, there are various hindrances in organising WAD events, members noted. Some respondents felt that availability of resources is the main obstacle, as NGOs have to use funds from their own reserves. With limited funds, small NGOs engage in minor activities like distributing written slogans. Communities that lead, require resources to organize themselves and help them to move forward.

　　Initially, along with financial hindrances, it was difficult to mobilize the People Living with HIV (PLHIV) due to fear of stigma. Earlier, most people were unaware of WAD observation and those who knew, avoided such events. However, gradually this attitude has changed and currently WAD has become a powerful means of HIV awareness.

　　The sustained work on HIV projects during the year builds up at the WAD, creating a friendly atmosphere for PLHIV to give a human face to WAD. The social movement and personal counselling with PLHIV in Rallies has reduced apprehension of stigma. In places where communities blaze a trail in WAD events, there is active PLHIV participation. However, to set a good example of a WAD event there had to be prior orientation and sensitization work with key persons from the community, members stressed. Moreover, the evolving nature of WAD events has helped overcome the obstacles. Consequently, organizations like Samrakshahave shifted focus from awareness to action and collaborations for getting commitments on HIV-related issues.

　　WAD has helped in building partnerships with individuals and organisations in taking the initiative forward. Every year new partners join the WAD observance. The State and district administrations, NGOs, Churches, educational institutions, and political leaders have become partners with PLHIV to organize WAD events and share a common space. Where the organizers have been proactive, more partners have come forth and brought forth resources and skills. Organizations with sufficient budget have planned activities with stakeholders. Members quoted the example of Zambiain bringing different groups on one platform and organizing a unified program. 

　　Members observed that the magnitude and quality of WAD programmes has gone up. Nevertheless, they cautioned that WAD is becoming a one-day event in which groups of people take part as a formality. Sometimes, people who march in rallies are not clear about the meaning of WAD. Further, a few organizations often lure PLHIV for participation. Therefore, respondents gave their recommendations on WAD:

• Civil society must be encouraged to observe the WAD
• WAD must be a culmination of an year-long processes
• Local language Bill boards and publications on HIV
• A round table discussion on the internet
• More use of TV and Radio
• Coordination will help in improving the quality of the programmes

　　Respondents admitted that they had never done a cost-effectiveness study. However, based on experience, they listed the effective WAD programmes. The WAD events even at micro-level have helped expand the scope and size of support for HIV initiatives. There is more energy seen when a day is observed as a special Day.

　　Infotainment has proved extremely effective, since it holds audience and media attention, thus ensuring larger coverage and reach. Members found that Public Processions culminating in public functions are not only effective but also draw sponsors that reduce work and costs. The street plays have been effective, though the crowds participating in them are less. Where provision of further service delivery is available, it is more accepted and has greater community appreciation.

　　Members felt the most successful programme is with youth. On WAD, educational institutes encourage working with youth because they are more receptive to information, in the form of theatre, street plays, campaigns, workshops, quizzes, and competitions for posters, slogan writing, essays and drawings. These programmes also help in reaching the teachers and parents, who otherwise by-pass such events.

　　Community empowerment and solidarity events have immense value, members emphasized. The decentralization and encouragement of local events bring a range of activities that deepen the focus. Peer group meetings and involvement of the local leaders and PLHIV are more meaningful. Programmes involving leaders provide a public space for leaders to influence each other and to update themselves on the epidemic. Bringing affected and infected people and discussing their issues in the presence of decision makers has been constructive. Live panel discussions with local TV channels have a far-reaching impact.

　　The celebration of WAD has increased HIV awareness in remote villages. Functions involving Panchayat members, Religious leaders, and village elders coupled with Nukkad Nataks have proved to be most effective in drawing people and spreading message about HIV. When reviewing the activities, we find those with access to guidance and in association with mainstream organizations performing better.

　　Programmes organized in partnership with Private Sector and Rotary Clubshave been productive. BEST Busses in Mumbai with Red Ribbons and distribution of Red Ribbons by the Blind has been very effective. On the ground, generally the events that made more impact involved more money like short film competitions.

　　Members suggested instruments to measure impact:

• Presence of all sections of people especially women and youth
• Media coverage
• Number of Government and Corporate Leaders who show concern on HIV
• Number of Red Ribbons hanging in public places
• A qualitative methodology using assessment on the levels of awareness, before and after WAD
• Measures of social acceptance of PLHIV before and after the WAD events
• Increase in numbers accessing the HIV services after WAD
• Decrease in reports of discrimination in the newspapers after WAD
• Increase in Blood donation volunteers during the WAD week
• Feedback from PLHIV

　　To sum up WAD events have a value, though limited, members said. We need to realize both the value and the constraints so that the expectations from WAD events are realistic and resources allocated accordingly. Members concluded that more importantly, we must ensure that it does not end up as an annual ritual.

＊Interested in reading the full report? please contact Ms LiQi of CHAIN via liqi.chain@gmail.com