APAC conducted a two day workshop on June 3 and 4, 2009 to orient the Key Resource Persons (KRPs) for conducting sensitization program for key development department officials in A and B category districts in the state of Tamil Nadu. This is part of the sensitization of District AIDS Prevention and Control Units (DAPCU) in Tamil Nadu. The program is a joint initiative of Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (TANSACS) and APAC. 

Dr. T. Ilanchezhian, Director – Programs, APAC welcomed the Key Resource Team briefly outlining the agenda for the day and the objectives of the workshop.

• To orient the key resource team members on epidemiology, NACP III design and strategies with focus on mainstreaming and HIV/AIDS programs

• To build their capacity for developing inter-sectoral coordination initiatives and create an enabling environment for scaling up implementation with respect to mainstreaming HIV/AIDS in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ category districts.

• To identify the roles of development departments and service sectors in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ category districts to facilitate supportive supervision in mainstreaming initiatives.

The two day training program was divided into various sessions to make the resource persons have a better understanding of various topics. The various sessions conducted were as under:

Dr. Ilanchezhian listed the various implementing and collaborating agencies involved in the task of developing and mainstreaming initiatives in the key development departments in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ category districts. He gave an elaborate account of the need for inter- sectoral coordination and mainstreaming at the district level. The priority target groups and the timelines proposed for mainstreaming were also projected.

Dr. Ilanchezhian described the goal, key features, targets, guiding principles, challenges, the estimated size and coverage of the High Risk Groups, strategies to reach vulnerable sections and new initiatives with respect to NACP III. The HIV/AIDS scenario in India was substantiated with statistical trends based on age distribution and different population groups. The criteria for categorization of districts, the link worker scheme, legal issues and implementation of operational guidelines developed by NACO were also discussed.

Dr. Ilanchezhian dealt with details pertaining to the basic services of TANSACS. The various programs of TANSACS such as blood safety, AIDS education, PPTCT, ART services, ICTC, CCC, etc. were elaborated. He also insisted the Key Resource Persons (KRPs) to acquaint themselves with basic information about their respective districts.

This session enabled comprehensive knowledge on the various programs and services available in the state, which is vital information for mainstreaming and linkages at the district level.

Mr. Palani, from TANSACS described the mainstreaming initiatives in the various Government departments, presently undertaken by the State Committee on AIDS and the Multi-sectoral Committee. The proposed initiatives were also enumerated.

Dr. Harikumar took the session on DAPCU. He dealt with the operational guidelines for DAPCU, strategy for district planning, key prevention components, the district action plan proposed by NACO, NACP III organogram, staff structure of DAPCU unit, village level NACP-NRHM convergence, block level services, district health action plan and fund flow.

The KRPs were divided into 6 groups to work on the points of mainstreaming/integration in their regular activities for the following departments:

1. Labour department

2. Transport department

3. Rural development department

4. Mahalir Thittam

5. Developmental NGOs

6. Missionary hospitals

The participants expressed that the training program was very fruitful and has made them better equipped to undertake the sensitization programs in various districts.