CABA : A ray of hope for people living with HIV NACO's focus on children
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 06 2012: "With the assistance provided through CABA I am able to send my child to a private school.

Apart from that, I got a bank loan and a job card.

I am certain now that I would survive for sure," a woman living with HIV/AIDS announced proudly with a beaming smile.

Child Affected/Infected by HIV/AIDS (CABA) is a pilot project undertaken in ten selected districts across India under the aegis of NACO.

It is working for providing assistance to children who are either HIV positive; children with one or more HIV parents/caregivers; children who lost one or both parents to AIDS or children living in the house with one or more HIV infected person.

The objective of the project is to ensure that the programmes implemented by various Government departments reach the children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

"I was unable to admit my child on time.

Even paying monthly fees of just Rs 250 was very hard for me, for which my child was not allowed to write many exams.

It was a time when my child was sent back home from the classroom," the woman, who preferred anonymity recalled.

She went on, "But now, I am able to ensure admission of my child at a private school and I can also clear her monthly fees in time thanks to the assistance provided through CABA.

"Besides, I am given a job card which was denied to me before," she grinned.

"The pilot project CABA has infused mental and physical strengths in people living with AIDS and children affected or infected by HIV/AIDS," the woman said adding, "I want the continuance of the project not only in Imphal East district but in the rest of the districts of Manipur" .

It may be mentioned that the pilot project, CABA is implemented only in Imphal East district in Manipur.

Around 1971 children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS were provided assistance till March 2012 under the project.

There were 1354 single orphaned children in Imphal East district till December 2011 while 252 children were said to have lost both parents due to HIV/AIDS in the district.

To provide nutritional items under ICDS and mid-day meal scheme; to extend social protection scheme under District Social Welfare Officer; to bear admission and monthly fees expenditure; to provide medical support; to provide transportation fees of children with ART card; to provide free legal assistance and providing AAY card and job card to parents or guardians of the children under MGNREGS are the objectives of CABA.

Several departments like Social Welfare, Education, Health, Transport, State legal services authority and panchayat have coordinated to ensure the success of the pilot project.

Funding agencies from abroad have also contributed towards the success of the project by extending nutritional, education, and medicinal supports from time to time.

However, the assistance provided by these agencies is periodical.

For instance, funding agencies had provided service to 875 children infected by HIV/AIDS and another 3367 children affected by the virus in the six districts of Manipur under CHAHA Project.

The project came to an end in July 2011 .

In an attempt to avert such inconveniences, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, UNICEF, US Agency International Development, Family Health International, India HIV/AIDS Alliance, and Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative under the aegis of National AIDS Control Organisation, have jointly launched CABA as a national pilot project after formulating an operational sideline.

The project has been launched in 10 selected districts across India including Imphal East district of the State since June 2010 .

In Imphal East district of Manipur, the District Coordination committee is chaired by concerned DC while the District Programme Manager is the District AIDS Control Officer.

"So far 840 children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS have been provided nutritional support under ICDS and Mid-day Meal scheme, and 800 children have been provided educational support," Imphal East District Coordinator of CABA, Nimaichand told The Sangai Express.

He added that 366 children have been given medical support through PHCs and CHCs under NRHM.

Likewise, job cards were also issued to 203 household members under MGNREGS.

366 persons have also been recommended for AAY card.

Nimaichand further said that four women were also given bank loan.

With technical support from MIDC, it has also been targeted to give vocational training to 1000 women under District Innovative Fund.

It may be mentioned that the period for implementation of the pilot project CABA ends in March 2012 for Imphal East district.

The authority for extension of another term rests with the National AIDS Control Organisation.

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