May 20^th, 2012

Rally at 6 PM at Golibar Maidan Shankar Sheth Road.

Stage event at MG Road (besides Dinshaw Opticians) from 7 p.m -9:30 PM

Wake Up Pune invites you to join in the 2012 International AIDS Candlelight Vigil. Organized worldwide by the Global Network of People Living with HIV, the annual vigil seeks both to raise awareness about the realities of HIV/AIDS in our communities, and to promote positive social action. The vigil’s theme for 2012 is Promoting Health and Dignity Together.

This year, the vigil in Pune will be held on May 20. We invite you to rally with us at 6 PM, beginning at Golibar Maidan Shankar Sheth Road and ending at MG road. After the rally, there will be a stage event with dance performances, HIV-positive speakers, a mock-up session about the HIV helpline, and more.

FOR VOLUNTEERS :

We need volunteers to help ensure that this great event goes as smoothly as possible! Volunteers are needed to light the candles and distribute them, to set up the stage, to set up banners and standees, set up chairs, and help take down and clean up after the event etc.

Help make this important event a success for Deep Griha, DISHA, and Wake Up Pune! If you are able to volunteer for all or part of the event, contact Anuja at wakeuppune@gmail.com or 9623698135 by Friday May 18 at 9 PM.

If you would like to volunteer with this event, we will be meeting at the Deep Griha centre on Tadiwala Road at 2 PM on May 20, and please remember to wear your “HIV POSITIVE” t-shirts! If you don’t have one, stop by the Tadiwala Road centre before Sunday and pick one up.

So calling all Wake Up Pune volunteers and supporters ! Show your support by coming along and helping out at events. We need volunteers to ensure things run smoothly. The more people that attend the more we can spread the word about HIV/AIDS in Pune!

If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at wakeuppune@gmail.com telling us which event(s) you will be attending. For any more information, you can email wakeuppune@gmail.com or call on 9623698135.

When? – Friday, May 11, 2012

Where? – High Spirits Cafe, ABC Farms, Pune

More details coming soon…

Right From the chimes of “Chotti Si Asha” in Roja, A R R…ahman has enchanted all generations of the nation with his unique genre of music.

This is the only show authentically based on A R Rahman’s songs, recreated the way he would have done, with all its quality.

Rahmania is an attempt to bring this genius out of the listeners hearts and connect with him through his music. This is the only exclusive show, which presents a compilation of his songs, seldom attempted by anyone much because of his complex orchestration and offbeat type of music.

A journey through the life, philosophy and music of A R RAHMAN.

The Wandering Souls is a band formed in 2006 formed by a bunch of musicians and is the only band to have performed with A R Rahman at his LIVE concerts such as the ‘Jai Ho’ concert.

The band is a 20-member team with efficient light and sound engineer to ensure the spectacular re-creation of Rahman music.

Taking advantage of such a wonderful opportunity, Wake Up Pune is going to spread awareness at the event, reaching out to audience and providing a wake-up call for Puneites on the issue of HIV and AIDS.

Details of Event
Date : 20th April 2012
Time : 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Venue : Ram Krishna More Prekshagriha,
Next to Telco
Chinchwad,
Pune.

Facebook link for the event is – http://www.facebook.com/events/322170807845345/

RAHMANIA – For ticket enquiries please contact
Vinayak – 0 9890 633 008
Reju – 0 9373 736 262
Jacky – 0 9890 664 942

NEW DELHI: Nearly two out of every five female sex workers (FSWs) in India could be living with HIV infection.

Those who aren’t already infected, however, carry more than 50-times increased risk of getting infected during their lifetime.

The region where the risk of HIV infection increased most for a sex worker was Asia (29 times more) compared to a 12-time higher threat in Africa and Latin America.

A study, conducted by Dr Stefan Baral from the Center for Public Health and Human Rights at Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health, to be published by the Lancet on Thursday shows that FSWs in developing countries are 14 times more likely to be infected by HIV than women in the general population.

The authors carried out an analysis of 102 studies, representing almost 100,000 FSWs in 50 countries. Overall, HIV prevalence in FSWs was found to be 12%.

In 26 countries deemed to have medium or high background HIV prevalence, some 31% of FSWs were HIV- positive, and were 12 times more likely to be infected than women from the general population.

“We identified consistent evidence of substantially higher levels of HIV among FSWs compared with all women of reproductive age in low and middle-income countries in all regions with data,” the authors said.

“These findings suggest an urgent need to scale up access to quality HIV-prevention programming and services among FSWs because of their heightened burden of disease and likelihood of onward transmission through high numbers of sexual partners as clients. Improvement of linkages to antiretroviral treatment and retention in care is crucial. The role of stigma, discrimination and violence targeting female sex workers globally will be required to reduce the disproportionate disease burden among these women,” they added.

“When reviewing the data from the past five years, FSWs still carry more than a 50-time increased odds of HIV infection in India. Since HIV prevalence is a lagging indicator of prevention success, time is needed to reveal the benefit of these programmes in terms of the absolute burden of HIV among female sex workers in India. Nonetheless, the disproportionate burden of HIV among these sex workers, even in settings where progressive programmes exist, emphasizes the need to increase coverage by increasing scale of prevention programmes and decreasing barriers to access,” is how The Lancet summed about the situation in India.

In India, women account for around one million out of 2.5 million estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS. The National Aids Control Organization estimates that around 4.9% of FSWs in India are HIV- positive.

The estimated number of new annual HIV infections has declined by more than 50% over the past decade. India had about 1.2 lakh new HIV infections in 2009 as against 2.7 lakh in 2000.

While this trend is evident in most states, some low prevalence states have shown an increase in the number of new infections over the past two years. Of the 1.2 lakh estimated new infections in 2009, the six high-prevalence states account for only 39% of the cases, while states like Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat account for 41% of new infections.

The adult HIV prevalence at national level has continued its steady decline from estimated level of 0.41% in 2000 through 0.36% in 2006 to 0.31% in 2009. In India, about 40% people don’t even know their HIV status.

The prevalence of HIV among key population at higher risk of infection – notably sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men – is high in several Asian countries. However, the virus is spreading to other sections of the population through the years.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/In-India-two-out-five-female-sex-workers-suffering-from-HIV/articleshow/12271596.cms

The bootcamp was conducted in English but translated to Hindi by Prashasti Agarwal, our volunteer, for the community girls to understand. The girls were very enthusiastic and responded promptly. The agree/disagree line game was thoroughly enjoyed by the girls. It was delightful to see their positive responses such as they would continue to be friends with someone if they found out that their friend was HIV positive, not only because HIV doesn’t spread by touch or through air but to end stigma against PLHIV. They also supported rights of PLHIV which was evident by their statements that PLHIV have right to have children, just like everyone else. We also received interesting questions at end of session such as “Can HIV spread through smoking?” and “How does C-section delivery help to protect baby from having HIV?”

By the end of the bootcamp, every participant had been educated and made aware of the various important issues and can now spread the message to their respective families, friends and communities.

Wake Up Pune was fortunate enough to be able to have a booth at the NH7 Weekender Music Festival in Pune, which coincided with Join the Fight Fortnight.  There volunteers performed a live installation and engage many people in learning about HIV; we also raised over 9000 rupees for Wake Up Pune and DISHA.  Another live installation was performed in two different sites in Ramtekedi with over 100 people witnessing.  Members of the DISHA team were on hand to hand out leaflets and answer questions about HIV, stigma and the services they provide.

For the first time ever, Wake Up Pune held a Flash Mob as part of the World AIDS Day activities.  Over thirty volunteers participated in a “Conga Flash Mob” down MG Road, singing, chanting and dancing their way down the street in HIV Positive t-shirts and attracting a lot of attention from passersby and shopkeepers.

In addition to the above activities, Wake Up Pune held various HIV Bootcamps during the two weeks of activities, including one with volunteers from Sangam and one at Infosys both of which generated great discussion among the participants.  An awareness event and poster competition were held at Mariplex Mall with over 150 people filling out questionnaires.  Leading up to World AIDS Day three beautiful rangolis were created in Tadiwala, Deccan Junction and at Swargate which generated a lot of interest and conversation on the streets.  A signature campaign was also held in four locations across Pune in which people were asked to sign banners and make a pledge not to discriminate.

The highlight of Join the Fight Fortnight is always the World AIDS Day Rally on 1 December where Wake Up Pune and DISHA joined over 400 others in a march from Shaniwar Wada to BJ Medical College Ground.  Participants were positive and enthusiastic, spreading awareness and showing their support for those living with HIV.

The events and activities culminated in the annual Celebration of Life event, held on Friday 9 December in Tadiwala.  The event featured a cultural program of music and dancing, a positive speaker, and prize distribution from the various competitions held over the past two weeks.  We also celebrated the 5 year anniversary of Wake Up Pune!  A sincere thank you goes out to all who participated and continue to show their support for Wake Up Pune.

10th November 2011
Fundraising and Awareness at Malaka Spice

6th November 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Tadiwala

4th November 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Aasra Foundation Rehabilitation Centre
Wake Up Pune volunteers conducted this bootcamp for 29 recovering addicts and alcoholics.  The residents had some interesting questions regarding prevention of HIV and the usage of condoms (aided by a condom demonstration) and the following discussion dispelled some common myths about the transmission of HIV.

20th October 2011
Light Up Pune
Wake Up Pune lit up Tadiwala Road for Diwali.  A team of Wake Up Pune volunteers and the DISHA team created a giant AIDS ribbon from candles to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.  Over a hundred people witnessed the making and lighting of the candle ribbon.  The DISHA team were on hand to answer question and spread the word about HIV transmission, prevention and stigma.  We had a moment of silence in remembrance of those who have passed away from AIDS.

14th October 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Green Tara Women’s Empowerment Project
20 young women participated in this HIV bootcamp at Green Tara Foundation’s Women Empowerment Project in Vishrantwadi.  The girls were very eager to learn about HIV and asked lots of questions about the biology of HIV as well as prevention and safe sex, including condom usage.

13th October 2011
Fundraising and Awareness at Shisha Café

12th October 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Santulan De-addiction Camp
This bootcamp was held for 11 men attending Santulan’s de-addiction camp.  There was a focus on the connection between HIV and drug/alcohol abuse and the double stigma faced by HIV positive addicts.  The attendees listened intently and participated eagerly in the interactive portions of the bootcamp.

9th October 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Tadiwala

24th September 2011
Steer-On Rally
In association with AIESEC Pune, Wake Up Pune and DISHA participated in this rally to raise awareness about HIV that began at Fergusson College.  Over 60 people showed up in support, carrying banners, shouting slogans and handing out condoms and leaflets to the public.

8th September 2011
Fundraising and Awareness at Shisha Café

28th August 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Tadiwala

8th August 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Santulan De-addiction Camp
This bootcamp was held for 15 men participating in the de-addiction camp.  Most of the attendees were very responsive to the bootcamp and participated in the interactive activities and asked questions.  Following the presentation, 11 of the men voluntarily got tested for HIV, which was provided free and confidential by DISHA.

7th August 2011
Melava+: A Matrimonial Event for People Living with HIV
DISHA and Wake Up Pune, along with Santulan, hosted Melava+, the second annual matrimonial event for people living with HIV.  Though PLHIV can live a full and healthy life with the help for ART medications, they often have trouble finding a life partner.  Based in a belief that all people have the right to get married if they choose, Melava+ provided a platform for PLHIV to find a life partner, community, love and happiness.  Four couples officially announced their marriage at the event which welcomed over 150 PLHIV, including over 50 women.  Candidates mostly came from Maharashtra, but some came traveled from as far as Gujurat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.  The travel costs for all female participants was sponsored.  The positive candidates were joined by a similar number of family members, all eager to help find prospective partners for their kin.

The day began with breakfast and a number of icebreakers and games.  Though different from the traditional matrimonial format, the games got people laughing and helped them really get to know each other better.  While the candidates played games, parents and family members spoke with a psychologist and watched several short films about HIV.  Now seven months pregnant, Ganga, an HIV-positive woman who got married as a result of last year’s Melava+, encouraged family members to live positively and to never give up hope.  Afterwards a lunch was served, catered by Santulan’s newly trained caterers, all ex-addicts who had recently finished a 15-day de-addiction program.

Melava+ welcomed people from varied backgrounds, unlike traditional matrimonial events.  For both the candidates who found partners and those who did not, the change to meet other PLHIV was an invaluable and life-changing experience.  In addition to this, the act of publicly announcing one’s HIV-positive status was very meaningful and for many, was the first time they had done so.  Wake Up Pune believes that stigma and discrimination form the most significant challenge in the fight against HIV in India.  Events such as Melava+ raise public awareness of HIV, as well as support PLHIV in living full and happy lives.

29th July 2011
Fundraising and Awareness at Malaka Spice

24th July 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Tadiwala

15th July 2011
Fundraising and Awareness at Shisha Café

10th July 2011
Awareness Program at Mariplex Mall
Local and international Wake Up Pune volunteers gathered at Mariplex Mall in Kalyani Nagar.  Tables were set up equipped with free condoms, AIDS ribbons, leaflets and questionnaires.  Over 400 questionnaires were completed by interested people in the mall and was one of the most successful activities of the day.  In addition to this, Wake Up Pune volunteers performed some disruptive theatre and the DISHA ladies performed a street play, to raise awareness about the damaging effects of HIV-related stigma and engage people in a dialogue about what they can do to reduce stigma.  Some games and activities were also played to correct common misconceptions about HIV.  The event was very successful and reached a lot of people.

29th June 2011
Film Screening: 68 Pages
Wake Up Pune held a screening of 68 Pages, an Indian film made in 2007 that follows the story of an HIV/AIDS counselor and her five counselees who are all from different marginalised communities in Mumbai.  The film explores the stigma and difficulties faced by the characters and provoked a thoughtful and interesting discussion following the film.

23rd June 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Santulan De-addiction Camp
Wake Up Pune volunteers ran this bootcamp for the 20 attendees of Santulan’s first 15 day de-addiction camp.  The bootcamp was very well received and afterwards five of the men decided to get tested on the spot for HIV which was provided by DISHA and the DGS lab technician.

17th and 22nd June 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Ibis Hotel
HIV bootcamps were held for the heads of departments, managers and supervisors of Ibis hotel which included about 30 people.

16th June 2011
Fundraising and Awareness at Shisha Café

12th June 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Tadiwala

3rd June 2011
Fundraising and Awareness at Prem’s Restaurant

29th May 2011
Live Installation on MG Road

26th May 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Aasra Foundation Rehabilitation Centre

15th – 22nd May 2011
Global AIDS Week
The Global AIDS Week of Action began with a signature campaign, two rallies and a candlelight vigil.  The vigil featured a testimony from a man living with HIV, a discussion of HIV hotline services and a candlelight ceremony during which the crowd recited a pledge to fight stigma and discrimination.  There were also musical performances and dances.
For the rest of the week, the DISHA team and Wake Up Pune volunteers canvassed local communities encouraging residents to get tested and on one day 30 people came to Tadiwala for testing.  Several live installations were held as well as a stigma tunnel in Kasurdi village.  A few fundraising and awareness events were held at various bars and restaurants in Pune, including a benefit concert at High Spirits, all of which raised almost Rs 45,000.

8th May 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Tadiwala

1st March 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Tadiwala

24th January 2011
Film Screening: Yesterday
Wake Up Pune hosted a film screening of this 2004 South African film.  The film tells the story of a young mother who discovers she has HIV and her husband, who gave her the virus, rejects her.  Attendees were moved by the touching story and continued to discuss the film in an online forum following the event.

21st January 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Extentia

19th January 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Mahindra World United College

8th January 2011
HIV Bootcamp at Tadiwala

3rd January 2011
Fundraising and Awareness at Shisha Cafe

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

There was a DJ playing music as people flew their kites and showed their support for Santulan.  There was also a graffiti wall on which people were encouraged to write anti-drug slogans and various game stalls.  Volunteers from Wake Up Pune spoke to people and distributed surveys on HIV/AIDS. They also distributed red AIDS ribbons to symbolise their support for the fight against HIV.

Santulan had a both to give out information on alcohol and drug addiction. A psychiatrist and de-addiction counselor were also present to speak to people about the risk factors of addiction and vulnerability to HIV. Some members of the DISHA team were present and performed a street play to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

The money raised from the event will be used to support Santulan’s new de-addiction center.