HIV epidemic in India is concentrated among High Risk Groups (HRG) and is heterogeneous in its distribution. The vulnerabilities that drive the epidemic are different in different parts of the country. Overall trends of HIV portray a declining epidemic at national level, though regional variations exist. Studies show that long-distance truckers are at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Among India’s millions of truckers, nearly half work on long-distance routes across the country and have been found to be at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. This is critical group because of their ‘mobility with HIV’, their living and working conditions, sexually active age and separation from regular partners for extended periods of time predispose them to paid sex or sex with non-regular partners. Further, inadequate access to treatment for sexually transmitted infections aggravates the risk of contracting and transmitting the virus.HIV/AIDS Control
In 2003, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) associated with TCI Foundation and a project named “KAVACH” was launched in India to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among long distance truck drivers and their helpers (collectively referred to as "truckers") who were nationally mobile. The project was aimed to increase safe sexual behaviours and to reduce sexually transmitted infections and new HIV infections among truckers through innovative approaches and prevention programmes with following objectives.
- • Encourage adoption of sexual behavior and practices;
- • Promote preventive measures; and
- • Reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections.
NATIONAL PROGRAM
In 2006 while acknowledging the importance and impact of Kavach on truckers in India, the Government of India integrated the best practices of Kavach in National AIDS Control Program governed by NACO. TCI Foundation was taken on board as Technical Support Group (TSG) by NACO from 2009-12 to support the truckers program across the nation. The Foundation since works continually with State AIDS Control Societies, PSUs and Corporates of repute to implement the national truckers program at 25 locations across 12 States in India. TCI Foundation has been credited to render HIV and STI prevention and control services to more than 7.5 million truckers in India.
Presence of TCI Foundation across India to curb HIV infections
