Link Worker Project (LWS)

The Link Worker Project, implemented with the support of the Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), Mumbai, has been active across 100 villages in Dhule district. The core aim of this initiative is to create awareness, provide preventive care, and extend treatment facilities related to HIV/AIDS and other health challenges among vulnerable groups.

Target Groups:

• Women engaged in sex work
• Men having sex with men (MSM)
• Migrant laborers
• Orphan children
• Pregnant women
• Wives and children of HIV-affected persons
• Truck drivers
• Patients suffering from Tuberculosis (TB)
• Patients with Diabetes

Awareness programs, health camps, and counseling sessions were organized to encourage voluntary HIV testing and treatment. During these camps, individuals testing HIV positive were provided with counseling, immediate medical attention, and treatment through ART centers.

So far, through these initiatives, 140 HIV-positive children have been identified and provided counseling and treatment. Out of these, 138 children were declared HIV-free after continuous medical follow-up and care.

The project also undertakes various outreach and educational activities such as cultural programs, street plays, establishment of Red Ribbon Clubs, and village-level information centers to eliminate stigma and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring that pregnant women, mothers, and vulnerable children are given proper preventive healthcare and access to government welfare schemes.

Through these collective efforts, the Link Worker Project has significantly contributed towards reducing the prevalence of HIV in Dhule district and improving the overall health awareness of the rural population.

Objectives of LWS

• To spread HIV/AIDS awareness among rural communities.
• To identify high-risk groups such as migrants, truck drivers, youth, and women at risk.
• To link vulnerable populations with Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), ART centers, STI clinics, and government health facilities.
• To reduce stigma and discrimination by involving local leaders, panchayats, and self-help groups.
• To promote condom use and safe practices through peer education.

Key Activities

• Community Awareness Campaigns – Door-to-door visits, group meetings, street plays, and awareness sessions conducted by trained Link Workers.
• Counseling & Referrals – Individuals identified at risk were counseled and referred to health centers for HIV testing and treatment.
• Capacity Building – Training programs for link workers, peer educators, and community volunteers.
• Youth & Women Engagement – Special sessions for adolescents, migrant workers’ spouses, and pregnant women.
• Condom Promotion & Distribution – Ensuring easy access to condoms in rural areas.

Achievements (2008 – Present)

• Successfully implemented in multiple districts across Maharashtra.
• Reached over 1,00,000 rural beneficiaries through awareness drives.
• Linked thousands of individuals to ICTC and ART services.
• Significantly reduced misconceptions and stigma around HIV/AIDS in rural areas.
• Built a strong community-level network of Link Workers, peer educators, and volunteers.

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