Advocacy to affected communities and PLHA networks

PLHA network is a network of People Living with Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) [PLHA] created for PLHA, by PLHA.  The goal of the PLHA network is to sensitise the communities on HIV and AIDS, improve access of communities to HIV prevention and PLHA to treatment and care; and support services.

Advocacy to PLHA networks

Objective

Data suggests that people with HIV often have either latent TB infection or TB disease. Hence the objective is to utilize the PLHA network under the (NTEP) which is available at national, state and also at some of the districts is an appropriate step for advocacy towards catering to TB -HIV patients.

Opportunities for advocacy to PLHA networks under NTEP

Under the TB programme PLHA network can be utilized for advocacy in following areas:

• Social mobilization to raise awareness and increase TB testing among the PLHA and contacts.

• Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities on initiation of appropriate TB treatment services for the PLHA along with uptake of Anti Retro-viral Therapy (ART).

• Advocacy to improve coverage of TB preventive treatment in the eligible PLHA and their children.

• Promotion of TB literacy for the PLHA and focus on de-stigmatization and social inclusion measures.

Importance of advocacy to PLHA networks: 

The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has benefitted extensively by the role played by the PLHA network in community mobilization, increasing access to services, addressing stigma and discrimination issues in the field of HIV.  Further, many PLHA are also members of other key population groups who encounter the challenges affecting TB care. Since PLHA networks are available at the district levels utilizing them in the field of TB through TB Forum meetings, HIV Co-ordination meetings etc., for advocacy to the district administrators as well as for the community level meetings should be an important consideration for the NTEP towards the goal of ending TB.

Resources

 NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR TUBERCULOSIS: 2017-25 ELIMINATION BY 2025, MoHFW, India

Training Modules (5-9) for Programme Managers & Medical Officers, WHO, NTEP, CTD, MoHFW, GoI, 2020.

Assessment