Wake Up Pune

The Kite Festival – 14th January, 2012

Anuja — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:29:25 +0000

The event began at 3 p.m on 14^th January 2012 at ground opposite to Basho’s restaurant, koregaon park.

There was a registration desk by Santulan to register for the event with entry fees of 150 rs which included 3 kites, ‘Manjaa’(The thread used to fly kites ), complementary coupons for snacks and tea. On the kite distribution stall, people were requested to write anti-drug slogans on the kites before flying them.

There was some music for people (there was a DJ) to enjoy the event as they flew kites and mingled around.

Volunteers for Wake Up Pune spoke to people and distributing surveys on HIV/AIDS. They also distributed red ribbons asking people to wear it symbolising their support to the fight against HIV.

There was a graffiti wall and an opportunity for people to write anti drug slogans.

Santulan had a desk for giving information on alcohol and drug addiction. A psychiatrist and de-addiction counselor were present to talk about the risk factors of addiction and vulnerability to HIV. There were game stalls for people to have fun as they absorb all this information.

DISHA ladies performed a wonderful street play on subject of HIV/AIDS.

The event lasted till 6 p.m.

The money raised will be going towards Santulan’s cause as de-addiction center.

Sexual Encounter with Sex Worker

Anuja — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:03:27 +0000

i had a sexual encounter once with sexual worker two months back , i used two condoms. Since a month i started getting pain in my all joints in my body,and stiffness in neck . i have slight headache and i has night sweats for around two days. Could I be infected with HIV?

Dear Friend,

Thank you for trusting me with your question.

The number one method to protect against sexual transmission of HIV is correct and consistent condom use (female or male). Condoms also protect against most (but not all) sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can be used during anal, oral and vaginal sex as protection against HIV transmission. But they are only useful when they are used correctly.

See our page to find links for instructions on How to Use a condom (male) or How to use a condom (female) correctly and effectively.

http://www.wakeuppune.org/hiv-what-how-who

Also, Use of two or more condoms at one time is not advised since due to friction between them one or either or them could tear, leaving you or your partner at risk of contracting HIV.

If you still are doubtful about your contracting HIV, please get yourself tested. Details for centers that carry out HIV testing are on our website as well. Testing is free and completely confedential.

I hope your doubts are clear. You may contact me for any further queries regards HIV/AIDS.

Kind regards,

Dr. Punewali

Fundraising and Awareness Event at Suzlon Energy Ltd.

Awanti — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:27:38 +0000

On Thursday 15th December, a group of four volunteers went to Suzlon Energy Ltd. in Maggarpatta for a fundraising and awareness event. We arrived at about 11 AM and set up a table at the back of the company cafeteria with information leaflets, awareness ribbons, bumper stickers, T-shirts and some of the beautiful handmade jewelry made by our own DISHA women. We also walked around to tables, handing out questionnaires and speaking to people about HIV and Wake Up Pune. Everyone was extremely receptive and interested in filling out the surveys – by the end of lunchtime we collected over 80 completed questionnaires and raised over Rs. 3000! A big thank to everyone who participated at Suzlon and to the volunteers who did a great job at spreading the Wake Up Pune message!

Bootcamp for Women’s Empowerment Project Vishrantwadi, Pune

Awanti — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:53:52 +0000

On Wednesday 14th December, Wake Up Pune volunteers conducted an HIV/AIDS bootcamp at the Green Tara Foundation’s Women’s Empowerment Project in Vishrantwadi, Pune. Dr. Manda Mune, the accomplished and strong leader of Vishrantwadi’s Women’s Empowerment Project in the slums of Pune, graciously invited us to hold a bootcamp for the local youth. Ten young male adults attended and actively discussed HIV biology, transmission, prevention, statistics and stigma. The group of males were responsive and asked many questions. In addition, they had many progressive comments which showed their positive outlook on the issue at hand; all of them saying they would 100% consider pursuing a relationship with someone who is HIV positive and that they will help to change the stigma. Their enthusiasm and interest was refreshing and they gladly emptied out our box of free condoms! Anuja Moone, a local WUP volunteer, provided excellent direct translation and explanation of the entire presentation from English to the local language, Marathi.

For more information regarding Dr. Manda Mune’s amazing work please visit: http://www.karuna.org/news.asp?page_id=139&n_id=57

“HIV Through Kissing?”

Awanti — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:57:48 +0000

My girlfriend has a few doubts regarding kissing, exchanging of saliva, and the possibilities of getting HIV. So she was told to have a check up for an HIV test. Please clear our doubts that it is not possible to get HIV while kissing, when the saliva is getting exchanged.

Thanking You.

_____________________________

Hello, thank you for trusting me with your question. It is not possible to contract HIV while kissing and exchanging saliva. There are only four fluids that can transmit the virus. Those fluids are: semen (including precum), vaginal fluid, blood, and breast milk. Your doubts are clear. Please do not hesitate to contact me again with further information or questions you may have.

Kind Regards,

Dr. Punewali

HIV Bootcamp For New Volunteers!

Awanti — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:33:13 +0000

This Sunday, the 11th of December, we will be hosting an HIV Bootcamp for new volunteers of Wake Up Pune! It will be from 3-5pm at 13 Tadiwala Road, Pune. Please come along and feel free to bring friends!…

Celebration of Life

Olivia — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:20:13 +0000

The beautiful ladies of DISHA

Hosted by Wake Up Pune and DISHA, the annual Celebration of Life festival was a great success! Held on Friday the 9th in the Panchshil Mandal, the event featured a cultural program of music and dancing, a positive speaker and prize distribution from the various competitions held during Join the Fight Fortnight. We also celebrated the 5 years of Wake Up Pune! We would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated and attended for their continued support and encouragement!

World AIDS Day Rally

Olivia — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:12:21 +0000

Wake Up Pune once again marched through the streets of Pune to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and reduce stigma this World AIDS Day. The theme of World AIDS Day 2011 was “Getting to Zero”. Zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

Over 400 people joined us to show their support for people living with HIV as well as raise awareness about the HIV epidemic facing this city. The march began at Shaniwar Wada Fort at 8:30am and finished at BJ Medical College around 10:30am.

Conga FLASHMOB!!!

Becky — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 09:14:16 +0000

Wake Up Pune held out first CONGA FLASH MOB on Saturday the 26th November on MG Road. Starting at George restaurant @ 3pm a group of over thirty local and international volunteers danced in a conga line up and down M.G. Road wearing our HIV Positive t-shirts and singing and chanting. We attracted a lot of attention and interest and handed out condoms at the end before we dispersed. A great time was had by all and we look forward to holding more flash mobs in the future!

You can check out the awesome pictures taken by Kushal Das @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/kushaldas/sets/72157628161930481/