With the traditional out migration being a way of life in Shekhawati, Morarka Foundation identified many unique problems affecting families having migrant workers. HIV-AIDS was also one of them. HIV/AIDS is by far, the greatest threat to human race till date. Rajasthan though is considered a low HIV prevalence state, some of the desert districts of Rajasthan particularly Shekhawati region has been facing greater threat of HIV/AIDS speedy progress. Recognizing this threat, interventions have been taken up to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS.
In the year 2000-2001, The Foundation collaborated with RSACS to reduce HIV transmission within population subgroups with a high risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection and to prevent transmission of HIV from such groups to the general population.
In the year 2000-01, ICHAP as an inter-sectoral collaboration was launched. The Foundation was involved as a Resource Agency. As per the ICHAP mandate a demonstration project by the name
Hamara Project was taken up as an innovative model of change. This project achieved following objectives:
- A sustainable intervention has been initiated in the project area.
- Knowledge on the characteristics, attitudes, behaviours and vulnerabilities of out migrants and their families has been documented.
- Capacities of resource agency, local network partner NGOs and other stakeholders in the area of migration and HIV/AIDS prevention have been created.
- Participatory evaluation protocols have been developed.
- Selected facilities under STD care, counselling, condom programming, focused prevention, IEC and care/support have been strengthened.
Based on the success achieved in the past, Morarka Foundation has now been given one more responsibility for HIV-AIDS counselling at Jhunjhunu District Hospital.
Additionally, now Morarka Foundation has also been assigned the responsibility for HIV-AIDS prevention and control for Jaisalmer District by RSACS