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★HIV AND AIDS IN INDIAIndia has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. In 2013, HIV prevalence in India was an estimated 0.3%. This figure is small compared to most other middle-income countries but because of India's huge population (1.2 billion) this equates to 2.1 million people living with HIV. In the same year, an estimated 130,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.1Overall, India’s HIV epidemic is slowing down, with a 19% decline in new HIV infections (130,000 in 2013), and a 38% decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2005 and 2013. Despite, this 51% of deaths in Asia are in India.1HIV prevalence in India varies geographically. The five states with the highest HIV prevalence (Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka) are in the south or east of the country. Some states in the north and northeast of the country, report rising HIV prevalence.2Key affected populations in IndiaAmong key affected populations, sex workers and men who have sex with men have experienced a recent decline in HIV prevalence while the number of people who inject drugs living with HIV has remained stable.2However, transgender people are emerging as a group at high risk of HIV transmission. This is despite all four of these groups being prioritised in the Indian national AIDS response since its inception in 1992.1Sex workers and HIVThere are 868,000 female sex workers in India, and 2.8% are living with HIV, although this figure varies between states.2 For example, one study found HIV prevalence among sex workers ranged between 2% and 38% (averaging at 14.5%) among districts in the south Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.3Although sex work is not strictly illegal in India, associated activities - such as running a brothel – are. This means that the authorities can justify police hostility and brothel raids. Stigma and discrimination against sex workers restrict their access to healthcare.4 However, it is thought that 84.5% have been reached with HIV prevention activities.2Male sex workers are a group particularly vulnerable to HIV. One study in suburban Mumbai reported an HIV prevalence of 33% among this group and 13% had never used a condom.5Men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIVThere are 427,000 men who have sex with men (MSM) in India, and 4.4% are living with HIV.2In December 2013, India's Supreme Court re-criminalised adult consensual same sex sexual conduct after the Delhi High Court decriminalised it in 2009. This has raised fears about access to HIV prevention and treatment for MSM.6 7Stigma and discrimination act as significant barriers that make this group hard to reach with HIV information, although 70.6% report having received some information.2 Moreover, outreach workers and peer educators working with MSM have frequently been harassed or arrested by the authorities.8Hijras/transgender people and HIVHijras, (also known as Aravani, Aruvani or Jagappa in other areas) are names given to individuals in South Asia who are transgender. The number of hijras in India is unknown, but their traditional background is linked to high-risk behaviours such as alcohol and substance abuse, and low literacy rates.2 9In India, past surveillance and monitoring of groups at a high risk of HIV transmission have not considered transgender people as a distinct group, often including them in MSM data. However, since 2012, the National AIDS Control Programme has collected data and surveillance about hijras separately, finding that 8.8% are living with HIV.2In April 2014, the Indian Supreme Court recognised transgender people as a distinct gender. Many hope this ruling will lead to a decline in the stigma and discrimination faced by hijras and increase their access to HIV services.​10Indeed, evidence of this improved reach is clear: 83% of hijras were reached with HIV prevention activities in 2013, and 9 out of 10 report access to HIV testing services. Special health and welfare programmes to support their needs have been set up since the recognition of transgender as a third gender.1People who inject drugs (PWID) and HIVHIV prevalence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in India has remained largely unchanged since 2007, at around 7% of the 177,000 people in this population.2 HIV prevalence among female PWID is twice that of male PWID, with the relationship between sex work and drug use likely to account for this large difference.130% of PWID reside in north-eastern states where injecting drug use is the major route of HIV transmission. However, HIV prevention efforts in this region have been effective in reducing the number of new infections.11By contrast, HIV prevalence among PWID in north-western states is increasing.12 This is despite national HIV prevention activities coverage of 80.7% and 150,000 needles and syringes distributed per PWID per year.2 1Research has emphasised the need for early interventions for PWID in India. Indeed, many embark on a 'drug career' in their early teens using widely available substances such as tobacco and alcohol before progressing on to illegal drugs through a non-injecting route (e.g. orally or smoking) and eventually using shared needles and syringes putting them at risk of HIV transmission. It is only at this point that PWID are typically reached by harm reduction services.13 14Migrant workers and HIVResearch worldwide has linked migration to increases in HIV transmission. There are 7.2 million migrant workers in India, of whom 1% are living with HIV - much higher than the national prevalence of 0.3%.2In India, migrants are a bridge population, forming a link between urban and rural areas, and high-risk and low-risk groups.15 In fact, 75% of women testing positive in India have a husband who is a migrant labourer.1 0.9% of people who have migrated from a rural to an urban area are HIV-positive.1Despite being an important driver of the HIV epidemic in India, data on migrant sexual behaviour is limited. Moreover, migrants have been found to have low risk perception of HIV transmission compared with other high-risk groups. For example, one study in Andhra Pradesh found that 60% of female sex workers acknowledged their risk to HIV infection compared with just 5% of male migrants.16 One study from south-west India has suggested that targeting migrants locally as well as at their destination could have 1.6 times the impact of only targeting migrants at their destinations.17 In 2013, only 41.3% were reached with HIV prevention activities.2Truck drivers and HIVA number of studies from India have reported high vulnerability of truckers to HIV transmission. Many engage in high-risk behaviours, for example paying for sex - an estimated 36% of sex worker clients are truckers. Time away from home on the road, marital status, alcohol use, and income level have all been associated with visiting sex workers.18 19As a result, 2.6% of the 2 million truckers in India are living with HIV.2Moreover, knowledge of how HIV is transmitted is low among this group. One study from Uttar Pradesh reported a number of misconceptions including that HIV can be transmitted by mosquito bites, living in the same room, shaking hands and sharing food.20 This is not entirely surprising considering only 48.4% have been reached with HIV prevention activities.2These factors, in combination with inconsistent condom use, mean truckers are also a bridge population, with HIV transmitted to their regular sexual partners and into the general population.20HIV testing and counselling (HTC) in IndiaIn 1997, there were just 67 HIV testing and counselling (HTC) sites in India. By 2014, there were nearly 15,000 healthcare facilities offering HTC. In the same year, 13 million general users and 9.7 million pregnant women accessed HTC respectively against a target of 10.2 million for each group.2 Despite this progress, only 13% of people living with HIV in India are thought to be aware of their status.21In order to address this issue, one study proposed universal testing of the general population and more intensive testing of high-risk groups on a 5-year cycle. More people would know their status and therefore actively seek treatment before developing AIDS-related illnesses, encouraging behaviour change and decreasing viral load.22This would be more cost-effective than the current situation in India.HIV prevention in IndiaThe National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) is the body responsible for formulating policy and implementing programmes for the prevention and control of the HIV epidemic in India.The current programme, NACP-IV (2012-2017), aims to reduce annual new HIV infections by 50% through the provision of comprehensive HIV treatment, education, care and support for the general population and build on targeted interventions for key affected groups and those at high risk of HIV transmission.23Targeted interventions for key affected groupsA key component of the NACP-IV is the prevention of new HIV infections by achieving 80% coverage of key affected groups with targeted interventions (TIs).24TIs are implemented on the premise that prevention of HIV transmission from key affected groups such as sex workers to their male clients (for example) will lower HIV transmission among their sexual partners - e.g. women in the general population.25Some of the most high profile interventions are listed below.Project PehchanProject Pehchan was launched in October 2010 in order to tackle the HIV epidemic among MSM, transgender people and hijras (MTH) in India.26Supported by the Global Fund, the 5-year project works with roughly 200 community-based organisations across 17 states to reach over 450,000 MTH members.26Pehchan advocates for policy to create an enabling environment where MTH can easily access HIV and other sexual and reproductive health services.26AvahanThe Avahan project works to reduce HIV transmission among sex workers, MSM and transgender people through the provision of education as well as condom promotion, sexually transmitted infection (STI) management, behaviour change communication, community mobilisation and advocacy.27The programme has been highly effective with 36-68% of new HIV infections averted across the four focus states in a seven-year period.28 In 2013, it was announced that over the previous 10 years, Avahan had averted 57% of HIV infections in southern India.29 Avahan is internationally recognised as a cost-effective, successful, targeted HIV prevention programme.30The Sonaguchi ProjectThe Sonaguchi Project promotes the use of healthcare services by sex workers to reduce HIV prevalence among this group. The project employs peer educators to provide information, distribute condoms, promote behaviour change and refer sex workers to health clinics.31Sex workers participate in all areas of the project and since 1999, have been responsible for its operation. In the same year, the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya (DMSC) evolved out of the project as a union representing sex worker rights.31 The project has been promoted as a model of ‘best practice’ for other sex worker projects around the world.32Project KavachProject Kavach has been working to stop the spread of HIV among truckers and other high-risk populations. The project reaches out to 21,000 truckers annually in Punjabi Bagh and Mangol Puri and encourages behaviour change through street plays, magic shows and peer education. It also provides healthcare services such as HIV and STI treatment, HIV testing and counselling as well as condom promotion.33HIV education and awarenessLink Worker SchemeThe Link Worker Scheme, supported by the UNDP, is a community-based outreach strategy working to address HIV prevention, treatment, care and support of hard-to-reach groups in rural India.2Specifically, the scheme provides information resources on HIV and STI prevention, condom promotion and distribution, HTC and referral to treatment. Since the introduction of HTC in 2003, there has been a ten-fold increase in those identified as living with HIV in rural Chhattisgarh.34 The project currently operates in 163 districts across 17 states.2The Red Ribbon ExpressLaunched in 2007, the Red Ribbon Express is an HIV and AIDS awareness campaign train run by Indian Railways.By 2013, the train had visited 23 states reaching more than 10 million people with messages about HIV prevention in rural parts of India. The train now also provides HIV testing and counselling (HTC) services and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 35 36The Condom Social Marketing Programme (CSMP)The Condom Social Marketing Programme (CSMP) aims to promote safer sex by improving the availability of condoms and by utilising multimedia to encourage behaviour change. To date, two mass media campaigns have been launched in Hindi as well as other regional languages. By 2014, the CSMP had distributed over 560 million condoms across 15 states.2Harm reductionUnder the NACP-IV, harm reduction in India is delivered through a number of means including needle and syringe programmes (NSPs), opioid substitution therapy (OST) and peer education in a variety of healthcare settings. These interventions are typically delivered by non-government organisations (NGOs) but are financially supported by the Indian government. Roughly 80% of an estimated 186,000 PWID are thought to be covered by existing programmes.37NACO actively distributes free needles and syringes to PWID through peer educators working for a number of TIs. PWID are strongly encouraged to return used injecting equipment and exchange it for new, clean equipment. In 2012, 44% of equipment was returned.12Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) was incorporated into the harm reduction programme in 2008. To date, there are 150 OST centres supporting nearly 18,000 PWID. There are plans to increase this number to over 300 equating to a 20% OST coverage for PWID.2Preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT)The Indian government is committed to eliminating new HIV infections amongchildren by 2015. India'sPrevention of Parent to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS (PPTCT) programme started in 2002. To date, there are over 15,000 sites offering PPTCT services.2 Based on 2013 WHO Guidelines, the programme aims to initiate antiretroviral treatment for all pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV regardless of CD4 count or stage of HIV infection.2However, in 2013, 35,000 pregnant women were living with HIV, and only 18% received PMTCT treatment. As a result, 13,000 children were born with HIV.1Antiretroviral treatment (ART) in IndiaFree antiretroviral treatment (ART) has been available in India since 2004. At ART clinics, people living with HIV can access testing and counselling (HTC), nutritional advice and treatment for HIV and opportunistic infections. Patients are required to take a CD4 count test every six months.35 Moreover, the country is now rolling out reminders to people about their testing appointments with the aim of increasing overall attendance.38However, in 2013, only 36% of adults eligible for ART received treatment, alongside 30% of children.1 Indeed, many people living with HIV have difficulty accessing the clinics emphasising the importance of initiatives such as the Link Workers Scheme to link people to healthcare.35The introduction of the new 2013 WHO treatment guidelines has made many more people eligible for ART, forcing treatment access to be a priority area.39 NACP-IV aims to make second-line ART free, although a shortage of both first-line and second-line ART has become a feature in recent years.240HIV stigma and discrimination in IndiaIn India, as in many other parts of the world, people living with HIV and AIDS face stigma and discrimination in a variety of settings including households, the community and workplaces. For example, parents and in-laws may blame women for infecting their husbands, while children can be denied the right to go to school. Key affected groups such as sex workers, hijras and MSM are stigmatised for being members of a socially marginalised group as well as their HIV status.41Stigma and discrimination is also very common within the healthcare sector. Negative attitudes among healthcare staff prevent many people from disclosing their status, while others will not seek treatment altogether.Establishing an HIV and AIDS management policy, sensitising healthcare workers, mainstreaming HTC and making post-exposure prophylaxis available to staff have all been suggested as ways of reducing stigma and discrimination among healthcare workers in India.42NACP-IV has made the elimination of stigma and discrimination a major focus, aiming to utilise mass media campaigns and existing interventions such as the Red Ribbon Express.35Funding the HIV response in IndiaPreviously, efforts to tackle the HIV epidemic in India relied heavily on international funding.2 However, India has increasingly taken responsibility for financing its HIV response and in 2012, committed to financing 90% of its HIV and AIDS programmes.43The vast majority (67%) of the NACP-III budget was spent on HIV prevention, with 17% going to treatment, care and support.44The future of HIV and AIDS in IndiaOver the past decade, India has made significant progress in tackling its HIV epidemic, especially in comparison with other countries in the region. For example, while new HIV infections have fallen by more than half since 2001, the number of new HIV cases in neighbouring Pakistan has increased eight-fold.45A major reason for the country's success has been the sustained commitment of the Indian government through its National AIDS Control Programme, which has been particularly effective at targeting high-risk groups such as MSM, sex workers and PWID. However, better HIV surveillance and targeted interventions are needed for groups such as transgender people, migrants and truckers, with the latter acting as gateways for HIV into the general population.While antiretroviral treatment is free, uptake remains low and requires a dramatic scaling up especially in the wake of the new 2013 WHO treatment guidelines. Moreover, stigma and discrimination remains a significant barrier preventing key affected groups and those at high risk of HIV transmission from accessing vital healthcare services.In early 2014, an "HIV/AIDS Bill" was finally passed after being submitted in 2006. The Bill prohibits discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, travel and insurance and calls for a legal commitment by the government to provide free HIV treatment. Moreover, it recognises that a person living with HIV has the right to privacy and confidentiality about their HIV status.4647HIV and AIDS in India

HOMELESSSHELTERDIRECTORYHelping The Needy of AmericaHomeHomeless SheltersAdd ShelterAdd Your ShelterAboutHomeless SheltersResourcesHomeless SheltersHomeless NewsLatest newsHomeCalifornia Homeless SheltersSan francisco Homeless SheltersSan francisco Homeless Shelters & Services For The NeedyWelcome to our San francisco, California Homeless Shelters and Services for the needy page. Below are all of the homeless shelters and services for the needy that provide help to those in need for San francisco, CA and surrounding cities.We also provide other homeless resources such as transitional resources for the homeless. Homeless clinic and treatment center resources are also provided on the right navigational bar.Many shelters also provide services such as alcohol and drug rehab treatment along with clinics. I try to provide as much information as possible on my details pages.Homeless Help ForumVisit Our San francisco, CA Homeless Help Forum- San francisco Homeless Questionnaire.- Find out what it is like to be homeless in San francisco, CA- Tips on best shelters and food pantries/soup kitchens in San francisco, CAVisit The San francisco Homeless Help ForumActive Listings In San francisco CaliforniaSan Francisco, CASt Joseph's Family Center - Catholic CharitiesSan Francisco, CA 941100.80 miles from city center san francisco(415) 550-447810 family homeless shelter. For Families only. No longer a men's shelter.The St. Joseph’s Family Center program provides families emergency shelter, three meals daily, on-site case management, counseling and crisis intervention. In addition, St. Joseph’s offers money management and jSee more detailsSan Francisco, CAMission Neighborhood ResourceSan Francisco, CA 941101.08 miles from city center san francisco(415) 869-7977Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00AM – Noon and 2:00 – 7:00PM (open until 8:00 PM on Thursdays)Saturday: 7:00AM – Noon.Shelter reservations for one night and weekend stays are taken in the afternoons at the Shelter Reservation sites noted above. This must be done in pSee more detailsSan Francisco, CALa Casa de Las MadresSan Francisco, CA 941031.08 miles from city center san francisco(415) 503-0500Women's Shelter.24 Hour Crisis Line: 1.877.503.1850Text Line: 415-200-3575Drop In CenterLa Casa de las Madres' Drop In Center embodies our commitment to providing a comprehensive continuum of care for victims and survivors oSee more detailsSan Francisco, CADiamond Youth Shelter - Larkin Street Youth ServicesSan Francisco, CA 941171.08 miles from city center san francisco(800) 669-6196Shelter Runaway Youth.Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Each year, Diamond Youth Shelter provides shelter to approximately 100 homeless underage children and runaway teens.See more detailsSan Francisco, CARosalie House Emergency ShelterSan Francisco, CA1.43 miles from city center san francisco(415) 255-0165Our 23 bed emergency shelter offers those fleeing from violence or other forms of domestic abuse a safe, temporary haven for up to 12 weeks.In addition to providing food and shelter, Rosalie House provides residents with other means of support. These services include:Safety PlanningSee more detailsSan Francisco, CAW.O.M.A.N.San Francisco, CA 941031.61 miles from city center san francisco(877) 384-3578W.O.M.A.N., Inc. is dedicated to empowering domestic violence survivors to create lives free of violence.See more detailsSan Francisco, CABaker PlacesSan Francisco, CA 941031.77 miles from city center san francisco(415) 864-1515Baker Places, Inc. is committed to providing a comprehensive array of high quality services to adults with mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS related issues.Transitional Residential TreatmentThese services provide up to 90 daySee more detailsSan Francisco, CAEpiscopal Community ServicesSan Francisco, CA 941031.81 miles from city center san francisco415) 487-3300Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS) helps homeless and very low-income people every day and every night obtain the housing, jobs, shelter, and essential services each person needs to prevent and end homelessness.Episcopal Community Services operates shelters for homelessSee more detailsSan Francisco, CATenderlion Housing Clinic - Property ManagementSan Francisco, CA 941021.93 miles from city center san francisco(415) 923-9846Property Management Homeless ServicesThe Housing Services Staff are enthusiastic about helping clients retain and maintain their housing through rental payment and money management services.The Housing Services Department:Builds rappSee more detailsSan Francisco, CACommunity Housing PartnershipSan Francisco, CA 941022.04 miles from city center san francisco(415) 852-5300Homeless Services.Community Housing Partnership’s mission is to help homeless people secure housing and become self-sufficient.PurposeCommunity Housing Partnership is an outcome focused nonprofit that fulfills its mission by developing and managing high quality supporSee more detailsSan Francisco, CALark InnSan Francisco, CA 941022.04 miles from city center san francisco415-749-296840 bed young adult shelter for 18-24yr old homeless. 120 nights max/yr. residents have access to laundry, tv, internet, 3 meals/day, 9:45pm curfew. must be out between 8:30am-noon and 1pm-5pm on weekdays unless working full time or have bed rest note. 1 bag lunch/day is available for homeless 1See more detailsSan Francisco, CANext Door Shelter - Episcopal Community ServicesSan Francisco, CA 941092.05 miles from city center san francisco(415) 487-3300provides safe, 24-hour access to shelter for unhoused adults in San Francisco. Next Door Shelter has 334 beds with separate sections for men and women. Residents receive two meals daily. They can also access case management and mental health services through ECS's San Francisco Shelter Treatment AccSee more detailsSan Francisco, CACityTeam San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA 941032.15 miles from city center san francisco(415) 861-8688Office hours: Mondays through Fridays 9am to 4pm.Provides a 9 to 12 month drug recovery program.In San Francisco, CityTeam Ministries is providing hot meals, safe shelter, showers, and clean clothing to this city's homeless population. CityTeam San Francisco has a wonderful, cariSee more detailsSan Francisco, CACompass Community ServicesSan Francisco, CA 941032.15 miles from city center san francisco(855) 234-2667Compass Family Shelter provides homeless families with a safe, temporary place to stay. Services enable families to secure and then maintain housing, improve their employment prospects and address the underlying issues that contributed to their current instability.Services include:See more detailsSan Francisco, CAAsian Women's Shelter (AWS)San Francisco, CA 941102.15 miles from city center san francisco(415) 751-7110Women Shelter. Our direct services include our nationally recognized shelter program, language advocacy program, crisis line, case management, and programs in support of underserved communities such as queer Asian survivors and trafficked survivors.Asian Women's Shelter (AWS) was fouSee more detailsSan Francisco, CARaphael House - Short Term Family ResidentialSan Francisco, CA 941092.21 miles from city center san francisco(415) 474-4621Thank you for your interest in our short-term Residential Shelter Program. Please note that Raphael House is not an emergency shelter. If you are a family with children under the age of 18 or a women in the last trimester of pregnancy and are in need of shelter or are interested in learning more aboSee more detailsSan Francisco, CAMSC Shelter - SVDPSan Francisco, CA 941072.39 miles from city center san francisco(415) 597-79605:00PM - 1:00AM, every day.Shelter reservations for one night and weekend stays are taken in the afternoons at the Shelter Reservation sites noted above. This must be done in person at one of these sites.90-day reservations are made through the 311 Shelter Reservation WaitliSee more detailsSan Francisco, CAProvidence Church ShelterSan Francisco, CA 941243.09 miles from city center san francisco642-0234Emergency ShelterDuring the regular season, we operate an emergency shelter site to sleep homeless men, women and families at the Providence Baptist Church (PBC). This site houses up to 125 homeless clients nightly. We operate also at the First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church (FFIBC),See more detailsSan Francisco, CAHoly Ghost Service CenterSan Francisco, CA 941343.33 miles from city center san francisco415-722-9517Holy Ghost Service Center is a drop in center for people to get a shower, have something to eat. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10am -2pm, 5pm - 9pm. Holy Ghost Service Center also offers beds for men who have become displace. First come first serve.See more detailsDaly City, CADaly City Community Service Center - Shelter NetworkDaly City, CA 940253.96 miles from city center san francisco650-991-8007Shelter Network network referral area for shelter. Contact the Daly City Community Service Center social workers to arrange intake to a shelter or other resources for help.See more detailsSouth San Francisco, CASafe Harbor ShelterSouth San Francisco, CA 940808.66 miles from city center san francisco650-873-4921Hours: Daily 5:30 p.m - 7 a.m.The Shelter offers emergency and short-term housing options in a 90-bed and 10-cot shelter: safety, warmth, sustenance, and healthcare are the essentials we start with to help the homeless become self-sufficient. Comprehensive, personalized case mSee more detailsOakland, CAA Safe Place - Shelter For Women - Domestic Violence ShelterOakland, CA 946078.70 miles from city center san francisco510-536-7233Emergency Shelter is the agency's primary program. A Safe Place provides a confidential shelter program for victims of dv is located in a confidential location. Residents stay a maximum 90 days. Emergency shelter is provided via a residential shelter an motel program. Support services include case mSee more detailsPacifica, CAPacifica Resource Center - Shelter NetworkPacifica, CA 940449.12 miles from city center san francisco650-738-7385Office Hours:Mon:8:30 am - 5:30 pmTue:8:30 am - 5:30 pmWed:8:30 am - 7:30 pmThu:8:30 am - 5:30 pmFri:8:30 am - 1:30 pmClosed 12:30-1:30 pm Mon-ThShelter Network network referral area for shelter. Contact the Pacfica ResourSee more detailsOakland, CACityTeam Ministries OaklandOakland, CA 946079.30 miles from city center san francisco(510) 452-3758In Oakland, CityTeam Ministries is carrying on the work that the Oakland Peniel Mission began in 1897, providing hot meals, safe shelter, showers, and clean clothing to this city's homeless population. CityTeam Oakland also has a wonderful, caring medical staff that provides medical attention for tSee more detailsEmeryville, CAOperation DignityEmeryville, CA 946089.90 miles from city center san francisco(800) 686-9036Are you a veteran experiencing homelessness? Here's how to contact us for more information about our emergency shelter and transitional housing programs:Call us at (800) 686-9036 or (510) 287-8465.Stop by our main office at 3850 San Pablo Ave., SuiteSee more detailsOakland, CARMD Housing and Support ServicesOakland, CA 9460810.57 miles from city center san francisco510.420.1414The mission of RMD Services is to combat chronic poverty, welfare dependency and homelessness among families with children, mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS population.Second Chance HousingProviding referral to housing and food banks in the City of OaklandSee more detailsBerkeley, CABerkeley Food and Housing ProjectBerkeley, CA 9470411.11 miles from city center san francisco(510) 649-4965Homeless Services hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Entry to homeless services are at 1901 Fairview Street, Berkeley, CA 94703Our daily free community meal also moved to a new location. Our meal is now served at LutheranSee more detailsBerkeley, CABerkeley Food and Housing, North County Women's ShelterBerkeley, CA 9470111.80 miles from city center san francisco(510) 649-4965Shelter for women.See more detailsBerkeley, CABerkeley Food and Housing Men's Housing ProgramBerkeley, CA 9470411.84 miles from city center san francisco510-649-4980Men’s Housing Program1931 Center StreetBerkeley, CA 94704P: 510-649-4980F: 510-649-4891Shelter open from 5 pm – 7 am daily.Shelter reservation line: 1-866-960-2132.Shelter reservation line open from Monday-Friday at 12 noon and 7 pm, and on Sat & Sun atSee more detailsBurlingame, CAHOME & HOPE Homeless AssistanceBurlingame, CA 9401011.94 miles from city center san francisco650-652-1103HOME & HOPE serves homeless families in San Mateo County.Their mission:To provide a safe haven for homeless families while helping them to regain long term self sufficiency andTo raise community consciousness on the issue of homelessness by actively engaging volSee more detailsOakland, CA24-Hour OPTCC Shelter - Family ShelterOakland, CA 9460112.40 miles from city center san francisco510-534-6030Emergency ShelterHours: Mondays through Fridays 9 am - 6 pm.Shelter for families. 7 bed shelter for women with children, age 12 and under (first priority), pregnant women (second priority), and women (if space is available). Length of stay is 28 days. Offers parenting classeSee more detailsRichmond, CANevin House - Anka Behavioral Health IncRichmond, CA 9480412.42 miles from city center san francisco(510) 232-7633Homeless Mentally IllSee more detailsRichmond, CABay Area Rescue Mission - Men's ShelterRichmond, CA 9480112.73 miles from city center san francisco(510) 215-4555The Rescue Mission helps meet the basic needs of hurting and homeless men, women, and children in the Bay Area with food and a clean, safe place to sleep. This protection from the elements and from the hazards of street life is essential to our guests' health and state of mind, especially for womenSee more detailsRichmond, CABay Area Rescue Mission - Women and Family ShelterRichmond, CA 9480112.73 miles from city center san francisco(510) 215-4860Shelter Women with childrenSee more detailsRichmond, CAGRIP Family Housing ProgramRichmond, CA 9480112.94 miles from city center san francisco(510) 233-2141ServicesOur Family Housing Program, which provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for families with children (75 year-round beds).Our West County Resource Center, which provides case management, training and treatment programs to over 2,000 unsheltered individuals and familieSee more detailsRichmond, CAWest County Interim Housing Program - Brookside ShelterRichmond, CA 9480113.09 miles from city center san francisco(800) 799-659924 hours a day shelter and have the capacity to serve over 160 men and women.Offers a specialized program for individuals 18-21 years of age. If involved in case management, residents may stay up to 120 days.Services include:MealsLaundrSee more detailsBurlingame, CAShelter NetworkBurlingame, CA 9401013.45 miles from city center san francisco6506855880Shelter Network is committed to providing housing and support services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to re-establish self-sufficiency and to return to permanent homes of their own.See more detailsSan Mateo, CAInnVision Shelter Network: First Step for FamiliesSan Mateo, CA 9440113.90 miles from city center san francisco(650) 340-8814Interim shelter and services for 39 families.ServicesCase Management: Our trained Case Managers support clients' unique needs, helping them manage budgets, connect with resources, and make active progress toward regaining permanent housing.Housing anSee more detailsSan Pablo , CAKnowledge 4us Fellowship Transitional HousingSan Pablo , CA 9480614.85 miles from city center san francisco510 776-1600Transitional Housing located in Richmond, caOur missionTo provide our clients with practical knowledge, resources and housing options promoting life-affirming principles that boost abilities, confidence and self-esteem in our clients. We incorporate strong community involvemeSee more detailsSan Rafael, CASt Vincent De Paul Homeless Help DeskSan Rafael, CA 9540115.49 miles from city center san francisco415-454-3303If you are sleeping outside, in a car, or on someone's couch, we encourage you to visit our Homeless Help Desk which can provide you with some basic items and work with you to improve your housing situation. Our Help Desk is located above the Free Dining Room at 822 B Street in San Rafael. Help DeskSee more detailsSan Pablo, CAPower Program - West County - Anka Behavioral HealthSan Pablo, CA 9480615.80 miles from city center san francisco(510) 232-7571Homeless Mentally IllSee more detailsSan Leandro, CAMidway Shelter of AlamedaSan Leandro, CA 9457715.99 miles from city center san francisco(866) 292-9688The San Leandro Shelter offers 24–hour staffing and client services for 30 women and children. Along with food and shelter, staff provides case management, resources, referrals, advocacy, and household items for residents moving beyond shelter.See more detailsSan Mateo, CACORA San MateoSan Mateo, CA (650) 342-085016.38 miles from city center san francisco650-652-080024 hour hotline: 800-300-1080.CORA is a multicultural agency committed to serving victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, financial status, language, sexual orientation, immigration status, class, religion, gender, mental or physical abSee more detailsOakland, CAImages on the RiseOakland, CA 9462116.68 miles from city center san francisco(510) 224-4647Images On The Rise has been serving the homeless people of the community since 1992. We provide housing for men, women and women with children. Job training in housing management, construction, real estate and sales and marketing.We also work with parolees, those with HIV/AIDS, mentSee more detailsEl Granada, CACoastside Opportunity CenterEl Granada, CA 9401817.92 miles from city center san francisco(650) 726-9071Our client base comprises about 15% of the population of the mid-coast and includes: the working poor, the homeless, seniors living below the poverty level, the disabled, and families and/or individuals in crisis.We serve people of all ages, from infants to senior citizens.Employed clienSee more detailsHayward, CASouth County Homeless ProjectHayward, CA 9454119.34 miles from city center san francisco(510) 732-5956Homeless Shelter for Mentally DisabledProvides emergency housing and non-residential services (housing, income and employment assistance) to the mentally disabled homeless in Southern Alameda County. Call between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.ServicesReferral thrSee more detailsHayward, CAFamily Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO)Hayward, CA 9454119.55 miles from city center san francisco(510) 886-5473Family Shelter Must call first, intakes only over the phone. Week-to-week shelter for adults with dependent minors. Offers counseling, job placement, housing assistance family counseling, employment referrals, social services, medical facilities, and mental health care for residents. The focus is oSee more detailsHayward, CAFESCO - The Family ShelterHayward, CA 9454119.55 miles from city center san francisco(510) 581-3223FESCO provides medium-term assistance to homeless families with children, including fathers and adolescent male children. Services include housing, food, and counseling.Services ProvidedMcKinney Linkages ProgramA two-year program providing housing subsidies/support services tSee more detailsHayward, CAHuman Outreach HaywardHayward, CA 9454119.81 miles from city center san francisco(510) 881-9853Homeless Shelter for MenShelter: (510) 881-9853The shelter is for homeless, sober men ages 18 and up. Services include meals, showers, laundry facilities, phone and mail, and job counseling for clients only. The maximum stay is 30 days once per year. Apply at Social Services (in HaywardSee more detailsHayward, CAEden I & R, IncHayward, CA 9454119.96 miles from city center san francisco(888) 886-9660Provides assistance in locating shelter space or low-cost housing, gives general information, and makes assessments and referrals to social services agencies. Call between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. After 4:00 pm, the answering machine gives information on local shelter availability.See more detailsHayward, CARuby's Place HaywardHayward, CA 9454120.39 miles from city center san francisco510-7861246The mission of Ruby's Place is to provide prevention and supportive services to the community and people impacted by domestic violence, human trafficking or homelessness.Ruby’s Place provides shelter and support services to women and their children, who are homeless for any of the folSee more detailsHayward, CAFamily Emergency Shelter Hayward - FESCO ShelterHayward, CA 9454120.54 miles from city center san francisco(510) 581-3223ServicesMcKinney Linkages ProgramA two-year program providing housing subsidies/support services to families, living in apartments/houses scattered throughout the community, while a parent attends school/vocational training. Families pay 30% of theSee more detailsWalnut Creek, CATrinity CenterWalnut Creek, CA 9459622.49 miles from city center san francisco(925) 949-8712Trinity Center is a non-residential program serving homeless and working poor adult men and women in Walnut Creek and Central Contra Costa County.Trinity Center offers a Safety Net of Basic Human Services, including:Food, breakfast & hot lunchShowersSee more detailsRedwood City, CAShelter Network Redwood City - Redwood Family HouseRedwood City, CA 9406123.11 miles from city center san francisco650-364-8264Interim shelter and services for 9 families.LifeMoves programs are free of charge for the people we serve and our team provides far more than temporary shelter. In exchange, mandatory and full engagement in our programming is required by all participants. Hard work and accountability areSee more detailsMartinez, CASHELTER, Inc. of Contra CostaMartinez, CA 9455323.75 miles from city center san francisco(925) 335-0698Since 1986, SHELTER, Inc. has prevented thousands of families from losing their homes and placed thousands more in homes that they maintain on their own. Families graduate from SHELTER, Inc's programs and become self-sufficient, providing for themselves and their families.See more detailsMenlo Park, CAShelter NetworkMenlo Park, CA 9406524.48 miles from city center san francisco650-325-8719Shelter Network is committed to providing housing and support services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to re-establish self-sufficiency and to return to permanent homes of their own.To be eligible for one of Shelter Network's programs, a family or indiSee more detailsMartinez, CASAFE Place - Northern California Family CenterMartinez, CA 9455324.57 miles from city center san francisco(800) 718-4357Shelter Runaway YouthSee more detailsConcord, CASTAND Domestic Violence - RMCConcord, CA 9452025.67 miles from city center san francisco(510) 776-6269STAND! For Families Free of Violence is the only provider of comprehensive family violence services in Contra Costa County. We work to end domestic violence and child abuse and build safe and strong families and communities.STAND! For Families Free of Violence is reaSee more detailsEast Palo Alto, CAWeHOPE ShelterEast Palo Alto, CA 9430325.91 miles from city center san francisco650.330.8000We are an ADULT ONLY shelter. In order to stay at the WeHOPE shelter you must obtain a referral from a San Mateo County Core Agency or a Santa Clara County EAN. Door open at 4:30PM and all clients leave the following morning by 8AM. We serve a hot dinner and a continental breakfast 7 days a week.See more detailsEast Palo Alto, CAEl Concillo - Shelter NetworkEast Palo Alto, CA 9430325.91 miles from city center san francisco650-330-7432Shelter Network network referral area for shelter. Contact El Concillo's social workers to arrange intake to a shelter or other resources for help.See more detailsConcord, CAAnka Behavioral HealthConcord, CA 9452026.06 miles from city center san francisco(925) 825-4700Homeless Mentally Ill. Also provides transitional housing (supportive housing), for families experiencing homelessness.Services:1. Crisis Residential2. Homeless Assistance & Housing3. Outpatient / Day Treatment4. Residential / TransitionalSee more detailsConcord, CASIPS - Anka Behavioral HealthConcord, CA 9452026.39 miles from city center san francisco(925) 827-5137Homeless Mentally IllSee more detailsVallejo, CAChristian Help CenterVallejo, CA 9459026.65 miles from city center san francisco707-553-8192Only emergency shelter in Vallejo offering 85 beds Daily meals, showers, laundry Hours: 24 hours a day;Intake 4:00pm to 6:00pmCHC is a temporary shelter with the objective of assisting each guest in attaining skills required to becomSee more detailsPalo Alto, CAPalo Alto Opportunity CenterPalo Alto, CA 9430126.82 miles from city center san francisco(650) 853-8672Provides services to homeless and at-risk families.Multi-Service drop in center and permanent supportive housing for families and single adults. IVSN operates first-floor daily services center Monday-Friday, providing access to case management, meals, medical/dental services, laundry, trSee more detailsConcord, CACentral County Interim Housing Program - Concord ShelterConcord, CA 9452027.65 miles from city center san francisco(800) 799-6599There are two emergency shelters which operate in the unincorporated areas of Richmond and Concord. Both run 24 hours a day and offer meals, laundry facilities, telephone, mail, advocacy, and case management.The emergency shelter program for adults providesSee more detailsPalo Alto, CAThe Opportunity CenterPalo Alto, CA 9430128.18 miles from city center san francisco(650) 299-8700The Opportunity Center of the Mid peninsula, is an affordable apartment complex and service center for homeless and extremely low income families and individuals.Supportive HousingThe Opportunity Center includes 88 affordable apartmSee more detailsMountain View, CAGraduate House ShelterMountain View, CA 9404133.13 miles from city center san francisco(650)685-5880Interim housing and services for single men and women.Graduate House provides Permanent Supportive Housing for formerly homeless individuals. The program has the capacity to house up to 8 men and women. 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This answer may contain sensitive images. Click on an image to unblur it.HIV AND AIDS IN INDIAIndia has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. In 2013, HIV prevalence in India was an estimated 0.3%. This figure is small compared to most other middle-income countries but because of India's huge population (1.2 billion) this equates to 2.1 million people living with HIV. In the same year, an estimated 130,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.1Overall, India’s HIV epidemic is slowing down, with a 19% decline in new HIV infections (130,000 in 2013), and a 38% decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2005 and 2013. Despite, this 51% of deaths in Asia are in India.1HIV prevalence in India varies geographically. The five states with the highest HIV prevalence (Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka) are in the south or east of the country. Some states in the north and northeast of the country, report rising HIV prevalence.2Key affected populations in IndiaAmong key affected populations, sex workers and men who have sex with men have experienced a recent decline in HIV prevalence while the number of people who inject drugs living with HIV has remained stable.2However, transgender people are emerging as a group at high risk of HIV transmission. This is despite all four of these groups being prioritised in the Indian national AIDS response since its inception in 1992.1Sex workers and HIVThere are 868,000 female sex workers in India, and 2.8% are living with HIV, although this figure varies between states.2 For example, one study found HIV prevalence among sex workers ranged between 2% and 38% (averaging at 14.5%) among districts in the south Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.3Although sex work is not strictly illegal in India, associated activities - such as running a brothel – are. This means that the authorities can justify police hostility and brothel raids. Stigma and discrimination against sex workers restrict their access to healthcare.4 However, it is thought that 84.5% have been reached with HIV prevention activities.2Male sex workers are a group particularly vulnerable to HIV. One study in suburban Mumbai reported an HIV prevalence of 33% among this group and 13% had never used a condom.5Men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIVThere are 427,000 men who have sex with men (MSM) in India, and 4.4% are living with HIV.2In December 2013, India's Supreme Court re-criminalised adult consensual same sex sexual conduct after the Delhi High Court decriminalised it in 2009. This has raised fears about access to HIV prevention and treatment for MSM.6 7Stigma and discrimination act as significant barriers that make this group hard to reach with HIV information, although 70.6% report having received some information.2 Moreover, outreach workers and peer educators working with MSM have frequently been harassed or arrested by the authorities.8Hijras/transgender people and HIVHijras, (also known as Aravani, Aruvani or Jagappa in other areas) are names given to individuals in South Asia who are transgender. The number of hijras in India is unknown, but their traditional background is linked to high-risk behaviours such as alcohol and substance abuse, and low literacy rates.2 9In India, past surveillance and monitoring of groups at a high risk of HIV transmission have not considered transgender people as a distinct group, often including them in MSM data. However, since 2012, the National AIDS Control Programme has collected data and surveillance about hijras separately, finding that 8.8% are living with HIV.2In April 2014, the Indian Supreme Court recognised transgender people as a distinct gender. Many hope this ruling will lead to a decline in the stigma and discrimination faced by hijras and increase their access to HIV services.​10Indeed, evidence of this improved reach is clear: 83% of hijras were reached with HIV prevention activities in 2013, and 9 out of 10 report access to HIV testing services. Special health and welfare programmes to support their needs have been set up since the recognition of transgender as a third gender.1People who inject drugs (PWID) and HIVHIV prevalence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in India has remained largely unchanged since 2007, at around 7% of the 177,000 people in this population.2 HIV prevalence among female PWID is twice that of male PWID, with the relationship between sex work and drug use likely to account for this large difference.130% of PWID reside in north-eastern states where injecting drug use is the major route of HIV transmission. However, HIV prevention efforts in this region have been effective in reducing the number of new infections.11By contrast, HIV prevalence among PWID in north-western states is increasing.12 This is despite national HIV prevention activities coverage of 80.7% and 150,000 needles and syringes distributed per PWID per year.2 1Research has emphasised the need for early interventions for PWID in India. Indeed, many embark on a 'drug career' in their early teens using widely available substances such as tobacco and alcohol before progressing on to illegal drugs through a non-injecting route (e.g. orally or smoking) and eventually using shared needles and syringes putting them at risk of HIV transmission. It is only at this point that PWID are typically reached by harm reduction services.13 14Migrant workers and HIVResearch worldwide has linked migration to increases in HIV transmission. There are 7.2 million migrant workers in India, of whom 1% are living with HIV - much higher than the national prevalence of 0.3%.2In India, migrants are a bridge population, forming a link between urban and rural areas, and high-risk and low-risk groups.15 In fact, 75% of women testing positive in India have a husband who is a migrant labourer.1 0.9% of people who have migrated from a rural to an urban area are HIV-positive.1Despite being an important driver of the HIV epidemic in India, data on migrant sexual behaviour is limited. Moreover, migrants have been found to have low risk perception of HIV transmission compared with other high-risk groups. For example, one study in Andhra Pradesh found that 60% of female sex workers acknowledged their risk to HIV infection compared with just 5% of male migrants.16 One study from south-west India has suggested that targeting migrants locally as well as at their destination could have 1.6 times the impact of only targeting migrants at their destinations.17 In 2013, only 41.3% were reached with HIV prevention activities.2Truck drivers and HIVA number of studies from India have reported high vulnerability of truckers to HIV transmission. Many engage in high-risk behaviours, for example paying for sex - an estimated 36% of sex worker clients are truckers. Time away from home on the road, marital status, alcohol use, and income level have all been associated with visiting sex workers.18 19As a result, 2.6% of the 2 million truckers in India are living with HIV.2 Moreover, knowledge of how HIV is transmitted is low among this group. One study from Uttar Pradesh reported a number of misconceptions including that HIV can be transmitted by mosquito bites, living in the same room, shaking hands and sharing food.20 This is not entirely surprising considering only 48.4% have been reached with HIV prevention activities.2These factors, in combination with inconsistent condom use, mean truckers are also a bridge population, with HIV transmitted to their regular sexual partners and into the general population.20HIV testing and counselling (HTC) in IndiaIn 1997, there were just 67 HIV testing and counselling (HTC) sites in India. By 2014, there were nearly 15,000 healthcare facilities offering HTC. In the same year, 13 million general users and 9.7 million pregnant women accessed HTC respectively against a target of 10.2 million for each group.2 Despite this progress, only 13% of people living with HIV in India are thought to be aware of their status.21In order to address this issue, one study proposed universal testing of the general population and more intensive testing of high-risk groups on a 5-year cycle. More people would know their status and therefore actively seek treatment before developing AIDS-related illnesses, encouraging behaviour change and decreasing viral load.22This would be more cost-effective than the current situation in India.HIV prevention in IndiaThe National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) is the body responsible for formulating policy and implementing programmes for the prevention and control of the HIV epidemic in India.The current programme, NACP-IV (2012-2017), aims to reduce annual new HIV infections by 50% through the provision of comprehensive HIV treatment, education, care and support for the general population and build on targeted interventions for key affected groups and those at high risk of HIV transmission.23Targeted interventions for key affected groupsA key component of the NACP-IV is the prevention of new HIV infections by achieving 80% coverage of key affected groups with targeted interventions (TIs).24TIs are implemented on the premise that prevention of HIV transmission from key affected groups such as sex workers to their male clients (for example) will lower HIV transmission among their sexual partners - e.g. women in the general population.25Some of the most high profile interventions are listed below.Project PehchanProject Pehchan was launched in October 2010 in order to tackle the HIV epidemic among MSM, transgender people and hijras (MTH) in India.26 Supported by the Global Fund, the 5-year project works with roughly 200 community-based organisations across 17 states to reach over 450,000 MTH members.26Pehchan advocates for policy to create an enabling environment where MTH can easily access HIV and other sexual and reproductive health services.26AvahanThe Avahan project works to reduce HIV transmission among sex workers, MSM and transgender people through the provision of education as well as condom promotion, sexually transmitted infection (STI) management, behaviour change communication, community mobilisation and advocacy.27The programme has been highly effective with 36-68% of new HIV infections averted across the four focus states in a seven-year period.28 In 2013, it was announced that over the previous 10 years, Avahan had averted 57% of HIV infections in southern India.29 Avahan is internationally recognised as a cost-effective, successful, targeted HIV prevention programme.30The Sonaguchi ProjectThe Sonaguchi Project promotes the use of healthcare services by sex workers to reduce HIV prevalence among this group. The project employs peer educators to provide information, distribute condoms, promote behaviour change and refer sex workers to health clinics.31Sex workers participate in all areas of the project and since 1999, have been responsible for its operation. In the same year, the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya (DMSC) evolved out of the project as a union representing sex worker rights.31 The project has been promoted as a model of ‘best practice’ for other sex worker projects around the world.32Project KavachProject Kavach has been working to stop the spread of HIV among truckers and other high-risk populations. The project reaches out to 21,000 truckers annually in Punjabi Bagh and Mangol Puri and encourages behaviour change through street plays, magic shows and peer education. It also provides healthcare services such as HIV and STI treatment, HIV testing and counselling as well as condom promotion.33HIV education and awarenessLink Worker SchemeThe Link Worker Scheme, supported by the UNDP, is a community-based outreach strategy working to address HIV prevention, treatment, care and support of hard-to-reach groups in rural India.2Specifically, the scheme provides information resources on HIV and STI prevention, condom promotion and distribution, HTC and referral to treatment. Since the introduction of HTC in 2003, there has been a ten-fold increase in those identified as living with HIV in rural Chhattisgarh.34 The project currently operates in 163 districts across 17 states.2The Red Ribbon ExpressLaunched in 2007, the Red Ribbon Express is an HIV and AIDS awareness campaign train run by Indian Railways.By 2013, the train had visited 23 states reaching more than 10 million people with messages about HIV prevention in rural parts of India. The train now also provides HIV testing and counselling (HTC) services and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 35 36The Condom Social Marketing Programme (CSMP)The Condom Social Marketing Programme (CSMP) aims to promote safer sex by improving the availability of condoms and by utilising multimedia to encourage behaviour change. To date, two mass media campaigns have been launched in Hindi as well as other regional languages. By 2014, the CSMP had distributed over 560 million condoms across 15 states.2Harm reductionUnder the NACP-IV, harm reduction in India is delivered through a number of means including needle and syringe programmes (NSPs), opioid substitution therapy (OST) and peer education in a variety of healthcare settings. These interventions are typically delivered by non-government organisations (NGOs) but are financially supported by the Indian government. Roughly 80% of an estimated 186,000 PWID are thought to be covered by existing programmes.37NACO actively distributes free needles and syringes to PWID through peer educators working for a number of TIs. PWID are strongly encouraged to return used injecting equipment and exchange it for new, clean equipment. In 2012, 44% of equipment was returned.12Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) was incorporated into the harm reduction programme in 2008. To date, there are 150 OST centres supporting nearly 18,000 PWID. There are plans to increase this number to over 300 equating to a 20% OST coverage for PWID.2Preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT)The Indian government is committed to eliminating new HIV infections among children by 2015. India'sPrevention of Parent to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS (PPTCT) programme started in 2002. To date, there are over 15,000 sites offering PPTCT services.2 Based on 2013 WHO Guidelines, the programme aims to initiate antiretroviral treatment for all pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV regardless of CD4 count or stage of HIV infection.2However, in 2013, 35,000 pregnant women were living with HIV, and only 18% received PMTCT treatment. As a result, 13,000 children were born with HIV.1Antiretroviral treatment (ART) in IndiaFree antiretroviral treatment (ART) has been available in India since 2004. At ART clinics, people living with HIV can access testing and counselling (HTC), nutritional advice and treatment for HIV and opportunistic infections. Patients are required to take a CD4 count test every six months.35 Moreover, the country is now rolling out reminders to people about their testing appointments with the aim of increasing overall attendance.38However, in 2013, only 36% of adults eligible for ART received treatment, alongside 30% of children.1 Indeed, many people living with HIV have difficulty accessing the clinics emphasising the importance of initiatives such as the Link Workers Scheme to link people to healthcare.35The introduction of the new 2013 WHO treatment guidelines has made many more people eligible for ART, forcing treatment access to be a priority area.39 NACP-IV aims to make second-line ART free, although a shortage of both first-line and second-line ART has become a feature in recent years.2 40HIV stigma and discrimination in IndiaIn India, as in many other parts of the world, people living with HIV and AIDS face stigma and discrimination in a variety of settings including households, the community and workplaces. For example, parents and in-laws may blame women for infecting their husbands, while children can be denied the right to go to school. Key affected groups such as sex workers, hijras and MSM are stigmatised for being members of a socially marginalised group as well as their HIV status.41Stigma and discrimination is also very common within the healthcare sector. Negative attitudes among healthcare staff prevent many people from disclosing their status, while others will not seek treatment altogether.Establishing an HIV and AIDS management policy, sensitising healthcare workers, mainstreaming HTC and making post-exposure prophylaxis available to staff have all been suggested as ways of reducing stigma and discrimination among healthcare workers in India.42NACP-IV has made the elimination of stigma and discrimination a major focus, aiming to utilise mass media campaigns and existing interventions such as the Red Ribbon Express.35Funding the HIV response in IndiaPreviously, efforts to tackle the HIV epidemic in India relied heavily on international funding.2 However, India has increasingly taken responsibility for financing its HIV response and in 2012, committed to financing 90% of its HIV and AIDS programmes.43The vast majority (67%) of the NACP-III budget was spent on HIV prevention, with 17% going to treatment, care and support.44The future of HIV and AIDS in IndiaOver the past decade, India has made significant progress in tackling its HIV epidemic, especially in comparison with other countries in the region. For example, while new HIV infections have fallen by more than half since 2001, the number of new HIV cases in neighbouring Pakistan has increased eight-fold.45A major reason for the country's success has been the sustained commitment of the Indian government through its National AIDS Control Programme, which has been particularly effective at targeting high-risk groups such as MSM, sex workers and PWID. However, better HIV surveillance and targeted interventions are needed for groups such as transgender people, migrants and truckers, with the latter acting as gateways for HIV into the general population.While antiretroviral treatment is free, uptake remains low and requires a dramatic scaling up especially in the wake of the new 2013 WHO treatment guidelines. Moreover, stigma and discrimination remains a significant barrier preventing key affected groups and those at high risk of HIV transmission from accessing vital healthcare services.In early 2014, an "HIV/AIDS Bill" was finally passed after being submitted in 2006. The Bill prohibits discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, travel and insurance and calls for a legal commitment by the government to provide free HIV treatment. Moreover, it recognises that a person living with HIV has the right to privacy and confidentiality about their HIV status.46 47HIV and AIDS in India