LINK WORKERS SCHEME: The specific objectives of the scheme include reach out to HRGs and vulnerable men and women in rural areas with information, knowledge, skills on STI/HIV prevention and risk reduction. Since Ramanathapuram District falls under this category, ARD has been recruited by APAC- VHS to implement the scheme with 40 Link workers, 4 Cluster Supervisors, 1 M&E, 1 District Resource Person for Training and 1 District Resource Person for Programs. We have identified 150 most vulnerable villages for mapping and for intervention activities for the prevention HIV.Out of the 5956 vulnerable population identified, 5213 population have undergone ICTC testing and among the 5231 tested, 3964 members have under gone STI testing. Out of the 4218 bridge population identified, 3420 population has undergone ICTC testing. So far, 2670 volunteers were trained from the target villages, 117 Red Ribbon Clubs were formed, and 100 Village Health Committees were promoted to support our link workers in their intervention activities.Apart from these, we have also promoted 122
condom outlets, 120 village information centers and have established 118
village information boards in the 100 target villages. In addition to these, 3240
groups meetings were organized among women self help groups, youth clubs and
NRG to sensitize them about the consequences of HIV/AIDS and to undertake
safety measures to stay away from contracting with HIV/AIDS. We also conducted 40
advocacy meetings among the health care providers and district officials to
avail their support and cooperation in our venture. Above all, we have
identified 32 HIV positive people and they are referred for proper treatment.
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: With the financial support of Ministry of Environment and Forest, government of India through Peace Trust, we have organized three days program on Bio diversity conservation which was very useful for the time. With local people’s contribution and 500 people’s participation at Rameshwaram, the program was conducted the program to make them realize the environment in which we live is not for human being alone. The local community and other stakeholders are interested to involving in this effort. The knowledge that we gained here will be helpful for us to prepare the people for adopting. They have planned to take care of at least one tree to be raised by an individual. If there is a change in the ecosystem cycle, it will affect the whole system of life pattern in the environment.