Volume I Issue 1 Indo American Development and Health Organization IADHO NEWSLETTER IN THIS ISSUE: President s Message MICTC IADHO Sreyassu Visit Children Case Studies Health Camp Initiatives Sreyassu Visitors & Activities Social Audit NY AIDS Walkathon Participation May 20 th IADHO Mission Statement: Indo American Development and Health Organization (IADHO) seeks to enhance human and socio-economic development in rural India through improved health and education initiatives, particularly in prevention of HIV/AIDS and access to primary and preventive care services. Our mission is to inspire change through community mobilization and outreach projects by connecting like-minded people in Indian and the United States to improve the health, literacy, and economic status of individuals and families in marginalized communities. Page 1
IADHO PRESIDENT MESSAGE GREETINGS Indo American Development Health Organization launched several preventive community based health initiatives this year. I would like to thank all our generous donors for their support. A Grant of $55,000.00 was sent to our implementing partner Lepra Health in Action India. Together we have been making great strides in improving the life & health status of several HIV/AIDS patients, children and women through our Sreyassu project in Jaggaiahpet, Mandal. Fifty children received educational grants, ten children were provided with foster care, and several of them received nutritional support. We continue to provide outreach, weekly clinics, cd4 count monitoring, anti-retroviral treatment through designated centers, etc. They have registered as a community based organization and mobilized local and political support. Recently, an open social audit was conducted. In February, several of IADHO board members including myself went to India. In collaboration with Lepra and other governmental and nongovernmental agencies we launched our First Mobile integrated counseling and testing center (MICTC) in the urban slums of VIJAYAWADA. Approximately one hundred high risk sex trade workers were tested for HIV and only one was positive (referred for follow up care) Reinforcing the fact intense outreach and preventive measures are working effectively and making a difference in the epidemic. We will be expanding this activity into the remote areas of Krishna and Guntur districts. Rural mobile health clinics continue to provide primary and preventive care services to villagers in Chatrai and Musnur Mandals. They also conducted several health camps. Recently our treasurer Mr. Voleti Rao attended the one at MIRZAPUR village. While we continue to strive for better health care for the marginalized people in India, we are also focusing our efforts on the needs of the NY area HIV/AIDS population, which is why we are excited to participate as a group in the NY AIDS WALKATHON of 2012. Hope some of you can join and make a difference. We must become the change we want to see. Mahatma Gandhi Wishing you all the very best Sincerely Meera S Boppana Page 2
IADHO NEWS HIGHLIGHTS-2012 IADHO successfully raised about $ 60,000 in the December 2011 fundraiser and sent a grant of $ 55,000 to LEPRA Health in Action in India for the following Projects: 1. Sreyassu - Comprehensive HIV Aids Projects in Jaggaiahpet, Mandal. 2. Rural Mobile Health Clinics. 3. Mobile Integrated Counseling Testing Center, MICTC. LEPRA Health in Action is a medical development charity that has over 85 years of experience in working with leprosy and other diseases of poverty such as lymphatic filariasis, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. Not only do they work with directly treating patients, but they also work along with government and community organizations. This along with their focus on HIV/AIDS has led to collaborated projects and networking with IADHO. Since their founding date in 1924, LEPRA Health in Action has continued to treat, educate, and support those in the most disadvantaged communities. They are currently focusing their efforts in impoverished populations of India, Bangladesh, and Guatemala. To learn more about LEPRA Health, visit: http://www.leprahealthinaction.org/index.php Photo from: http://www.leprahealthinaction.org/category/our-work/who-we-are/ Page 3
MOBILE INTEGRATED COUNSELING AND TESTING CENTER (MICTC REPORT) IADHO partnered with LEPRA India and other Local NGO s who conducted MICTC in Vijayawada to mobilize HIV test centers. The guests of this program included Mr. Ramana, the Local Corporator, Dr. Meera Boppana, President of IADHO, Dr. Shalini, Vice President of IADHO, and IADHO board member Dr. Padma. The action plan of this program was to bring mobilized HIV testing centers and integrated counseling to needy, remote, rural inaccessible areas and urban slums, especially in the Krishna and Guntur districts. In preparation for the mobilization, 92 community members participated and were educated about HIV testing in the Urban Slum on February 5 th and mobilized. Team members from different NGO s were finalized with specific responsibilities to support the MICTC Program. DAPCU supported the program with supplied kits. Lab technicians and counselors from a nearby Integrated Counseling and Testing Center also provided support, and a MICTC van from East Godavari was also provided. The program began at 9:30 AM on February 6 th joined by the local Corporator, UHC Medical Officer Dr. Rama Rao, Media Personnel, guests from IADHO, and representatives from various NGO s. The itinerary of the program included health education, condom demonstrations, as well as pretest and posttest counseling for the participants. Of the 92 HIV tests that were conducted, only one was found reactive. This case was linked up with the NGO working in that area, who then suggested spouse and children testing. Health Education for the attendees Sharing information to local Media Reps Page 4
Dr. Padma observing the Lab Register reports Dr. Shalini observing the HIV testing process DR. BOPPANA (IADHO) VISIT TO SREYASSU On February 7 th of this year, president of IADHO Dr. Boppana along with Geetha Padmaja and Sanam Roohi visited the Sreyassu community in Sreyassu, Jaggaiahpeta. They met with the Sreyassu Community partners there to better understand the impact of the project, which was to help the PLHIV (People Living with HIV/AIDS), CLHIV (Children Living with HIV/AIDS) and CAA (Children affected by HIV/AIDS). They also meet with the Sreyassu CBO members who assured to implement the project for April 2012. Dr. Boppana observing medicine stock register The PLHIV, CLHIV, and CAA were supported under the various components of the project. Both clinical and nutritional support was provided to help improve the health status of each infected patient. The nutrition unit observed and collected feedback from beneficiaries about the intake and recipe preparations. There was also educational support provided for fifty children. Case studies were shared with regard to the supported children (see pages 7-8 for specific stories) who are employed under ITI. This education initiative has been on record from 2006. The ten children under foster care are supported with basic needs and two meals a day. The trainee beneficiaries reflected that they could able to earn nearly 1500-2000 INR per month. In the CBO Meeting, the CBO members mobilized the resources from local donors and philanthropists for supporting the registered needy PLHIV. The linkages with the local NGO s and Page 5 Observing registers maintained by Sreyassu CBO
government departments provided support under various schemes such as widow pensions, art pensions, bus passes, housing loans, and referrals to hostels. Materials such as oil and wheat were also provided. Notes from Dr. Boppana, Geetha Padmaja and Sanam Roohi: Sreyassu President explaining about the aims, objectives and rollout of activities in future course of action Observing the Nutritional Unit Progress update Page 6
CHILDREN CASE STUDIES WORN OUT LUSTER KUBJADA SREE LATHA Kubjada Sree Latha is a 9 year old girl and a resident of Mettagudem. She is presently studying 4 th class at her local elementary school. Mr. Ramesh, her father, was a mason by occupation and Ramadevi, her mother, a daily wage laborer. After 2 years of marital life, they gave birth to Sree Latha. Unfortunately at that time, the couple was not aware of their HIV statuses. On October 10 th of 2005, Ramesh suffered from constant fever and cough and went to the Jaggaiahpet Government Hospital for screening. He was tested for TB and found positive. The doctor also referred him to HIV testing and he was found HIV sero positive. After the couple was promoted to be tested as a follow up, the ICTC staff tested both Ramadevi and their daughter Sreelatha for HIV and found both sero positive on October 13 th, 2005. Both parents were much disturbed about their health condition and their unfortunate neglect of medicine. 9 year old Kubjada Sree Latha The following year, on May 5 th of 2006, outreach worker Ms. Anuradha identified the family and registered them at the Sreyassu clinic. They put Ramesh on DOTS for Tuberculosis Treatment. However, after 2 months of treatment Ramesh died. Ramadevi was pregnant at the time with their 2 nd child. Nevarapine administration was done properly at the time of delivery. In 2010, this 2 nd child, named Ramya, was tested for HIV and found negative. Sreelatha was supported with foster care, education, and clinically with medicines through the project. On March 23 rd 2011, Sreelatha was registered at Khammam ART center and her CD4 count was 709. Presently, her mother is working as a servant in a hotel and taking care of her children. To meet the basic needs for each child, education and screening for CD 4 is needed as well as foster care support. Mother Ramadevi with her two children Page 7
HOPE FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE DIRISENAPU GOPI RAJU Dirisenapu Gopi Raju is 12 years old and a resident of Torraguntapalem. He is studying in 7 th class at his local M.P.U.P. school. His father Mr. Ramesh is native of Vastvayi Mandal, Regula Gadda Village and his mother Aswini belongs to Penugranchiprolu Mandal, Subbayigudem village. Gopi Raju has 3 elder sisters. Tirupatamma and Priyanka are studying in their 2 nd year and Nagamani is studying 7 th class. By profession, his father was lorry driver. Tragically in 2005, both of his parents died from HIV. In 2006, local NGO Sangamitra started to support them. The children were tested for HIV and found negative. The responsibility of bringing up the children was taken over by the grandparents: Venkateswarulu and Karanamma. Venkateswarulu is working as a night watchman and Karanamma sells fruits at a nearby school. In 2007, the boy was introduced to Sreyassu and he was then provided with foster care and educational support. The foster care support was provided for up to six months, after which the care was unable to support the child. Gopi is very interested in his studies and his favorite hobby is playing cricket. His ambition is to become a police officer. His grandparents are unable to take the responsibilities of 3 children due to their old age and low income. They are requesting the project to support Gopi Raju for taking care of the child s basic needs and education support. If you would like to help these children who lost parents due to HIV/AIDS, please visit our website at: http://iadho.org/includes/iadho_donation_form6.pdf Page 8
HEALTH CAMP INITIATIVES WPI JAGGAIAHPET: AGRAHARAM CAMP A health camp was organized on March 16 th of this year at Grama Panchayathi Office, K. Agraharam Village, in Krishna District. Former Village President Sri Ijjagani Narasimharao inaugurated the camp. Medical officer Dr. AnilKumar of the Community Health Center at Jaggaiahpet supported the camp. A total number of 141 beneficiaries received medical support through this camp. Camp initiatives included awareness of leprosy, T.B, malaria, filariasis, STI, and HIV/AIDS. The Sreyassu Team successfully created and collaborated on this camp project. Health camp Inaugurated by Sri Ijjagani Narasimharao, Former Village President of K. Agrahram Panchayathi Dr. AnilKumar bringing awareness of infectious diseases OP During the camp Health Check up Health camp venue Distribution of medicine Page 9
LEPRA INDIA NUZIVIDU DIVISION: MEGA HEALTH CAMP Sl No. Particulars Male Female Total 1 Total Registered 218 269 487 2 Above 65 years 74 83 157 3 Below 5 Years 12 9 21 4 Above 5 Years 45 54 99 4 Pregnant Woman 0 39 39 5 General 87 84 171 LEPRA INDIA-Mobile Health Clinic organized a Mega Health Camp on April 13 th to make aware, sensitize and treat the health ailments of people in Mirzapuram Village of Nuzividu Mandal. The camp was organized at Mandal Praja Parishad School with financial assistance from Treasurer of IADHO Shri. Venkateswara Rao Voleti, Mrs. Radha Krishna Kumari Voleti, Mr. and Mrs. Udaya Kumar Dommaraju (IADHO). The Mega Health Camp included the screening of Diabetes, Vision, Orthopedic, general ailments and dental problems. It also included IEC Exhibition which placed focus on Leprosy, TB, HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Filaria, Samoohika Seemantham, and Health Education/Counseling for the participants. The Camp was organized with the support and cooperation of local Milk cooperative Society, Primary Health Center Staff, Integrated Child Development Society (ICDS), a collaborated medical team, the guests, and local key persons. Mega Health Camp Diabetes Screening Samoohika Seemantham was conducted for 40 pregnant women. Facilitated by Mrs. Durga Devi, Community Development Project Officer, Anganawadi Workers, Auxiliary Nursin, Midwife, and team. Page 10
Star Performer of the Month December 2011 Name: Mr. Naga Raju Maddamsetty Date of Joining: July 1 st, 2010 Project: Sreyassu, Jaggaiahpeta Native Place: Balijipeta Post & Mandal, Bobbili Thaluka, Vizianagaram District Children: 1 daughter age 12, studying 5 th class We appreciate and honor Mr. Naga Raju, Field Coordinator of Sreyassu as the Star Performer of December 2011 under LEPRA India, Krishna Health Interventions. With his efforts he facilitated the Sreyassu CBO, Jaggaiahpeta in mobilizing the resources from Madras Cements Limited in Jayanatipuram, Krishna District. A value of INR 45,000 was given to the CBO for supporting 50 Children nutritionally and for clothing, 5 sewing machines were given to the tailoring trainees. The impact of the CBO has strengthened linkages and networking with local donors and philanthropists who helped support more numbers of populations in the Mandal. Keep up the good work! SREYASSU VISITORS & ACTIVITIES Sreyassu Team participated in Pulse Polio Immunization Program at Jaggaiahpet Town. 178 children s were immunized during the activity on February 19 th, 2012. Page 11
Dr. Vani Velamati, Dr. Joya Sahu, and Dr. Rukmini Velamati from the U.S.A. visited the Sreyassu weekly clinic on January 1 st of this year. During their visit, they interacted with the Sreyassu C.B.O members, the Sreyassu beneficiaries, and the medical clinic officer. Ms. Radhika, P.O of Krishna interventions and Ms. Divya, M&EO, both facilitated this visit. Sreyassu Team with visitors Page 12
Smt. V. L. Indiradutt, JMD- KCP Cements Limited visited the Sreyassu Project on February 21 st, 2012 and interacted with the community partners. The nutrition unit was sponsored by Indiradutt, which supported 111 beneficiaries with nutritional packets last year. For the program, 172 beneficiaries attended and were provided with clothes. Smt. S. Yogavalli, Sri V. Chandramouli - VRS Transport proprietor, Sri G. V. K. Prasad, Vice President - KCP Cements Ltd, Sri Ramakrishna, HR Manager of KCP Cements Ltd, Mr. M. Sathiraju, and Ms. Radhika participated. Sreyassu C.B.O President Smt. G. Anuradha & the team organized this program. Key Message by Smt. Indira Dutt, JMD KCP Cements Sreyassu Community Partners Distribution of clothes to children by Smt. Indira Dutt Clothes Distribution by Ms. Yogavalli to women Page 13
JAMES FARMER VISIT Photographer and film maker Mr. James Farmer from the UK visited SREYASSU CBO in Jaggaiahpet on February 8 th. He has specialized in providing films, photography and training for development sector organizations for the past ten years. He has worked with NGO s in many countries such as India, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and the UK. He strives to create professional, clear, and emotive work of the highest technical standard, which was seen in his visit to the Sreyassu community. By focusing on compelling narrative and engaging characters, he was able to tell the stories of these people at the heart of the issue. Mr. James Farmer documented the success stories of Master Mani Balaji, who is six years old, and baby Kusuma Priya, who is eight months of age, both Nevarapine administered children. Balaji was found HIV nonreactive during the PCR test. Sreyassu provided the family with psychosocial, clinical and nutritional support. EXPOSURE VISIT TO DIC CHALLAPALLI Family with six year old Mani Balaji On February 26 th, the Sreyassu Team went to visit the Challapalli Drop in Center (DIC) to share initiated systems and follow DIC activities. They also maintained the records and reports at DIC Level. These supplemental systems were maintained at the DIC Levels to effectively reach the PLHIV and CABA in their active areas. The Sreyassu Team participants included M & E Officer Ms. Divya, Counselor Ms. Prasanna, PORW Ms. Jyothi, PORW Ms. Santha Kumari, and Secretary Mr. Suresh. They all learned about outreach formats during this exposure visit. Maa Samasth facilitated this visit and explained the different systems and reports for effective outreach and service to the impoverished community. Ms. Divya (M& E Officer) explaining the data tracking and MIS to Sreyassu team Mr. Nagaraju sharing Sreyassu achievements and resource mobilization methods with MAA SAMASTH Team Page 14
Photos from: LEPRA INDIA IT Newsletter, Volume VII Issue 9, March 3 rd 2012 SREYASSU: MORBIDITY MANAGEMENT CAMP LEPRA India, in collaboration with the District Filaria Unit and under the guidance of the District Malaria Officer organized the Morbidity Management Camp at Jaggaiahpet on February 25 th. 56 LF beneficiaries were aided and made aware of the self-care practices taught at the camp. The staffs of CHC - 6 MPHA (F), 4 MPHA (F) from the Urban Health Center, Jaggaiahpet and 18 AASHA workers were also involved in the program. Mr. Rambabu - DMO explaining the importance of self-care practices to the gathering Filaria infected persons attended to learn self-care practices at Jaggaiahpet Page 15
SOCIAL AUDIT IN SREYASSU The Sreyassu Project conducted a Social Audit at Jaggaiahpet on the 30 th of March, 2012 from 11.00 AM to 2.30 PM. Sri. S. Rajgopal, MLA of Jaggaiahpet attended as a Chief Guest to the program. Dr. Rukmini Rao, Board Member of LEPRA India, Dr. P.V. Ranganadha Rao, Chief Executive Officer of LEPRA India, Mrs. Yogavalli, Sreyassu wisher well & donor and nearly 200 community partners attended this meeting. The program was organized with an objective to review, analyze and propose better strategies in implementation of the program for the duration of 2006-2011. Lightning the Lamp by Smt. Yogavalli Sri. S. Rajgopal, MLA observing the records in the Livelihood Station Speech by Chief Guest Sri. S. Rajgopal MLA Group Photo Page 16
IADHO: AIDS WALKATHON PARTICIPATION This year s New York City marathon will be held at Central Park on Sunday, May 20 th and IADHO is participating! Created and produced by MZA Events, the AIDS Walkathon was made possible by founder and producer Craig R. Miller. With more than two million dollars already raised online on the AIDS walkathon main website, there has been full scale participation from numerous sponsors, media partners, and more than hundreds of teams that have registered, including IADHO. With less than two weeks to go, any donations will be much helpful and appreciated. IADHO s fundraising goal this year is $5,000. You can help by joining our team and donating directly online by visiting the main website: http://aidswalk.net/newyork You can find us on the 2012 Registered Teams (Updated Daily) Page under team leader Swarna Boppanna, or you can directly click here: Indo-American Development and Health Organization... If you would like to become a walker, please use the sponsor form on our website and bring it with you on the day of the walk. On behalf of IADHO, thank you so much for your support! Let s work together to: www.iadho.org Edited by: Kavita Bommasamudram All Copyrights Reserved 2012 Page 17