HIV / AIDS & STI

Digambarpur Angikar continues sexual health intervention as Targeted Intervention (TI) project with transgender & MSM communities in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The main activities have been undertaken of social mapping, regular contact and follow-up, early detection of STIs, regular health check-ups, blood testing to know own HIV status, correct use of lubricants, pre & post-test counseling and behavior change towards safer sexual practices.

Digambarpur Angikar also continuing counselling, organizes various socialand cultural events among the target groups. 

Angikar is implementing Targeted Intervention Project with Commercial Sex Workers and MSM at Canning, Ghutiary Sharif and Baruipur, South 24 Parganas.  Early identification and full treatment of STIs, regulsar health check-ups, Blood testing to know HIV status, motivating towards correct and consistent condom use, building awareness on Do’s and Dont’s, Pre –Post test counseling and behavior change towards safer sexual practice, providing free condoms, linking with ARTs for the treatment of positive HIV cases, regular follow-up and counselling are the major component of the project.

The proposed project titled “Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) among Adolescent and Fisher Women in the Sundarban Deltaic Region” aims to reach 50 villages in Patharpratima Block, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. It focuses on four core areas: increasing community awareness about the importance of SRHR and its link to hygiene, health, and overall wellbeing; establishing a comprehensive package of SRHR services in collaboration with existing government infrastructure; building and strengthening community-based mechanisms to ensure sustainability of SRHR practices; and enhancing the organizational capacity of Angikar to implement SRHR-focused interventions effectively. The project seeks to empower fisher women and adolescent girls in this disaster-prone region to demand better SRH services, access accurate information and quality care, and reduce stigma, discrimination, and violence based on gender. It envisions structured community monitoring to ensure accountability and improvements in maternal and child health outcomes.

The project is expected to bring significant changes at both the individual and community levels. Educated fisher women and adolescent girls will be equipped with knowledge and confidence to raise their voices for their SRHR rights and will remain engaged in improved practices through strong linkages with government services. SRH-related services will become available and accessible at the doorstep of marginalized communities, supported by a newly adopted SRHR policy. Community-based systems, including the formation of Adolescent Groups, will be established in every village or island with active involvement of beneficiaries, local stakeholders, and policymakers. These structures will be supported by a permanent Project Advisory Committee (PAC) comprising representatives from various government sectors and community leaders. The PAC will take the lead in ensuring continuity of the initiative and act as a “watchdog” to monitor SRHR practices and service availability across the region.