My reflection on HIV and AIDS orientation in Kalimpong, India

I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Church of Scotland and DISHA project staff for my visit to Kalimpong to facilitate awareness module on HIV and AIDS for Eastern Himalayan Diocese, Church of Northern India. The arrangement was done through DISHA-SAHAIYATA project supported by Church of Scotland. There were 43 participants from various pastorate regions. The orientation was successful and much was highlighted in 3 local television channels and local newspapers.

Group discussions on Biblical perspective
 on HIV and AIDS

The church members were encouraged to respond on HIV. In one area in Kalimpong, 116 people are living with HIV and Kalimpong Sub-Division Hospital provides treatment, care and support. Drug use is the main mode of HIV transmission among others. It is my hope that churches will work with communities to ensure that those infected and affected will have access to life skills, livelihood, enhance their resilience in this era of HIV and AIDS and give hope to affected population.

Kalimpong is one of the largest Sub-Divisions of India and has the distinct advantage of being centrally located and would require a minimum stay of 3 to 4 days to be covered. I enjoyed visiting Kalimpong and Darjeeling. Except for the monsoon months of Mid July to Mid September, Kalimpong is a wonderful place to visit throughout. The main languages are English, Nepali, Hindi and Tibetan. People migrate to other states in India and to neighboring countries such as Bhutan, China and Bagladesh.

Access to treatment enhances positive living

Please pray for:

• Church engagement in HIV work in Kalimpong

• People living with HIV and AIDS and caregivers

• DISHA project and the Sub Division hospital staff in Kalimpong as they encourage communities to respond to HIV and AIDS

• Government line agencies and other stakeholders supporting communities.