24 Nov : FPA India, Panchkula Branch observed World AIDS Day 2009 on the theme Universal Access and Human Rights on 24th November 2009 at 11.00 a.m. in the office premises, (#62-C, Village Haripur Sector 4), Panchkula. The objective of the programme was to create awareness on HIV/AIDS Rights, PLHA Rights & Sexual Reproductive Health Issues.
Mrs. Veena Monga President, FPA India Pnchckula Branch, Chaired the programme. In her presidential address Mrs. Veena Monga stressed Sexual & Reproductive Health Issues of MSM families. She said the families of MSM have also right to avail SRH services equally as other people. SRH services and HIV test facility are provided at our Clinic free of cost. They have also the right to live in the society with dignity. She further said HIV/AIDS is a challenge before us and we have to face it with courage
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Archna Mohan, Deputy Director, (Care & Support) State AIDS Control Society, UT Chandigarh. In her inaugural she briefed on Scenario of HIV/AID – National & Global. She further briefed on various Care & Support facilities provided by the State AIDS Control Society (SACS), Chandigarh. She briefed the participants on how HIV infection spread.
Ms. Vinit (Advocate) spoke on IPC 377 and rights of MSM and Lesbians. She spoke in detail on Punishment and fine under IPC 377 followed by discussion and interaction on the issue.
Ms. Pooja Thakur, President, Chandigarh Positive People Net Work, provided her expertise on PLHA Rights and Positive People Issues. She stressed on Income Generation activities for the HIV Positive People. They should be provided more and more opportunities for income generation like Candle making project, artificial jewelry making as run by the FPA India Panchkula Branch so that they can earn their livelihood and live with respect in the society.
Mr. Manoj Kumar Branch Manager, FPAI Panchkula Branch told that our Branch has created two self help group of MSM funded by SACS and HACS for making artificial jewelry and fancy candle making activities, respectively. Stressing on Income Generation activities to MSM he, desired that we would like to set up more Self Help Group of MSM introducing them new activities of income generation for which we require funds. He thanked all the participants and resource persons. The programme followed by Dance Competition participated by MSM.