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SAATHII-India

Saathii programs are designed to meet the following objectives:

  • To mobilize increased attention and political commitment on HIV/AIDS.
  • To bring people from multiple sectors together and foster collaborations.
  • To bridge knowledge gaps.
  • To strengthen and expand HIV/AIDS services in India.

SAATHII supports government and civil society through the following programs:

  • Advocacy for increased attention and political commitment on HIV/AIDS.
  • Networking to bring people from multiple sectors together and foster collaborations·
  • Information Dissemination to bridge knowledge gaps.
  • Technical and Financial Assistance to strengthen and expand HIV/AIDS services.

Since February 2000, SAATHII has been participating in nationwide efforts to involve political leaders in the HIV/AIDS movement and to frame humane and futuristic laws concerning HIV/AIDS, HIV-positive people and particularly vulnerable sections like women and children, injecting drug users and men who have sex with men (MSM). SAATHII's activities in this regard have so far included participation in HIV/AIDS forums involving political leaders, consultations for drafting HIV/AIDS related legislation, and campaigns for reform of laws concerning sexual behaviors/preferences and substance use.

Since early 2003, SAATHII has undertaken a number of arts-related and newspaper-based advocacy activities to reduce stigma and discrimination against HIV-persons and people vulnerable to HIV infection. Some major activities include:

  • the annual Siddhartha Gautam Film Festival on AIDS and sexuality organized in the memory of the late Siddhartha Gautam, one of the earliest and pioneering AIDS activists
  • ‘Positive Lives' – a dance visual montage that advocates for elimination of stigma and discrimination and seeks to raise funds in support of self-help groups
  • newspaper advertisement campaigns with HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support-related messages and supplemented with public events that involve film and theatre shows
  • fundraiser cultural events and get-togethers in support of people living with HIV/AIDS, particularly children living with HIV/AIDS or orphaned because of HIV/AIDS.