Through the generosity of so many at Mosaic, we have been able to raise thousands of dollars for work in India through our Project India cans and other initiatives. Recently our Women’s Ministry ran a Bollywood night which raised around $1000 for India. Our focus continues to be to work with both World Vision and Compassion to support the work they do in Delhi through their projects. In the Northwest of Delhi many Mosaic members sponsor children through Worldvision. Last January Jen and I saw their work in the Area Development Project, as well as other initiatives in the area and we have been thoroughly impressed by the quality of the work and the calibre of staff Worldvision have on the ground. We have also have had similar experiences with Compassion staff as we visited their work in other parts of India.
In partnership with Worldvision, the money going to Worldvision from our fundraising has been earmarked for the “Delhi HIV/AIDS Mitigation Project”. Here is a little of the background to Delhi and the work your donations are supporting.
Background – Although Delhi is the political and economic capital of India, slums and resettlement colonies accommodate approximately one third of the city’s population. Access to urban healthcare facilities in slum areas is limited. India’s National Family Health Survey indicates that Delhi residents experience limited care for sexual health and increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Illegal drug use – particularly injecting drug use – is highly prevalent. HIV infections in Delhi are on the rise due to increasing populations of sex workers and injecting drug users – groups at high risk of infection. The Delhi State AIDS Control Society estimates that one million people engage in risky behaviours and practices in the city. Furthermore, many drug users and their affected families are unable to access HIV prevention and care services due to social stigma.
Project overview – The Delhi HIV and AIDS Mitigation Project commenced in 2007 with a specific focus on HIV prevention – especially among at-risk drug users – through counselling, harm-reduction programs and basic healthcare. In its second phase, the project will continue to build on its achievements by strengthening HIVand AIDS prevention, care and support. It will also provide direct support for children and families with family members affected by HIV.
Project goal – Children and vulnerable groups are empowered to protect themselves from HIV infection.
Key outcomes
- Reduced vulnerability of children and adults to HIV and drug abuse.
- Enhanced access to HIV diagnosis, care, support and treatment for drug users and their families. Reduced stigma and discrimination towards drug users and people living with HIV in the project area.
If you would like more information on this project, a fact sheet from Worldvision is available at the Welcome Desk.
