AHF India Cares partners with Palladium India in a groundbreaking community-based HIV testing and linkage project across 9 states and 22 districts of India

▴ AIDS & HIV
This year, the program has already screened 66,187 people for HIV, of which 994 people are HIV positive with 84% linked to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) .

17-05-2024, India - As we celebrate World HIV Vaccination Day on May 18th every year, it's imperative to acknowledge the stark reality: an estimated 38 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, of which 2.3 million are in India alone. As HIV vaccine remains elusive, the significance of early diagnosis and linkage to care for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) cannot be overstated. Early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment, which can significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life for PLHIV. Moreover, proper linkage to care ensures that individuals receive comprehensive medical attention. It also facilitates ongoing monitoring of the virus's progression, management of symptoms, and prevention of opportunistic infections.

 

The early diagnosis and linkage to care have significantly improved the lives of millions of individuals like Ranjita Devi (name changed) whose life took an unexpected turn in February 2023. At one of the screening camps in Samastipur, Bihar, organized by Palladium as part of the Community Based HIV Testing and Linkage (CBHTL) project by AHF India Cares, she tested positive for HIV.

 

As part of the National HIV Counseling and Testing protocol, Ranjita underwent a confirmatory test at the nearest Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre. The results were perplexing – while kit 1 showed a negative outcome, kit 2 displayed a positive result. Seeking clarity, Ranjita was referred to a hospital in Muzaffarpur for another confirmatory test. However, even after repeated tests, the outcome remained unchanged, plunging Ranjita deeper into despair.

 

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Palladium team reached out to the ICTC Counselor at the District Hospital, initiating a chain of consultations for determining the correct diagnosis. With the intervention of Bihar SACS, an Eliza test was conducted at the blood bank in Samastipur. Finally, Ranjita underwent the confirmatory test in January 2024, which conclusively confirmed her diagnosis. Ranjita was immediately put on treatment. 

 

The correct and early diagnosis and subsequent linkage to care were crucial in Ranjita's journey. With the support of healthcare professionals and compassionate guidance from the ART Center doctors, she understood that HIV is not the end of the world. She gained a deeper understanding of the pervasive taboo surrounding HIV, recognizing the complex societal attitudes and misconceptions that contribute to discrimination and marginalization of those living with the virus. Today Ranjita is living a healthy life with dignity and creates awareness around her about HIV.

 

Mr. Amit Patjoshi, CEO, Palladium India, said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to AHF India Cares for this invaluable partnership." He further added, “Recognizing the significance of last-mile support, AHF India Cares collaborated with Palladium India to bolster community-based rapid testing, counseling, and linkage services across 9 States and 22 districts of India.  Palladium is working within the framework of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NACP) to ensure that no individual is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2023, the project screened a total of 2,51,000 persons with and attained a 90% linkage to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).  While this year, the program has already screened 66,187 people for HIV, of which 994 people are HIV positive with 84% linked to ART.

HIV care means embracing early diagnosis and treatment, empowering individuals to take control of their health, and fostering a community of support and compassion. Together, we can break barriers, save lives, and build a healthier, brighter future.

Tags : #

About the Author


Team Medicircle

Related Stories

13 Mar

Your Desk Job is Destroying Your Mind: Here’s How to Fight Back

We can either continue to let our sedentary lifestyle control our brain health or take charge of our body’s movement and safeguard our mental well-being.

View
13 Mar

Wow! Momo Disrupts FMCG Cup Noodles Market with 'Desi-Asian Flavours' – A First in India

Wow! Noodles Set to launch 5 Desi Asian range of Cup Noodles in vegetarian and non-vegetarian flavours; right from Thukpa from Tibet, Khao Suey from Burma, Korean Noodles, Manchurian & Chilli Chicken & India’s most loved Chinese bhel.

View
13 Mar

Stuck Between the Snooze Button and the Hustle: Entrepreneurs Struggle to Get Quality Sleep

Heartfulness & TiE Global Join Forces to Help Entrepreneurs Combat Sleep Deprivation Through Targeted Workshops across TiE Chapters globally

View
13 Mar

How India’s Kidney Health Crisis is Growing Unnoticed

This World Kidney Day, doctors urge people to get tested, manage their diabetes and hypertension, and adopt kidney-friendly habits—drinking enough water, reducing salt intake, and avoiding over-the-counter painkillers that harm the kidneys.

View
13 Mar

Can Coffee Keep You Steady on Your Feet? New Study Reveals the Truth

Avoiding coffee due to fear of instability is now proven unnecessary. Instead, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental well-being play a bigger role in maintaining posture and stability.

View
13 Mar

Teenagers Are Losing Friends While Chasing Perfection: Here’s Why

The recent study serves as a wake-up call for parents, educators, and society to prioritize mental health over unrealistic standards.

View
12 Mar

Why Millions Are Losing Their Sight to Glaucoma And How You Can Prevent It

World Glaucoma Day serves as a wake-up call for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to take urgent action.

View
12 Mar

The Deadly Cost of the “Perfect Body”: When Diet Trends Turn Fatal

Our focus should be building a generation that values health over harmful trends, where everyone feels accepted, nourished, and supported.

View
12 Mar

NephroPlus Sets Guinness World Record & India Book of Records Title for Largest Kidney Health Screening Drive

NephroPlus plans to further its kidney health awareness efforts in the upcoming years. The insights gathered from this campaign will contribute to further research and advocacy efforts, ensuring greater access to early diagnosis and preventive care for millions across India.

View
12 Mar

Advancing Road Safety Through Clear Vision: VARS 4.0 Sets Bold Agenda

Additionally, vision plays a crucial role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, intersecting with multiple Sustainable Development Goals—from poverty alleviation and economic growth to employment, education, gender equality, and reducing inequalities.

View

-Advertisements-




Trending Now

Teenagers Are Losing Friends While Chasing Perfection: Here’s WhyMarch 13, 2025
Your Desk Job is Destroying Your Mind: Here’s How to Fight BackMarch 13, 2025
Wow! Momo Disrupts FMCG Cup Noodles Market with 'Desi-Asian Flavours' – A First in IndiaMarch 13, 2025
How India’s Kidney Health Crisis is Growing UnnoticedMarch 13, 2025
Stuck Between the Snooze Button and the Hustle: Entrepreneurs Struggle to Get Quality SleepMarch 13, 2025
Can Coffee Keep You Steady on Your Feet? New Study Reveals the TruthMarch 13, 2025
NephroPlus Sets Guinness World Record & India Book of Records Title for Largest Kidney Health Screening DriveMarch 12, 2025
India Choosing to Eat Healthy; Order Volumes Up by 60% for Nutritional ProductsMarch 12, 2025
Amrita students win first prize at DecodeX 2025 hackathonMarch 12, 2025
Why Millions Are Losing Their Sight to Glaucoma And How You Can Prevent ItMarch 12, 2025
Çelebi India Ranks 3rd Worldwide in Ground Handling Performance for Turkish CargoMarch 12, 2025
Advancing Road Safety Through Clear Vision: VARS 4.0 Sets Bold AgendaMarch 12, 2025
The Deadly Cost of the “Perfect Body”: When Diet Trends Turn FatalMarch 12, 2025
Lighthouse Canton’s LC GenInnov Global Innovation Fund Secures Investment from Kotak Mahindra Asset ManagementMarch 11, 2025
TTK Prestige Revolutionizes Cooking with Innovative AirFlip Two-in-One Air Fryer and GrillMarch 11, 2025
Rewriting Immunology: The Discovery That Could Replace Traditional AntibioticsMarch 11, 2025
Is Your Cooking Oil Poisoning You? The Truth About Seed OilsMarch 11, 2025
Think Before You Bite: How Fatty Foods Can Trigger Brain Damage in Just 3 DaysMarch 11, 2025
Ditch the Pills: The Secret to Beating Insomnia is in Your WorkoutMarch 11, 2025
The University of Tasmania invites applications for Master of Public HealthMarch 11, 2025