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Alliance India continues to make strides in its mission to combat HIV/AIDS and promote inclusivity and equitable healthcare access for all. In this edition, we bring together key highlights and updates from our recent initiatives and collaborations over the past few months.

   
   

Intensified TB Case Finding Campaign – Ahmedabad Central Jail

   

On 5 March 2026, Intensified TB Case Finding Campaign under the Prison Intervention Program was launched at Ahmedabad Central Jail.

The initiative was jointly organised by the Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), National TB Elimination Programme, Prison Department (Government of Gujarat), Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation AIDS Control Society (AMSACS), Gujarat State Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GSNP+), and Alliance India.

The campaign was launched by Dr K. L. N. Rao (IPS), Director General of Police, and Mr Ashwin Chauhan (IPS), Inspector General of Police.

Under the initiative, all inmates across prisons in Gujarat will undergo chest X-ray screening using handheld X-ray machines to enable early detection of tuberculosis in alignment with TB-Mukt Bharat initiative.

The campaign is expected to cover approximately 20,000 inmates across Gujarat, strengthening early detection and improving access to integrated health services within prison settings.

   
   

Dissemination Workshop of Project SAHAS at the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), New Delhi

   

Alliance India organised the Dissemination Workshop of Project SAHAS (SAHAS empowering transgender communities by strengthening access to healthcare, gender-affirming services, legal aid, and livelihoods) on 19 February 2026 at the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), New Delhi.

SAHAS, a project funded by the Azim Premji Foundation, implemented across eight states, focusing on the holistic development and empowerment of the transgender community.

The event brought together implementing teams, stakeholders, community leaders, and transgender persons who accessed services under the project. Representatives from NISD, NACO, AIIMS, UNDP, UNAIDS and several CBO and NGO partners, including The Humsafar Trust, C-SHaRP, SAATHI, and ATHI participated in the event.

A key highlight of the workshop was the release of the Flip Book on Gender Affirming Care, developed to promote inclusive healthcare practices.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) nurtured under Project SAHAS also set up stalls to showcase their entrepreneurial initiatives, demonstrating resilience, talent, and economic empowerment.

As Phase 1 of the project concludes, the SAHAS team reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community-led initiatives in Phase 2.

   
   
   

Fourth National Transgender Summit

The Fourth National Transgender Summit, held on 20 February 2026 at the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), New Delhi, brought together policymakers, healthcare experts, researchers, and community leaders to advance conversations on transgender health equity and inclusive systems. Organised by Alliance India in collaboration with NISD, The Humsafar Trust, and C-SHaRP, the summit featured panel discussions on strengthening transgender healthcare, translating research into policy and practice, and expanding access to gender-affirming services.

Representatives from National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Solidarity and Action Against The HIV Infection in India (SAATHII), Delhi University, and Association for Transgender Health in India (ATHI), and leading academic institutions participated in discussions on improving health systems, promoting inclusive education and livelihood opportunities, and fostering the next generation of transgender health researchers. The summit also highlighted issues of gender-based violence and legal protection, reinforcing a shared commitment to dignity, safety, and inclusive development for transgender communities. By bringing diverse stakeholders onto one platform, the summit helped bridge the gap between community experiences and policy action.

   
   
   

National Coordination Committee Meeting

The National Coordination Committee (NCC) Meeting was held on 18 February 2026 under the chairpersonship of Dr Chinmoyee Das, Head of the Care, Support and Treatment (CST) Division at the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO).

The meeting brought together officials from other divisions of NACO, State AIDS Control Societies (SACS), technical experts, community representatives, NGPR partners, including Alliance India, HLFPPT and SAATHII, along with SR partners and development agencies.

The platform served to review the implementation of Care and Support Centres (CSCs) under the National AIDS Control Program and discuss strategic priorities aligned with NACP-VI.

The discussions reaffirmed the critical role of CSCs in improving treatment adherence, tracking LFU cases, supporting viral load monitoring, and linking people living with HIV to social protection schemes.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen CSC services, enhance outreach and retention efforts, and ensure the sustainability of community-based HIV care and support services.

   
   

Alliance India at the Launch of Power in Partnership

At the launch of Power in Partnership: Frontline AIDS Strategy 2026–2030, global partners came together to reflect on shared priorities and the path ahead in the HIV response.

Representing India, Amrita Sarkar from Alliance India joined global leaders in emphasising the importance of strengthening health systems, advancing human rights, and building resilience in the face of growing challenges.

Highlighting the power of collective action, she noted,
“By standing together, we can overcome the challenges and continue the fight toward an HIV-free future where everyone’s rights and well-being are upheld.”

   
   
   

National Training of Trainers and Inter-State Data Triangulation Workshop

Alliance India, in coordination with the National AIDS Control Organization (CST Division), organised a National Training of Trainers (ToT) from 2–3 February 2026, followed by an Inter-State LFU Data Triangulation Workshop on 4–5 February 2026 in Gurugram.

The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of ART Centre Data Managers to support data-driven planning, monitoring, and decision-making while creating a pool of Master Trainers who will facilitate state-level training for ART Centre data managers.

The workshop brought together Joint Directors/Officers-in-Charge of CST, Strategic Information Officers, and ART Centre Data Managers from 11 States/UTs State AIDS Control Societies — Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, and Mumbai DACS.

Participants engaged in a structured analytical exercise focusing on dataset standardisation and inter-state data triangulation.

The workshop concluded with recommendations including strengthening validation mechanisms at State and ART Centre levels, and transitioning the Excel-based Master Line List system to the SOCH platform to improve data accuracy and further strengthen program monitoring.

   
   
   

National Review and Capacity Building Workshop for Vihaan CSC 2.0 – Pune

Alliance India organised a National Review and Capacity Building Workshop for the Vihaan Care and Support Program 2.0 from 29–31 January 2026 in Pune. The three-day workshop brought together program managers, sub recipient partners, and technical experts to review program performance and strengthen the capacity of implementing partners delivering CSC 2.0 services.

The workshop featured state-wise Care and Support Centre program review of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Manipur, Mizoram, and Mumbai, enabling participants to assess progress, identify implementation gaps, and share effective practices across states. These discussions provided a platform for cross-learning and collaborative problem-solving among program stakeholders.

A dedicated session on innovation and best practices highlighted key thematic areas including prediction and management of Lost to Follow-Up (LFU) cases, mental health support, non-communicable diseases, skill building, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), nutrition, and cervical cancer prevention.

Capacity-building sessions focused on priorities under the National AIDS Control Program, including strategies to improve viral load coverage, outreach for migrant and untraceable clients, and strengthening follow-up mechanisms. Participants were also oriented on monitoring frameworks, revised indicators, and data management through the SOCH platform.

The workshop concluded with the development of state-wise action plan to address implementation gaps and strengthen coordination between ART Centres and CSCs, reinforcing the collective commitment to improving service quality and strengthening community-based care and support for people living with HIV.

   
   
   

Community-Led Accountability for a Healthier Tomorrow

In the ongoing effort to strengthen community-driven HIV response mechanisms in India, as per the National AIDS Control Program mandate, Alliance India has advanced the implementation of Community System Strengthening (CSS) and Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7, with strategic technical guidance from NACO’s PMR Division and coordination support from the CSS Resource Hub at the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI).

At the heart of this initiative is the recognition that communities play a central role in monitoring quality of services, ensuring accountability, and improving program outcomes. Alliance India organised a two-day orientation and capacity-building workshop of its State Program Officers on 12–13 January 2026, bringing together representatives from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.

   
   
   

Empowering Community Champions

Building on the state-level orientation, the initiative moved into field-level implementation with training sessions for Community Champions held from 19–20 February 2026 across program implementing states. These trainings aim to equip community leaders, many of whom have been involved in earlier phases, with the knowledge and skills required to effectively use digital (Community Led Monitoring) CLM tools.

The transition to digital monitoring is expected to improve the accuracy and timeliness of data reporting while strengthening the role of communities in evidence-based program improvements. By connecting lived experiences with program implementation, the approach ensures that community feedback is meaningfully integrated into the national HIV response.

With strengthened capacities at both state and community level, the CSS and CLM initiative is poised to contribute to improved service quality, accessibility, and accountability within India’s HIV program.

   
   
   

Advancing CSC Performance and Care Outcomes in Gujarat

In March 2026, a two-day SSR Review and Capacity Building Meeting brought together representatives from 25 Care and Support Centres (CSCs) across Gujarat, including CSC Coordinators, M&E Officers, and outreach workers (CLH).

The meeting served as a critical platform to review program performance and identify gaps in areas such as outreach, treatment adherence, and monitoring. Through interactive sessions and discussions, participants explored practical strategies to address challenges like lost-to-follow-up cases and strengthen support systems.

A key highlight was the focus on accelerating progress towards the 95-95-99 targets under Mission AIDS Suraksha, with actionable insights shared by state leadership. The meeting not only strengthened technical capacities but also reinforced a collective commitment to improving the quality of care and long-term outcomes.

   
   
   

Storytelling as a Tool for Advocacy and Human Care

At the pre-event of the Global Summit to End Diabetes in Jaipur on 27 March 2026, Mona Balani, Programme Manager – Community System Strengthening at Alliance India, highlighted the power of storytelling in advancing care and advocacy.

Drawing from her lived experience as both a professional and a caregiver to a family member living with Type 1 Diabetes, she emphasised how storytelling helps bring visibility to the everyday realities of managing chronic conditions.

She underscored that personal narratives can play a critical role in shaping more empathetic healthcare systems, influencing workplace inclusion, and strengthening support for people living with chronic illnesses.

Mona also reinforced storytelling as a key community engagement tool, one that brings together patients, caregivers, and stakeholders to drive collective understanding and action.

   
   

As we continue to embark on these transformative journeys and make a lasting impact on the lives of the most marginalised, like  People Living with HIV, transgender and other such group. We invite our generous donors to stand with us. Your support fuels innovation, empowers individuals, and rekindles hope. Join us in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all. Your contributions make a world of difference. 


Thank you for being a beacon of change and a source of strength.

   
   

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