Addressing HIV/AIDS Vulnerabilities among Cross Boarder Migrants: A Case Study of Achham (Nepal) - Mumbai (India) Corridor

This paper focuses at the critical appraisal of interventions to address HIV vulnerabilities among cross border migrants and their spouses by analyzing relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of the intervention. The analysis consists of a critical appraisal of regionalization in programming and project strategy to address those at risk of HIV/AIDS at source, transit and destination. The basic data have been collected using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, where the key issues and challenges in addressing HIV/AIDS vulnerabilities among cross boarder migrants are based on a total of 132 FGDs/ interviews conducted across source, transit and destination.
Most of the programs and services for reducing HIV/AIDS vulnerability focus at raising awareness, capacity building, improving use of health care services by developing a range of support structures, and creating an enabling environment for behaviour change. However, cross border referrals and continuum of services need to be strengthen by promoting synergy in planning of programmes and services across borders. Need to advocate for user-friendly health services by sensitizing the host community. Strengthening network of PLHIV and ART centres at source and destination in order to minimise defaulters in treatment regimen and other services to