Help to stop the HIV/AIDS virus in its tracks!As a developing country with over a billion inhabitants, the AIDS/HIV epidemic is rampant in India. It is estimated that over 2 million people are infected in the country.
Due to the limited knowledge and understanding about the disease, those who live in rural India especially are unaware of the causes of the diseases and how it is transmitted.
There is also a stigma attached to those infected with the HIV/AIDS disease, and those infected are often shunned from their family and society.
There has been much progress in recent years, however. Drugs are becoming more widely available and distributed, and there have been behavioral changes in the population, thanks to education and outreach programs such as this.
Volunteer in India, you will become part of the solution by supporting ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the disease. At the same time, you’ll be able to have the uniquely famous Indian experience, and practice the Hindi language!
Volunteers’ Responsibilities
As a volunteer working in the HIV/AIDS project in India, you will be providing care to patients infected with the diseases and also engage the community in educational and training activities. Depending on your skills, experience and interests, and also the needs of the local staff, your daily activities involve, but are not limited to:
- Counseling infected patients
- Educating locals
- Assisting clinics/hospitals
- Increasing the personal risk perception among the rural communities through active participation in HIV/AIDS preventive education in the community
- Assisting community HIV/AIDS organizations with outreach programs such as hospice care, recreational and educational programs
- Treat small opportunistic diseases such as headaches, stomach aches, skin diseases or diarrhea
- Assisting with voluntary HIV counseling and testing
- Organizing and leading educational seminars and conferences about the virus
- Providing friendship to patients
- Take part in support groups for those who are infected
- Assisting local organizations with administrative and organizational tasks
- Fundraising
- Promote human rights and discourage discrimination
- Lead lessons on personal hygiene
- Promote health education and nutrition
How You Can Make a Difference
As a volunteer in India in the HIV/AIDS project, you’ll be actively helping out the victims and increasing awareness in the society. New Hope partners up with many organizations which are working to improve HIV/AIDS awareness, education and provide care to those infected.
The goal of these groups' activities is to foster awareness of the disease and work to change attitudes and behavior towards those unfortunate enough to be infected. Besides helping them get better, you’ll also a form of support for the victims, who are often shunned by society.
A simple smile and a listening ear their way is often enough to motivate them to want to live life. This is also the perfect opportunity for you to gain experience in the healthcare industry.
You’ll also be able to learn about the medical system in a developing country, and gain better understanding on how healthcare is perceived.
Skills and Qualifications
There is no specific education, experience, skills and/or qualifications needed to join our fight against HIV/AIDS in a volunteer project. Those with medical credentials will be able to help according to your certifications.
If you are interested in the healthcare field, this is a good opportunity to gain professional experience. However, volunteers are expected to be flexible and patient as well as passionate and have love for the poor and HIV-infected people of Cambodia.
Project Location
This project is located in Delhi, which is an incredibly colorful, thriving and bustling city steeped in rich history and culture.
As a historical capital city of India, Delhi contains major Indian tourist attractions the like Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Lodhi Gardens, etc. Delhi contains a diverse assortment of local markets, restaurants, internet cafés, nightclubs, shopping centers and cultural heritage sites to experience.
There are numerous chances for volunteers to explore Delhi with their free time and options abound. Taxis/auto rickshaws are affordable transportation options and tours can be arranged to Agra and Jaipur as well as other rural locations.