World AIDS Day was observed on December 1st across the world. As part of the awareness programmes The Humsafar Trust (HST) has utilised the theme given by the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2023, 'Let Communities Lead.'

The Humsafar Trust began its activities on November 30th and the awareness programmes and initiatives are expected to go on till December 12th.

While speaking with Newsband, Sumi M.K., the Clinic Coordinator of Sahyog Clinic of The Humsafar Trust, said, “We began our activities on November 30th with the inauguration of a Photo Gallery, which had pictures of community members and volunteers, and workers who have contributed in various ways to raise awareness about HIV.”

She added, “On December 1st, which is World AIDS Day, we set up a Red Ribbon Stall, which is essential a stall where we distribute red ribbons to the public to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS, and also share a pictorial on how to use a condom to advocate for safe sex. Our staff members go and talk to people on the streets about HIV.”

Also, on December 2nd, there was a flash mob organised by community members at Uttam Nagar District Centre and Connaught Place in Delhi.

Apart from this activity, the HST also has an important panel discussion on the theme of 'Let Communities Lead' which was moderated by Alpana Dange at the Mumbai headquarters of the Humsafar Trust. The panel spoke about the participation of the community in the past, with the learnings to be taken further for the future, and future endeavours where the community will lead.  The panel consisted of three doctors, two members from the LGBTQ+ community and one mental health counsellor.

Sumi further said that after the panel discussion candles were lit to honour the memory of those who lost their lives to AIDS.

On December 3rd, there was a health camp organised by Yaariyan for HIV testing, followed by a potluck with community members.

 Speaking about the activities which lay ahead, she said, “On December 5th, Yaarana, a branch of Humsafar, which works closely with NACO to target the MSM community in Mumbai, sensitised the nurses and ward boys at Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar about the topics of sexuality and gender and how a person needs to be treated in a dignified and respectful manner and spoke about sexuality, gender and HIV presentation. Staff from the ART and STI department, Skin department, and TB department were also present for the sensitisation programme.”

Additional activities conducted on December 5th across India by the HST, was an Advocacy Workshop and Panel Discussion at Hotel Swagstay Ownhouse at Ganesh Peth in Nagpur, Maharashtra. A Creative Art Competition for Communities on the theme of Lives of LGBTQ+ at The Humsafar Trust in Guwahati, Assam. On December 6th, an activity was held at Sahyog Clinic in Amritsar, Punjab. There was also a talk on awareness of Transgender rights and HIV/AIDS.

Sumi said, “On Wednesday, December 6th, there will be a silent march in Mumbai, which will commence from Gate No. 7 of Sion Hospital to Maheshwari Garden from 4:30 p.m. onwards which will end at 7:00 p.m.”

The final activity for this HIV awareness fortnight will be the inauguration of the Sahyog Clinic in Gangtok, Sikkim, and a Pre-Lasoong Celebration at The Humsafar Trust centre.