Direct Assistance for People Infected and Affected by HIV/AIDS

Shakti Milan Samaj (SMS) delivers comprehensive direct assistance to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, with a particular focus on women and children who face compounded vulnerabilities due to stigma, poverty, and social exclusion. This intervention ensures that those most in need have consistent access to essential health services, treatment, and care which are critical factors in improving quality of life and long-term wellbeing. Key activities include providing medical support and facilitating timely treatment for HIV-infected individuals, covering expenses that would otherwise be a barrier to receiving proper care. SMS also ensures that beneficiaries can access and adhere to life-saving Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) by offering specialized counselling sessions that explain the importance of treatment compliance, address side effects, and provide emotional and practical guidance for managing the condition.

Recognizing that treatment alone is not enough, SMS implements a Community Home-Based Care (CHBC) approach, in which trained care providers visit homes to offer both medical and psychosocial support. This model brings services directly to the beneficiary’s environment, reducing the need for frequent travel to health facilities and ensuring that care is delivered in a setting where patients feel safe and supported. In addition, SMS provides ongoing psychosocial support to both those infected and their families, helping them navigate the emotional impact of the diagnosis, reduce feelings of isolation, and strengthen their coping mechanisms. These combined interventions of medical support, treatment facilitation, home-based care, and ART counselling that work together to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, ensuring they can live healthier, more empowered, and dignified lives.