2005 – 2009

Provincial scale up of continum of care

Between 2005-2009 we managed to demonstrate that evidence based responses at scale of coverage and quality, uninterrupted  prevent, halt and reverse the transmission of HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs.

​This was a result of a dynamic ‘public-private partnership’ between Nai Zindagi and the Punjab AIDS Control Program (PACP) , Department of Health, Government of Punjab. This enhanced and comprehensive program was established in 8 selected cities of Punjab and was supported by funding from the World Bank.

​People who inject drugs in the selected cities had access to a range of services that included information, counseling, basic health care including treatment of STIs, TB dots, VCCT, HIV and AIDS related diagnostics, treatment/ART, care and support services. Specific services to prevent HIV transmission from people who inject drugs to their wives, children and sexual partners were also incorporated as a result of findings of a study “The Hidden Truth” that demonstrated this vulnerability.

In addition clients who completed drug treatment had access to skills training and employment in a program supported by Mainline Foundation, Netherlands.

Approximately 14-16,000 PWIDs, their wives, sexual partners and children accessed services regularly in 8 selected cities of Punjab under this program. The program was widely documented and promoted as a best pracice model by UNAIDS in the region.