Let Communities Lead
Program ACCELERATE
An HIV project in India implemented by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and funded by USAID through PEPFAR
In partnership with the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), ACCELERATE shined a spotlight on the virtual platform Safe Zindagi, as well as the Orphans and Vulnerable Children program at this year’s World AIDS Day event in Guwahati on Dec 1.
Thousands of people perused the red and white stalls to learn about the national HIV response and celebrate the UNAIDS theme “Let Communities Lead.” The message underscores how person-centered, community-led programs are essential in ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and improving the lives of the 2.4 million people in India living with HIV.
Leading the way for virtual interventions
One of these person-centered, community-led programs is Safe Zindagi, a web-based platform that was featured in NACO’s stall on virtual interventions. Through the support of the U.S. President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief and the U.S. Agency for International Development, Safe Zindagi offers access to online services for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care.
The novel model led by ACCELERATE, which is implemented through The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , is part of the National AIDS Control Programme’s strategy to improve engagement with at-risk populations in virtual spaces.
Along with a presence at the national event, the Safe Zindagi team also launched a World AIDS Day social media campaign. The video series, which is available also on the Safe Zindagi YouTube channel, will boost awareness of the platform and its services.
Innovations in HIV treatment
ACCELERATE had the opportunity to display a thoughtfully curated array of IEC (Information Education Communication) materials featuring job aids developed by the program, treatment literacy posters, and an adherence calculator for medical professionals. The highlight of the stall was the demonstration of the smart pill box, which can help patients keep track of their medication schedules and remind them to take their medication. Additionally, around 90 respondents participated in an online survey by providing their feedback on the smart pill box.
Empowering families and children
The USAID -supported Orphans and Vulnerable Children program was also featured at the World AIDS Day event. In India, about 70,000 children are living with HIV. Through the support of PEPFAR and USAID, the OVC program provides both HIV services and non-HIV services that help empower families and children.
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Between September 2022 and October 2023, the ACCELERATE team supported 49,440 individuals through the OVC program through its close work with sub-awardee and local partner YRGCARE . In addition to HIV services for testing and treatment support, the OVC program also provides non-HIV services such as support for general health, mental health, education, and nutrition.
During the event, ACCELERATE highlighted its Adolescent Friendly Health Center model, which provides a space for adolescents living with HIV to connect with peers and access support for health and well-being.
A visit with the U.S. Ambassador to India in Nagaland
Meanwhile, in Nagaland, U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti attended World AIDS Day events while celebrating the 20th anniversary of PEPFAR with USAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agencies and partners.
He met with the OVC program staff, beneficiaries, and Aditya Singh , ACCELERATE Executive Director and Deputy Chief of Party, to discuss the key programmatic aspects and achievements over the last four years.
Supporting nationwide events and the way forward
Leading up to this year’s World AIDS Day events, ACCELERATE was proud to support NACO in developing communications for its social media campaigns and the development and launch of a research compendium. The research compendium, which includes a collection of research studies from the State AIDS Control Societies, will help inform programs and policies that will shape the way forward for the HIV/AIDS response in India.
In addition, the ACCELERATE team collaborated with State AIDS Control Societies to support state-level World AIDS Day events in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Mizoram, and Manipur.
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