DISHA (Deep Griha's Integrated Service for HIV & AIDS)
DISHA is an HIV prevention, treatment, care and support programme, working not only within our regular target communities but also with the wider public in Pune.
Since DISHA started in January 2005, the project has grown rapidly to offer a wide range of services:
- Nutrition programme for clients (two healthy meals a day, six days a week)
- Drop-in centre with recreation facilities
- Counselling services
- Home based care and support
- Treatment of opportunistic infections
- Referral services
- Weekly outpatient clinics (courtesy of Dr Madhu)
- Shelter home at Vishrantwadi
- Income generation programme (helping clients achieve financial security)
- Voluntary testing and counselling services
Regular DISHA gatherings feature dance and music, giving an opportunity for PLHIV and their families to relax, have fun, and showcase their talents. DISHA's emphasis on 'Positive Living' is one of the most distinctive aspects of the project.
DISHA has centres in Tadiwala Road and Ramtekdi, and also performs outreach using the DMAV (DISHA Mobile Awareness Vehicle). The DMAV delivers the DISHA team to the urban and rural communities who otherwise have notoriously poor access to education and health awareness in general.
The Stigma Chakra
For people living with an affected by HIV and AIDS, the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV can be far more damaging than the effects of the virus itself. Deep Griha Society aims to tackle the SILENCE surrounding HIV. It is this silence that leads to a vicious cycle of ignorance, fear, stigma, discrimination... and as a direct result, more silence.
The HIV & AIDS 'numbers' represent real people. They have families, friends, and a community. The numbers have faces. The 115 DISHA clients have faces and people who love them - they are also affected by HIV.
