About Us

Siaap is a not-for-profit organisation working for HIV prevention and care in India.  Siaap's involvement with HIV and human rights advocacy virtually shadows the origin of the epidemic in India. At that time, a few committed individuals informally started the South India AIDS Action Programme in defense of human rights.

Our projects include support for community development, counselling for informed choices, advocacy for progressive policies, and training to build capacity for change.  Our programmes can be seen as a continuing evolution of a theme – empowering socially disadvantaged communities to advocate for their rights to a better quality of life in the context of HIV and AIDS
 
We work towards appropriate responses for a socially safer environment for people affected by/vulnerable to HIV such as Women Selling Sex, Men who have Sex with Men and People Living with HIV and AIDS.  In addition to working with vulnerable populations, we've expanded in the area of research and training capacity for government, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders to develop effective public health policy and programs.

Siaap believes that in addition to physiological conditions and sexual behaviour, the context in which a person lives contributes considerably to the spread of HIV. For example, if a person is unable to advocate on behalf of her/himself or if they lack financial stability, their susceptibility to the virus increases. SIAAP addresses these problems in an integrated, cost-effective manner through its community - based initiatives.  SIAAP believes that NGOs like itself should not dominate grassroots efforts; thus, communities use SIAAP as a resource to manage their own development and empowerment. SIAAP is committed to communities creating their own agendas and has developed models of empowerment to suit the unique requirements of each community.

Over the years, some of our strategies have proven to be more successful than others. Reviewing our experience, our expertise and the current situation in India with respect to HIV and AIDS, we find that our strengths have been in the areas of sexuality and gender related issues, empowerment of marginalized communities, capacity building of NGOs, CBOs, governments and other stakeholders; and advocacy for inclusion and supportive policies. Our future plans are based on these strengths.

Siaap’s experience over the years has led to its recognition as a capacity development organisation, with NACO, TNSACS, APAC, UNICEF, WHO, CDC, FHI, NIMHANS, and KHPT among many other NGOs & CBOs.