#HIV Counselleing and Marriages in india

[letmemarry]

HIV Marriages for HIV Positive Brides and Grooms in India

In a society where traditions and societal norms often dictate the path of matrimony, the challenges faced by HIV-positive brides and grooms in India, especially in Hyderabad, are distinctive and demanding. This article delves into the complexities surrounding HIV-positive marriages, shedding light on the need for support, understanding, and the creation of a more inclusive environment.

Brief Overview of HIV-Positive Marriages HIV-positive marriages involve couples where one or both partners are living with HIV. Despite medical advancements, societal stigmas continue to surround these unions.

Importance of Support for HIV-Positive Brides and Grooms The emotional and psychological toll on couples navigating HIV-positive marriages emphasizes the crucial need for support networks and understanding within their communities.

Context of HIV-Positive Marriages in India, Specifically Hyderabad India, with its rich cultural tapestry, faces unique challenges concerning HIV-positive marriages, and the city of Hyderabad is no exception.

Understanding the Challenges

Stigma Surrounding HIV-Positive Individuals One of the primary obstacles faced by HIV-positive brides and grooms is the pervasive stigma attached to their condition. Addressing this stigma is vital for fostering acceptance.

Lack of Awareness and Education A significant hurdle lies in the lack of awareness and education regarding HIV transmission, prevention, and the realities of living with the virus.

Emotional and Psychological Challenges Coping with the emotional and psychological challenges is a journey often traveled in isolation. Counseling services play a pivotal role in supporting these couples.

Navigating the Wedding Preparations

Support Networks for Couples Establishing robust support networks is essential for couples preparing for an HIV-positive marriage. Friends, family, and community organizations can offer invaluable assistance.

Counseling Services Professional counseling services provide a safe space for couples to address their concerns, fears, and aspirations, ensuring they embark on their marital journey with resilience.

Positive Examples and Success Stories Highlighting positive examples and success stories of HIV-positive marriages inspires hope and resilience within the community, dispelling myths and misconceptions.

Legal Aspects of HIV Marriages

Rights and Responsibilities Understanding the legal rights and responsibilities of HIV-positive brides and grooms is crucial for navigating societal expectations and safeguarding their union.

Legal Safeguards for HIV-Positive Brides and Grooms Legal frameworks exist to protect the rights of individuals with HIV. Awareness of these safeguards is vital for ensuring fair treatment.

Navigating Societal Norms and Expectations Balancing traditional expectations with the realities of HIV-positive marriages requires open dialogue and education to foster acceptance within communities.

Wedding Rituals and Traditions

Adapting Traditions for HIV-Positive Couples Customizing wedding rituals and traditions ensures that they align with the needs and comfort levels of HIV-positive couples.

Creating a Supportive Environment Fostering a supportive environment during wedding ceremonies helps create a positive and inclusive atmosphere for the couple and their guests.

Inclusivity in Wedding Ceremonies Promoting inclusivity in wedding ceremonies not only supports the couple but also contributes to changing societal perceptions surrounding HIV-positive marriages.

Community Involvement

Raising Awareness Community involvement is crucial for raising awareness about HIV, dispelling myths, and fostering an environment of empathy and understanding.

Building a Network of Support Communities can play a vital role in building a network of support, ensuring that HIV-positive couples have the backing they need to thrive in their marriages.

Encouraging Empathy and Understanding Creating spaces that encourage empathy and understanding reduces stigma and helps the community embrace the diversity of love.

Healthcare Support

Access to Medical Facilities Ensuring access to medical facilities and healthcare services is imperative for the well-being of HIV-positive brides and grooms.

Importance of Regular Check-Ups Regular health check-ups are vital for managing HIV. Encouraging couples to prioritize their health is essential for a fulfilling marital journey.

Dispelling Myths About HIV Transmission Education plays a crucial role in dispelling myths about HIV transmission, promoting a more informed and accepting society.

Financial Considerations

Challenges in Employment Opportunities HIV-positive individuals may face challenges in employment opportunities. Addressing these challenges through advocacy and support is essential.

Financial Planning for HIV-Positive Couples Financial planning becomes crucial for HIV-positive couples, considering potential challenges in the employment sector. Government and NGO support can play a vital role.

Government and NGO Support Governments and non-governmental organizations can contribute significantly by providing financial support and creating initiatives to empower HIV-positive couples.

Social Media and Advocacy

Utilizing Social Platforms for Awareness Leveraging social media platforms is a powerful way to raise awareness, educate the public, and advocate for the rights of HIV-positive couples.

Advocacy for HIV-Positive Marriages Advocacy efforts aim to break down societal barriers, challenge stigmas, and create a more inclusive society for HIV-positive couples.

Empowering Couples Through Online Communities Online communities provide a space for couples to share experiences.

[krishnamaheshwari30098]

10 NGOs working to end Gender Discrimination in India

Gender discrimination has been a crucial social issue in India for centuries. It can be seen across various sectors such as health care facilities, education, economic and political inequalities between men and women in India. To date, women do not have the complete freedom to make decisions in their life. Be it choosing partners for marriage or pursuing any degree, the choices are not with the women. Well, gender discrimination is not confined to choosing a partner or studying, the 2011 Census shows the child sex ratio among children of 0-6 years to be 918 girls for every 1000 boys in India. This statistic speaks for itself and demands urgent and efficient solutions to address the cause of gender inequality.

This is a multi-branched issue that primarily concerns women, but some argue that various gender equality studies place men at a disadvantage, or that it affects each gender equally. However, when India's population is examined as a whole, women are at a disadvantage in several important ways.

Right from a young age, women are made to believe that they’re inferior. The ideas of misogyny and patriarchy are so deep-rooted that the women become indifferent fighting against them.

Various non-profit organizations work to spread awareness about the problems faced by women, help them tackle the circumstances of injustice on all terms (social, political, legal, emotional). Listed below are 10 NGOs in India that work for women to get legal justice and encourage them to take their lives into their own hands.

SEWA

The Self Employed Women’s Association- SEWA was established in 1972 by Ela Bhatt in Gujarat. Initially, a trade union, SEWA is now recognized globally. The main purpose of the organization is to strengthen women by giving them identity as informal workers. Along with that, they work on women workers’ rights and use non-violent methods of demonstrations like marches and meetups. It is the single largest Women’s organization in India that has built a supply chain of artisans, SEWA trade facilitation Centre company owned and managed by 50,000 women artisans. SEWA Bank, SEWA movement, SEWA Bharat are a few of its sister organizations. SEWA has 1.9 million women members proudly representing their rights, as of now.

Contact: 7925506444

Email: mail@sewa.org

Guria India

Guria is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to fighting child prostitution, second-generation prostitution, and sex trafficking in Northern India, and to achieving freedom worldwide. The NGO helps women get legal justice, provide counseling, and financial support. Due to the stigma surrounding sexual assault, it helps the victim with all the necessities to fight their case starting from filing an FIR to helping them collect evidence. Their lawyers help prepare the victims for the court.

Contact: 91-542-2504253

Email: guria.freedomnow@gmail.com

ActionAid India

ActionAid India is part of a global federation and a full affiliate of ActionAid International. Gauravi is their 24×7 one-stop crisis center. It caters to domestic and sexual violence victims of any age including minor boys. They run a shelter home for women. The victims are also provided with counseling, intervention, legal help, medical help, as well as social rehabilitation. Here the victim women are not forced to take legal action against their will, but if necessary ActionAid India is always set with a legal team to do so.

Contact: +91 80 25586293

Email: fundindia@actionaid.org

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Snehalaya

Established in 1989 by Dr. Girish Kulkarni, Snehalaya aims to eradicate inequality, cruelty, and discrimination towards women, and children. It provides education to children of sex workers and palliative care for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Their programs are primarily for women and children affected by poverty and the commercial sex industry. They rescue and rehabilitate trafficked and forced sex workers providing a safe haven, free counseling, legal aid, vocational training, and alternative work. The NGO also works for LGBT communities affected by poverty. Their special projects include producing sanitary pads, providing space to women to make and sell their art, and inculcating vital language skills.

Contact:+91 0241 2778353

Email: info@snehalaya.org

Azad Foundation

AZAD Foundation is a feminist foundation with a vision to shape the world where all women are able to access livelihoods with dignity, generate wealth and value, and create a sustainable and more equal world for all. At the Foundation, women go through a six-month course that includes self-awareness, defense training, sexuality, reproductive rights, and the like. It supports more than 2000 crore women to gain employability for decent work. Their project “Women on Wheel” has empowered urban women to become professional drivers making transportation safer for women in India.

Contact: +91 9599981661 |  +91 9599981661

Northeast Network

North East Network (NEN), was established as part of the Beijing World Conference on Women, in 1995. It aims to empower communities and build skills of grassroots women leaders to generate awareness on violence against women; its causes and consequences. They provide counseling to address the issue of abuse & violence and spread awareness of the Domestic Violence Act. The counselors help build a network with appropriate government authorities and the agencies which put policy measures in place to address the abuse and discrimination faced by women. They also engage women in livelihood initiatives based on their skills and strengths. The organization covers Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and other parts of North East India.

Contact:+91-94350-17824

Email: assam@northeastnetwork.org

CHILD HELP FOUNDATION (CHF)

Child Help Foundation (CHF) is working towards creating an equal platform for both boys and girls in the community. Their goal is to promote the education of the girl child. CHF’s Gender Equality Program is aligned with the National Program ‘Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao’. Their grassroots level programs are eliminating gender biases and creating a level playing field for both boys and girls. CHF believes that women need to be empowered to stand up for their Fundamental as well as Human Rights.

Contact: +91-9702929267

Email: contact@childhelpfoundationindia.org

Shikshan Ane Samaj Kalyan Kendra

Shikshan Ane Samaj Kalyan Kendra (SSKK) was started in 1980. They work towards establishing a sustainable life for women and children. They do so by addressing crimes against women and establishing self-help groups that train women to earn a sustainable livelihood. SSKK also helps women build self-help groups to establish a sustainable livelihood. They have carved a niche for themselves by supporting and redefining the status of women and helping them become self-reliant, self-dependent, and lead a life of self-respect.

Contact:+91 02792 223525

Email:  info@sskkamreli.org

CARE

For over 70 years, CARE has been instrumental in supporting women and girl children by planning and organizing projects to help them have access to quality education, healthcare services (maternal and child), and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The organization also provides immediate support to victims of disasters and helps to rehabilitate them, along with organizing schools to ensure young girls get the education they need.

SAYFTY

Founded by the award-winning gender equality activist Dr. Shruti Kapoor, Sayfty has made waves in ensuring girls and women are equipped with the right tools and mindset to advocate for their own safety. The horrific rape of Jyoti Singh in 2012 received international responses of disgust and is what prompted Dr. Kapoor to initiate action within India by forming Sayfty. Its mission is to educate and empower women & girls against all forms of violence through education and multiple self-defense workshops and campaigns to provide a platform and safe space to women and girls for open conversation against gender-based violence. Sayfty is all about bringing confidence to women and girls to protect themselves in the unfortunate and deplorable situation in which they encounter perpetrators.

Email: team@sayfty.com

Apart from the above mentioned, there are several non-profit organizations working tirelessly to protect, guide women, provide shelter and legal assistance to fight against the odds they face.

Together, by supporting them and our women in distress, we can and will end this fight against gender discrimination.

Source :- https://filaantro.org/

[taxolawgy123]

Marital Rape is against married women rights in India

Spousal rape, also known as marital rape is a Penal Offence under Section 375 and 376 of Indian penal court.

According to the legal laws for women in India, non-consensual intercourse with your partner is marital rape.

“Non-consensual intercourse leads to human rights violation. It is the gravest form of domestic violence.”

In Section 375 of Indian Penal Code, the Offense is defined as: “A man is said to commit ‘rape’ if he penetrates his penis to any extent. Or applies his mouth into the vagina, urethra or anus of a woman or makes her do so with himself or any other person.” Under section 375 Spousal or Marital Rape is against the married women rights in India and it is punishable.

It states that the offence is liable only if the wife is less than 12 years. However, for the wife between 12-16 years of age, an offence is committed but with less serious punishment. Once the age is above 16 years, there is no legal protection given to the wife, in direct contravention of human rights regulations. For women under 16 years, it is essential to know their safety once they are aware of rights in spousal rape.

Does Marital Rape exist?

Yes, despite the fervent denial of government. Marital rape has been disintegrating the women’s rights in India built by social contract, love, financial deals and religion.

In current times, 10-14% of married women face marital rape. It mostly happens due to unawareness of their rights in spousal rape. On clinical test, every 1 woman in 3 or 1 woman in 2 suffers from marital rape. Sexual assault by spouse forms 25% of the total rapes. Women who tried to flee becomes the prime target. The Criminal charges on marital rape are prompted by acts of genital contact with mouth, anus, vagina; or insertion of objects forcibly without consent. Such acts are conscious acts of bullying, A show-off of men’s superiority over women.

Another trend that is changing the perspective for marital rape is the global conversion of the marriage as an institution. Its a transformation from reproduction to closeness as the main objective of marriage. And shows a huge shift in heterosexual relationships.

Marital rape is Serious

Like other forms of sexual violence, spousal rape may bring many physical and emotional consequences such as:

What Physical effects include: Injuries to the vaginal and anal areas, lacerations, soreness, bruising, torn muscles, fatigue, and vomiting

The Frequently assaulted and raped women suffer from broken bones, black eyes, bloody noses and knife wounds

Gynaecological effects include vaginal stretching, pelvic inflammation, unwanted pregnancies, miscarriages, stillbirths, bladder infections, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and infertility

Short-term psychological effects include PTSD, anxiety, shock, intense fear, depression and suicidal idealization

Long-term psychological effects include disordered sleep, disordered eating, depression, intimacy problems, negative self-images, and sexual dysfunction.

In support of legal laws for women in India, the Supreme Court has defined rape of a minor wife in very loud terms. The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark judgment suggesting the legislative formula to make child marriages void ab initio. The major wives have not been able to win the judicial consideration for the marital rape recognized by the top judiciary. The narrow and restrictive definition of rape, which allows for the marital exemption makes the definition of rape, a hollow statement. It provides escape-route for many perpetrators of sexual violence. The quest for justice remains unquenched under legal laws for women in India.

What does Media say?

A recent debate on a renowned news channel, consisting of 3 women panellists. It said Indian society is not ready to handle the outcome of criminalizing marital rape. Similar to those who defend Triple Talaq, are making our country fall under the category of 36 countries that could not criminalize marital rape and could not support married women’s rights in India.

How other countries are dealing with marital rape?

Poland in 1932 was first to have a law explicitly making a criminal offence. Since 1980 many common law countries have developed their legal system and have explicitly abolished marital rape in direct or indirect ways. These include South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, the US, etc.

What do our leaders say?

The Minister for Women & Child Development, Maneka Gandhi, supported the possibility of making marital rape a criminal offence by making this statement: “It is considered that the concept of marital rape as understood internationally cannot be suitably applied in the Indian context. Due to various factors like level of education, illiteracy, poverty, myriad social customs & values, religious beliefs, social mentalities. As they treat marriage as a sacred institutional practice.”

An example of jurisdiction considering marital rape as a criminal offence is one of India’s neighbouring country Bhutan. Bhutan defines ‘Marital Rape’ under Article 199 as: “A defendant shall be guilty of marital rape when forcefully engaged in sexual intercourse with one’s own spouse without consent.” Whereas Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) considers Marital Rape when the wife is below 16 years of age. It is not considered a crime for the wife of more than 16 years of age.

As a result, Marital Rape victims have to consider an alternative route of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (PWDVA). This act outlaws Marital Rape and supports the victims while standing for the married women’s rights in India. Although the remedy is provided via civil rights for the offence. To put an end to the misuse of this law, the UN Women Association suggested the abolition of settling issues with paying price to the wife for the perpetrator of domestic violence, including spousal rape. Paying any prices cannot be a practice in defence to a domestic violence charge.

People who can be an angel for those suffering from Marital rape

NGOs and other voluntary organizations come with solutions to help victims overcome such situations. Majlis and Swaadhar in Mumbai, Sneha in Chennai, Vimochana in Bangalore are working on different women issues arising from domestic abuse. They are helping a lot of sufferers. Raising voices for the married women’s rights in India and especially standing for the rights in spousal rape.

A women’s counselling centre named Anweshi in Kozhikode provides meditation, resources, and counselling for women. It helps them recover from the dilemma and to give a new start.

These bodies have their contact details and registered offices with websites for online presence where help seekers can approach.

Talking about men, there are a few NGOs like SWAM (Social Welfare Association for Men) that work for the welfare of men. Looking at the rising issues in fraud complaints, we need to have some more of such organizations.

What can you do in an emergency?

How to fight for rights in spousal rape?

Go to a safe place, for example, the nearest hospital, police precinct, or someone’s home. Then immediately call for police protection and assistance as they are always ready to deal with domestic violence situations.

If the help doesn’t arrive on time, one can also call the women’s helpline number 1091 to help strengthen legal laws for women in India and to address issues fairly and transparently.

Take the next step, visit the local hospital emergency room for immediate medical care to diagnose for injuries. Also to prevent infections and pregnancy and consult with the experts for the collection of evidence to take action against rape assault.

In such situations, avoid urination, showering, combing or changing clothes before going to the hospital. Taking these precautions help collect evidence and stand up for legal laws for women in India.

As a long-term remedy supporting educational and prevention programs on local, state and national levels could be helpful. Since every woman must know her rights in spousal rape it is an action to strengthen married women rights in India.

Let’s be responsible. Let our daughters and daughters-in-law stand up for their rights against everything unjust.

[bananaipindia]

Arsenal Bears the Brunt of Mesut Özil's Comments, Jason Mraz Sues Coors Lights, Taylor Swift Cancels Licensing of Her Music Catalogue, Netflix's New Original: Spotify's Story and more

New Post has been published on https://www.bananaip.com/ip-news-center/arsenal-bears-the-brunt-of-mesut-ozils-comments-jason-mraz-sues-coors-lights-taylor-swift-cancels-licensing-of-her-music-catalogue-netflixs-new-original-spotifys-story-and-more/

Arsenal Bears the Brunt of Mesut Özil's Comments, Jason Mraz Sues Coors Lights, Taylor Swift Cancels Licensing of Her Music Catalogue, Netflix's New Original: Spotify's Story and more

Petition Signed to Remove Netflix Comedy “First Temptation of Christ”; Arsenal Bears the Brunt of Mesut Özil’s Comments on Uighur Muslims; Copyright Infringement Suit Against Vampire Facial Doctor; Jason Mraz Sues Coors Lights; Heirs to Tom Petty Resolve their Legal Disputes; Taylor Swift Shuts Down Licensing of Her Music Catalogue; Netflix’s New Original Series: Spotify Startup Story; Youtube’s App Becomes Most Frequently Used Music App in India; US Reaches 1 Trillion Milestone for Music and Video Streams and more.

Entertainment Law News

Petition Signed to Remove Netflix Comedy “First Temptation of Christ”

The New Christmas Netflix Special has outraged hundreds of thousands of individuals all over the world, who have signed a petition demanding its immediate withdrawal. The depiction portrays Jesus as a homosexual as well as Mary being a Marijuana user. The film was considered to be blasphemous, vulgar and disrespectful by many, while others reacted by posting screenshots of them cancelling their Netflix memberships. As of right now, 1.1 million people have signed the petition to have this short film axed from the platform. Many have further demanded a public apology from the streaming giant.

Arsenal Bears the Brunt of Mesut Özil’s Comments on Uighur Muslims

Mesut Özil’s comments that Muslims remain silent over the burning of Qurans, closed Mosques and banning of schools has led to immediate backlash, with China’s CCTV pulling the live telecast of the Arsenal- Manchester City game, relaying highlights of the Tottenham Hotspur – Wolverhampton Wanderers game instead. This incident elucidates upon the likely consequences of running afoul China’s political sensitivities.

Although the club instantly dissociated itself from the comments made by the midfielder, fans still felt that further action must be taken against the player. This situation screams familiarity, as in the past, China have blocked out certain Houston Rockets games for comments made by their General Manager, Daryl Morey in support of the Hong Kong protests. Arsenal own a sports bar in China and restaurant for the promotion of the club and the expansion of the same now faces many hurdles.

Copyright Infringement Suit Against Vampire Facial Doctor

Star of the reality show, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Kim Kardashian is suing the vampire facial doctor for using her photos on his site without his permission. The doctor implements procedures to enhance facial features by drawing out the patient’s blood and then puncturing the facial tissue of the patient with a needle which is supposed to tighten the skin and collagen in the facial region.

Though Kim received this treatment, she has further gone on to state that she regrets the same and is now suing the doctor for using her pictures to endorse a procedure that she does not wish to. Sources state that she tried to reach out to the doctor to not use her picture, but he refused and demanded monetary compensation for the same. The slightly problematic situation turns even more sour, taking into consideration that a few of the patients tested positive for HIV after the procedure.

Jason Mraz Sues Coors Lights

The latest ad of the Beer brewing company has used 13 seconds of Jason Mraz performing his iconic hit ‘I’m yours’ live in California. The Pop icon informed the company of the infringement as they had failed to take his permission. The Company have not responded or owned up to the allegations and has failed to acknowledge the wrongful usage of the video footage.

Heirs to Tom Petty Resolve their Legal Disputes

In may this year, Tom Petty’s two daughters from previous marriages, Adria Petty and Anakim Violette had filed a USD 5 Million suit against Dana Petty, the widow of Tom Petty for misappropriating his assets and failing to honour his will to divide his estate into three equal parts, for his daughters and his wife. This not only impacted the family of the late music sensation but also the fans, as it postponed the release of ‘An American Treasure’, a posthumous collection of his songs, as well as a box set to commemorate the 25 year anniversary of the release of Petty’s album Wildflowers.

However, sources report that the heirs have resolved the matter through an out of court settlement. The settlement details however, as of this time are unknown. Furthermore, there has been no comment from either of his daughters or his widow to the public.

Licensing news

Taylor Swift Shuts Down Licensing of Her Music Catalogue

It is now unlikely that you will hear a Taylor Swift song on a commercial, movie or TV show as the pop sensation is attempting to sabotage the 300 Million sale of her catalogue by the label Big Machine by shutting down all synchronisation licensing, which she still has full power over. The specific license covers a vast number of uses such as in TV shows, Movies, online videos, commercials etc. As Taylor swift is credited in her catalogue she can simply choose to deny any application, which seems to be the case in the current scenario.

This could cause losses worth millions to the Music icon, but this has not fazed her in the least, citing that her music living on is her ultimate goal. She also plans to re-record her music next year, which would cause many issues in terms of the copyright ownership of her music, mainly affecting the previous owners, Carlyle group who had invested in the same.

Netflix’s New Original Series: Spotify Startup Story

The Series is set to be based on the book Spotify Untold and will be produced by Berna Levin, whose prior credits include Young Wallander, Hidden and The Girl in the Spider’s Web.  She went on to say that the story had its appeal in the nature of how a small group of tech insiders in Sweden revolutionised the way we listen to music today. The Story will follow the two founders, Daniel Ek and Martin Lorenzton, the pioneers who changed the face of music streaming at a time when music piracy was ever rampant. Yellow Bird UK, a leading television production company in the UK had announced that they had optioned the book Spotify Untold and intended to adapt the same into a dramatic television series.

Youtube’s App Becomes Most Frequently Used Music App in India

With Youtube Music in its nascent stages in the Indian market, having been available from March of this year, it is indeed surprising that around a quarter of the population have said that Youtube is the top choice for streaming music. Availability of the latest tracks, depth of quantitative content and easier music sharing have been cited as a few reasons why the Video Streaming Giant is also excelling in the music streaming industry. It should be noted however, only 11% of these users use the paid model of the service whereas 89% use the free version. This trend is apparent for everyone to see in other apps as well such as play music, Jio Saavn and Gaana. Amazon music however reports the greatest numbers in this facet, reporting 7 out of 10 users subscribing to the paid service.

US Reaches 1 Trillion Milestone for Music and Video Streams

Stats from Market tracker, Nielsen reported that the United States has reached a milestone of 1 Trillion for on demand music and video streams in a calendar year with still some time left this year. This number represents a growth of around 31% in comparison to the previous year’s 765 Billion streams. Around 90% of millennials and teens stream music from such services causing this tremendous increase. In addition to this, easily accessible and affordable technology, cheaper premium services on streaming platforms and proliferation of connected devices can be touted as reasons for this growth and will continue to increase the growth in the future. With music revenue growth growing 16% in the first half of 2019, the consumption growth is nearly double of the industrial revenue growth if the first half of the year can be mirrored to the second half.

  Authored and compiled by  Shashank Venkat

The Entertainment Law and Licensing News Bulletin is brought to you jointly by the E-Commerce Law, Entertainment Law and Consulting/Strategy Divisions of BananaIP Counsels, a Top IP Firm in India. If you have any questions, or need any clarifications, please write to contact@bananaip.com  with the subject: Licensing News.

Disclaimer: Please note that the news bulletin has been put together from different sources, primary and secondary, and BananaIP’s reporters may not have verified all the news published in the bulletin. You may write to contact@bananaip.com  for corrections and take down.

[inkariasacademyworld]

Study On Transgenders

1.1 Efforts taken to improve the situation of transgenders in India National Legal Services Authority versus Union of India: The Supreme Court of India legalized the presence of transgender people in 2014, and allowed the legal creation of a “third gender” category. o The judgement also called for affirmative action in education, primary health care, and that transgenders be identified as beneficiaries of social welfare schemes.

NHRC in its report has pointed that center and state government have failed to implement SC guidelines in NALSA judgement or bring laws to improve lives of the transgenders. There is also no clarity on OBC status of transgenders".

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1.2. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016:

The Bill defines a transgender person as one who is partly female or male; or a combination of female and male; or neither female nor male. In addition, the person’s gender must not match the gender assigned at birth, and includes trans-men, trans-women, persons with intersex variations and gender-queers.

It prohibits discrimination against a transgender person in areas such as education, employment, and healthcare. It directs the central and state governments to provide welfare schemes in these areas.

Offences like compelling a transgender person to beg, denial of access to a public place, physical and sexual abuse, etc. would attract up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine.

It directs Central government to constitute a National Council for Transgender headed by the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.

It provides no child who is born a transgender can be separated from his parents except on a court’s order.

Every transgender person shall have a right to reside in the house-hold where parent or immediate family members reside;

a right not to be excluded from such house-hold or any part thereof;

a right to enjoy and use the facilities of such house-hold in a nondiscriminatory manner.

The Government shall take the following measures in relation to the transgender persons, namely: a separate HIV surveillance Centres;

to provide for medical care facility including sex reassignment surgery and hormonal therapy; pre and post sex reassignment surgery and hormonal therapy counselling;

bring out a Health Manual related to sex reassignment surgery in accordance with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health guidelines;

to facilitate access to the transgender persons in the hospitals and other healthcare institutions and centres;

provision for coverage of medical expenses by a comprehensive insurance scheme for transgender persons.

Issues with the bill: The Bill states that a person recognised as ‘transgender’ would have the right to ‘self-perceived’ gender identity. However, it does not provide for the enforcement of such a right. A District Screening Committee would issue a certificate of identity to recognise transgender persons.

The Supreme Court has held that the right to self-identification of gender is part of the right to dignity and autonomy under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The definition of ‘transgender persons’ in the Bill is at variance with the definitions recognised by international bodies and experts in India.

The Bill includes terms like ‘trans-men’, ‘trans-women’, persons with ‘intersex variations’ and ‘gender-queers’ in its definition of transgender persons. However, these terms have not been defined.

Certain criminal and personal laws that are currently in force only recognise the genders of ‘man’ and ‘woman’. It is unclear how such laws would apply to transgender persons who may not identify with either of the two genders.

It does not include the creation of institutions like the national and State commissions for transgenders, as well as transgender rights courts which were part of the earlier draft bill.

Tamil Nadu is frontrunning state in taking steps for development of transgenders by providing them education, identity cards and subsidized food and free housing. In a pioneering effort to address the issues faced by transgender people, the government of Tamil Nadu established a transgender welfare board in 2008 (West Bengal, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka have also established the board). Seats have been reserved in colleges and universities for the members of transgender community.

Tamil Nadu AIDS Initiative has formed a federation of 20,000 transgenders which provides various health services to its members.

Kerala government brought the ‘State Policy for Transgenders in Kerala 2015’ to provide the “right to live with dignity.” Village and district panchayats and municipalities have been tasked with finding jobs, running special training and skills programmes and welfare projects.

A Transgender Justice Board has been established to address issues of discrimination and violence against them.

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1.3. Successful Transgender persons in India

In 1998 Shabnam Mausi became first transgender to get elected to a public office.

In 2014, Grace Banu was the first transgender student to secure admission in an engineering college.

In 2015, India got its first transgender college principal when Manabi Bandhopadhyaya joined as the principle of Krishnagar Women’s College in West Bengal.

Revathi became the first transgender to write about transgender issues and gender politics in Tamil.

Padmini Prakash is the first transgender television news anchor in the country.

University Grants commission in 2014 issued a notification to facilitate the education of transgenders such as grievance cells in colleges, separate category in admission and examination forms etc.

Important steps taken by states:

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Way forward

International Practices

Countries like Denmark, Malta and Argentina have made legislations related to self-determination. Following Argentina’s lead India can choose to adopt the Yogyakarta principles- i.e. adopt a model of gender recognition that does not rely on a diagnosis by medical professionals.

In United Kingdom change in legal sex does not have an effect on marriage, security benefits/pensions and do not adversely affect parenthood or succession rights.

Following precedents set by Iran, Argentina and Brazil sexual reassignment surgery and hormone therapy should be defined as a public health right and be made freely available.

Government has taken certain measures to identify and enumerate transgender population. These measures need more streamlining and inter-ministerial cooperation is also required.

While various state governments formulated schemes for transgender communities, a National policy is an urgent need to ensure greater involvement of transgender persons in policy formulation and program development.

It is important to sensitize parents of transgender children and other members of the society with regards to the human rights of the transgender community.

Transgender children are under severe stress and low self-esteem and counselling services need to be provided to them. A component of such services could be included under the Integrated Child Protection Schemes.

Legal and the law enforcement systems need to be empowered and sensitized on the issues of Transgender community. Special Grievance Redressal Cells for their protection should be set up in all police stations.

Child Protection laws need to be strengthened to address issues faced by transgender adolescents. The abandonment of child is a punishable offence under Section 317 of IPC. The age limit of child for this offence need to be increased to 18 years as abandonment of transgender children usually takes place between 12 and 18 years.

Care homes for transgender children should be setup to prevent exploitation of vulnerable transgender children.

Legally transgender cannot enter into a marriage, have spouse and setup their own family in India. They need to be provided right to marry and right to a family along with right of sexual orientation.

Government should take steps to provide housing facilities to transgender people.

Transgender people should get equal employment opportunities and every employer should be made to declare policy statement on trans recruitments.

Local governments need to play a positive and proactive role in removal of taboos and discrimination.

All treatment and other facilities should be provided at free of cost or at subsidized rates to all transgender patients in both government and private hospitals.

School and colleges need to play a supportive and encouraging role in providing education and value-system to Transgender.

Establishment of helpline for career planning and guidance, career opportunities and online placement system must be empowered.

Liberal credit facilities and financial assistance must be ensured to start up their career as an entrepreneur or businessman.

[shanujey82-blog]

Revive Clinic | Dr. Srilatha Gorthi | ElaWoman

Revive Clinic

Revive Clinic has been  to offer a comprehensive high nice care to our patients. The docs have extensive nearby know-how base, a few years of global knowledge to provide secure & able care. Our goal is to offer transparency approximately your illness and provide affected person-centric care that involves you within the Treatment options approximately your care.They are the pioneers in supplying the excellent satisfactory care with the ultra-modern generation and services like Ultrasonography ( Obs & Gynae), In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Child Vaccination / Immunization, High-Risk Pregnancy Care, HIV Testing, Laparoscopy, Advanced Pathological Laboratory Facilities, Sports Injury Management, Infectious Disease Treatment like Viral Infections, Flu Treatments, Hysterectomy (Abdominal/Vaginal), Chronic Medical Conditions, Gyne Laparoscopy, Infertility Assessment & Treatment, and Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD). The health facility turned into hooked up in 2012. The touring Gynecologist and Obstetrician at Revive Multi Specialty Clinics and Fertility Centre is Dr. Srilatha Gorthi. Click on the map to get the directions to attain Revive Multi Specialty Clinics and Fertility Centre.

We, at Revive Clinic tailor-made the desires of sufferers via the use of up to date online technology to simplify the adventure of patients consultations. The sufferers can ebook online appointments proper from their clever phones 24/7 and consider their consultations and prescriptions on-line where ever they go together with a easy click on. To conquer the errors of medical doctors prescription both with their hand writing or drug doses and to ensure the protection with prescription, we boast to have electronic medical information.

Revive Multi Specialty Clinics and Fertility Centre Reviews, Our hospital has tied up with NABL authorized "Lucid Diagnostics" to guide the investigations with an added benefit of on line consequences of the lab checks with 12 hours for maximum of the tests.

LAB ON WHEELS - SERVICE:

we also offer lab on wheel carrier - Our domestic sample series carrier. You can region a request for home blood/urine sample series either by way of name or sms or whatsapp. Our committed Lab on wheels number is 9100786111.

Our pharmacy is open for extended hours 7 days per week and inventory most of the usual manufacturers. Our on line request for home delivery can be an delivered benefit for the patients and families to utilise their valuable time with their loved ones throughout their illness rather than spending at the roads with traffic.

Dr. Srilatha Gorthi

Dr. Srilatha Gorthi is Consultant Gynaecologist and Infertility professional. She became the pleasant outgoing student with nine Gold medals for the duration of MBBS and underwent postgraduate schooling in Chennai. With specialist schooling in Infertility and minimal get entry to surgery at Leeds in the UK, she has expertise in reproductive medicine, ambulatory gynecological surgical procedure, advanced laparoscopy, vaginal surgical treatment and pelvic ultrasound scanning. She is licensed in Reproductive Treatment and pelvic ultrasound scanning. She has given worldwide media interviews for BBC information and The Times of India, Deccan Chronicle. She has achieved research in egg freezing. She has numerous courses in peer-reviewed journals to her credit, distinguished of that is modern issues in ovulation induction inside the Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, July 2012.

Due to long ready and the busy agenda with IVF exercise - Dr. Srilatha Gorthi's outpatient session will not be possible for low-hazard herbal pregnancy (Ante-natal Care).

She became the pleasant outgoing student with 9 Gold medals in the course of MBBS and underwent postgraduate schooling in Chennai. With professional education in Infertility and minimum get entry to surgeryat Leeds in UK, she has knowledge in Reproductive Medicine, Ambulatory Gynaecological Surgery, superior laparoscopy, vaginal surgical treatment and pelvic ultrasound scanning. She has given international media interviews and has several publications in peer reviewed journals to her credit.

Experience

2013 - 2014 Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Revive Clinics

2012 - 2013 Consultant In Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Infertility at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

2002 - 2012 Senior Registrar at National Health Service

2001 - 2002 Senior Resident at Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad and EVKalyani Hospital, chennai

1998 - 2001 Post Graduate at Obstetrics & Gynaecology

IVF Centres in Hyderabad

The IVF Treatment, in vitro fertilization, refers back to the procedure of combining an egg with a sperm out of doors the human frame. The IVF manner helps to address problems associated with lady infertility as well as male infertility and assists a pair in conceiving. The method is completed in a take a look at tube or a petri dish and subsequently the babies conceived thru IVF approaches are colloquially referred to as check tube infants. The fertilized egg is implanted within the uterus of the organic mother or the surrogate's uterus, relying at the case. Several strategies are used to carry out the procedure with the intention to confirm higher success fees and those are ovarian hyperstimulation, natural IVF, final maturation induction, egg retrieval, egg and sperm training, co-incubation, embryo way of life, embryo selection, embryo switch and adjunctive medication. Expert medical doctors with wonderful experience perform the procedures at those fertility clinics. Listed above are all the IVF centres in Hyderabad.

The IVF Treatment center has certified counselors and scientific coordinators who provide psychological and administrative support at some point of a affected person’s infertility treatment protocol. Apart from the primary and advanced fertility clinics, the center also offers pre-genetic counseling and procedures which only a few centers are prepared with, within the city. The middle has executed numerous high quality consequences with the help of genetic approaches. It is the nice fertility center in Hyderabad placed in Banjara Hills which has first rate infrastructure and across the world acclaimed doctors who're experts in treating both male and female infertility. One of the primary landmark achievements the fertility center has gotten is the first high quality being pregnant via ERA ET (Endometrial Receptivity Array) which is a rare case, consequently it is the first-class IVF Centre in Hyderabad.

In Vitro Fertilization(IVF) Centres in Hyderabad

Fertility reminiscences are constantly packed with feelings, uncertainty, and controversies. Childless couples who could make remarkable mother and father search for the super IVF centres in Hyderabad that may help them conceive a wholesome infant. Due to the rise in infertility times in Hyderabad, provisions for personalized care and treatment for Infertility control have progressed in almost all IVF centres in Hyderabad.

The patient care and counseling frame of workers's immoderate morale and superb strength can be felt as quickly as you first stroll internal any infertility Treatment centres in Hyderabad. They keep in mind that for couples, the difficulty of infertility is a touchy one so they treat every affected individual in particular steady with the man or woman’s troubles. Apart from providing relatively a achievement Treatment, In Vitro Fertilization hospitals in Hyderabad additionally try and make every affected person physical and emotionally cozy throughout the whole approach.

Best IVF Doctors in Hyderabad

These docs are known as reproductive endocrinologists in the medical fraternity, who focus on reproductive endocrinology and infertility, a sub-speciality of obstetrics and gynaecology. This department of medication specializes in the hormonal functioning in ladies and men that results in reproductive troubles and infertility. Many fertility specialists who've their personal health center and practice independently, while others work or consult in hospitals and/or health centres. These physicians are trained to deal with situations which include athenospermia, number one testicular failure, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and tubal blockage. Depending on the diagnosis concurred, a physician may advocate IVF treatment, the price of which differs from medical institution to sanatorium. A child conceived beneath the assisted reproductive era and treatments endorsed or finished by way of a fertility expert is called a check tube child. To pick out from a listing of Best IVF Doctors in Hyderabad,

IVF Cost  in Hyderabad

Having one's very own toddler and beginning a circle of relatives is a dream not unusual to each couple. All the moments, beginning from the time a child is conceived and born into the world paperwork a memorable part of the dad and mom lives. Creating and nurturing a brand new life is an enjoy well worth dwelling because it includes all of the beautiful recollections of one's treasured infant and a feeling of contentment unlike some other existence occasion can offer. Most of the couples conceive their first child at some stage in the initial year of their marriage, yet there are many who are not as fortunate. Trying for a infant with consistent failures may be a miserable and hard manner that drains at physical, emotional and intellectual degrees. The pain of no longer being capable of undergo a child can get intolerable with time however searching for assist from a good infertility medical doctor in Hyderabad could be of fantastic assist. It is a nicely-established truth that IVF Cost  in Hyderabad is taken into consideration to be high however with a touch studies and evaluation executed at your part, you usually have the choice to reach out the fine IVF medical doctors in Hyderabad at a reasonable charge. Noticeably, the IVF cost in Hyderabad varies extensively between Rs.137498.21 to Rs.231697.Four for high-end IVF centres. The value of the treatment varies from hospital to medical institution.

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[gospellighthouseofprayer]

Whyte House Family Devotions #355 (05/12/18): "The Need for Wisdom," by Billy Graham

https://soundcloud.com/danielwhyteiii/whyte-house-family-devotions-355-051218-the-need-for-wisdom-by-billy-graham

My family and I have had morning devotions, or family altar as some people call it, every day ever since my wife, Meriqua, and I were married 30 years ago. We have prayed and read the Bible together as well as other devotional books as a family, and it is the only reason why this family has stayed together, and the only reason why God has blessed our family and used our family in ministry all of these years. We read Ephesians 5 and 6 every morning as it relates to the role of each member of the family and how that we need to put on the whole armor of God to fight against the devil who is seeking to destroy our family and all Christian families, churches, and Christians. So, now after 30 years of doing this in our home, we are opening this up to others who don't have a family to pray with, who don't have a spouse, or who are single by choice, and to encourage all families who are still intact to go back to the family altar and have devotions together every morning. In these devotions, you may hear me deal with a temptation I'm facing in my life, you may hear me rebuke my wife about not doing what she should be doing, or you may hear me get on one of my children's cases about something they're doing. Don't be shocked; this is real life. SING "DOXOLOGY" Praise God from Whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost Amen Billy Graham said, “There are those today that say we must do as others do, that we must conform to the world to win it, that we must swim with the tide, that we must move with the crowd. But the believer should say, ‘No.’” ------ PRAY "THE NEW COMMON PRAYER" Almighty and most merciful Father; We have sinned, and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no peace and joy in us. But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare Thou us, O God, who confess our sins, our faults, and our failures. Restore those of us who confess our sins and repent; According to Thy promises declared unto us in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for His sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life. To the glory of Thy holy Name. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. ------ EPHESIANS 6:12-13 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stephen J. Cole writes in his commentary on this passage: "Satan also uses deception when he tempts us to sin. He always portrays sin as attractive and fulfilling. He convinces us that a particular sin will meet needs that God has not met. Are you single and desiring a mate? Have you prayed, but God has not answered? Satan comes along and says, ‘Here is an attractive young man [or woman] for you!’ You ask, ‘Is he [or she] a committed believer in Jesus Christ?’ The devil says, ‘No, but look at how nice he is. He treats you well! You know supposedly Christian men that abuse their wives, so being a Christian is no guarantee of getting a loving mate. Besides, you aren’t committing to marry him. Just go out with him and see how it goes.’ And so the unsuspecting get lured into premarital sex and marriage to a nice unbeliever! “Satan uses the same deceptive tactics to lure married believers into adultery. You’re having problems in your marriage, and along comes the most understanding, sympathetic, and attractive person! Whereas your husband never listens to you, this man always listens. Whereas your wife never responds to you sexually, this gorgeous woman is ready and willing! Be forewarned! The devil is powerful because he is a deceptive schemer." ------- PRAYER ------- DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE: Psalm 139:7-12 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Regarding this passage, Matthew Henry writes: “We cannot see God, but he can see us. The psalmist did not desire to go from the Lord. Whither can I go? In the most distant corners of the world, in heaven, or in hell, I cannot go out of thy reach. No veil can hide us from God; not the thickest darkness. No disguise can save any person or action from being seen in the true light by him. Secret haunts of sin are as open before God as the most open villanies. On the other hand, the believer cannot be removed from the supporting, comforting presence of his Almighty Friend.” --------- PRAYER FOR THE ESTATES 1. Family 2. Clergy (church) 3. Government 4. People (citizens) 5. The press (media) 6. New media/Online journalists PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY PRAYER FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP GOVERNMENT LEADERS 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." President Donald Trump and his administration Vice President Mike Pence First Lady Melania Trump Second Lady Karen Pence All White House staff including: Special Counsel to the President Ann M. Donaldson All leaders of federal agencies including: United States Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa All state governors including: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker All city mayors including: Crescent City, FL, Mayor Joseph Santa All members of Congress including: Florida Representative Ted Yoho All law enforcement officials including: Crescent City, FL, Police Chief Angelo Damiano All military leaders including: Defense Secretary James Mattis / Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley Leaders of nations around the world including: The Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Mark Rutte The peace of Jerusalem PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE / CITIZENS PRAYER FOR THE MEDIA PRAYER FOR CURRENT EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD - For the safety of the people of Kenya who are suffering from extreme flooding; for the comfort of the families of those who have been killed - For the safety and protection of the people of Congo where a new ebola outbreak has been reported. - For the protection of the people of Hawaii who have been displaced because of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes PRAYER REQUESTS Rajiv please bless their ministry to children who lost their parents to HIV and bless the church planting outreach, school, widows ministry, Gospel meetings, pastors conference, and social work; enable them to reach all of Odisha state with the Gospel and turn all of India to You Bhima please provide them with the money they need to build orphanages and plant churches; bless the seminary students and teachers with all that they need Bushebi Please bless the reopening of their Bible school and protect the students; protect and provide for the people suffering in Kenya and Somalia because of floods; help Timothy to recover completely THOSE WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CHRIST AS SAVIOR Frank Joshua Lucas THOSE WHO HAVE RECOMMITTED THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST Anne Celestino Bryce DEVOTIONAL READING: “The Need for Wisdom,” by Billy Graham Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. ” “Time is running out. The seconds are ticking away toward midnight. The human race is about to take the fatal plunge. Which way shall we turn? Is there any authority left? Is there a path we can follow? Can we find a code book that will give us the key to our dilemmas? Is there any source of authority to which we can turn? Have we just been placed here by some unknown creator or force without any clue as to where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going? “The answer is ‘no.’ We do have a code book. We do have a key. We do have authoritative source material. It is found in the ancient and historic Book we call the Bible. This Book has come down to us through the ages. It has passed through so many hands, appeared in so many forms-and survived attack of every kind. Neither barbaric vandalism nor civilized scholarship has touched it. Neither the burning of fire nor the laughter of skepticism has accomplished its annihilation. Through the many dark ages of man its glorious promises have survived unchanged.” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Now, if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, allow me to show you how you can place your faith and trust in Him for Salvation from sin and Hell. First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God's law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death…" Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Now that is bad news, but here's the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will. Romans 10:9 & 13 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead, and you want to trust Him for your Salvation today, please pray with me this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sins. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. I trust Jesus Christ as my Savior and I choose to follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen. If you just trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, I declare to you that based upon the Word of God, you are now saved from Hell and you are on your way to Heaven. Welcome to the family of God! I want to congratulate you on doing the most important thing in life and that is receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read "What To Do After You Enter Through the Door". Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Until next time, May the Lord Bless You!

[blackchristiannewswire]

LISTEN: Whyte House Family Devotions #355 (05/12/18): "The Need for Wisdom," by Billy Graham

https://soundcloud.com/danielwhyteiii/whyte-house-family-devotions-355-051218-the-need-for-wisdom-by-billy-graham

[caption id="attachment_40916" align="alignleft" width="156"] Daniel Whyte III[/caption] My family and I have had morning devotions, or family altar as some people call it, every day ever since my wife, Meriqua, and I were married 30 years ago. We have prayed and read the Bible together as well as other devotional books as a family, and it is the only reason why this family has stayed together, and the only reason why God has blessed our family and used our family in ministry all of these years. We read Ephesians 5 and 6 every morning as it relates to the role of each member of the family and how that we need to put on the whole armor of God to fight against the devil who is seeking to destroy our family and all Christian families, churches, and Christians. So, now after 30 years of doing this in our home, we are opening this up to others who don't have a family to pray with, who don't have a spouse, or who are single by choice, and to encourage all families who are still intact to go back to the family altar and have devotions together every morning. In these devotions, you may hear me deal with a temptation I'm facing in my life, you may hear me rebuke my wife about not doing what she should be doing, or you may hear me get on one of my children's cases about something they're doing. Don't be shocked; this is real life. SING "DOXOLOGY" Praise God from Whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost Amen Billy Graham said, “There are those today that say we must do as others do, that we must conform to the world to win it, that we must swim with the tide, that we must move with the crowd. But the believer should say, ‘No.’” ------ PRAY "THE NEW COMMON PRAYER" Almighty and most merciful Father; We have sinned, and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no peace and joy in us. But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare Thou us, O God, who confess our sins, our faults, and our failures. Restore those of us who confess our sins and repent; According to Thy promises declared unto us in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for His sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life. To the glory of Thy holy Name. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. ------ EPHESIANS 6:12-13 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stephen J. Cole writes in his commentary on this passage: "Satan also uses deception when he tempts us to sin. He always portrays sin as attractive and fulfilling. He convinces us that a particular sin will meet needs that God has not met. Are you single and desiring a mate? Have you prayed, but God has not answered? Satan comes along and says, ‘Here is an attractive young man [or woman] for you!’ You ask, ‘Is he [or she] a committed believer in Jesus Christ?’ The devil says, ‘No, but look at how nice he is. He treats you well! You know supposedly Christian men that abuse their wives, so being a Christian is no guarantee of getting a loving mate. Besides, you aren’t committing to marry him. Just go out with him and see how it goes.’ And so the unsuspecting get lured into premarital sex and marriage to a nice unbeliever! “Satan uses the same deceptive tactics to lure married believers into adultery. You’re having problems in your marriage, and along comes the most understanding, sympathetic, and attractive person! Whereas your husband never listens to you, this man always listens. Whereas your wife never responds to you sexually, this gorgeous woman is ready and willing! Be forewarned! The devil is powerful because he is a deceptive schemer." ------- PRAYER ------- DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE: Psalm 139:7-12 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Regarding this passage, Matthew Henry writes: “We cannot see God, but he can see us. The psalmist did not desire to go from the Lord. Whither can I go? In the most distant corners of the world, in heaven, or in hell, I cannot go out of thy reach. No veil can hide us from God; not the thickest darkness. No disguise can save any person or action from being seen in the true light by him. Secret haunts of sin are as open before God as the most open villanies. On the other hand, the believer cannot be removed from the supporting, comforting presence of his Almighty Friend.” --------- PRAYER FOR THE ESTATES 1. Family 2. Clergy (church) 3. Government 4. People (citizens) 5. The press (media) 6. New media/Online journalists PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY PRAYER FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP GOVERNMENT LEADERS 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." President Donald Trump and his administration Vice President Mike Pence First Lady Melania Trump Second Lady Karen Pence All White House staff including: Special Counsel to the President Ann M. Donaldson All leaders of federal agencies including: United States Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa All state governors including: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker All city mayors including: Crescent City, FL, Mayor Joseph Santa All members of Congress including: Florida Representative Ted Yoho All law enforcement officials including: Crescent City, FL, Police Chief Angelo Damiano All military leaders including: Defense Secretary James Mattis / Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley Leaders of nations around the world including: The Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Mark Rutte The peace of Jerusalem PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE / CITIZENS PRAYER FOR THE MEDIA PRAYER FOR CURRENT EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD - For the safety of the people of Kenya who are suffering from extreme flooding; for the comfort of the families of those who have been killed - For the safety and protection of the people of Congo where a new ebola outbreak has been reported. - For the protection of the people of Hawaii who have been displaced because of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes PRAYER REQUESTS Rajiv please bless their ministry to children who lost their parents to HIV and bless the church planting outreach, school, widows ministry, Gospel meetings, pastors conference, and social work; enable them to reach all of Odisha state with the Gospel and turn all of India to You Bhima please provide them with the money they need to build orphanages and plant churches; bless the seminary students and teachers with all that they need Bushebi Please bless the reopening of their Bible school and protect the students; protect and provide for the people suffering in Kenya and Somalia because of floods; help Timothy to recover completely THOSE WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CHRIST AS SAVIOR Frank Joshua Lucas THOSE WHO HAVE RECOMMITTED THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST Anne Celestino Bryce DEVOTIONAL READING: “The Need for Wisdom,” by Billy Graham Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. ” “Time is running out. The seconds are ticking away toward midnight. The human race is about to take the fatal plunge. Which way shall we turn? Is there any authority left? Is there a path we can follow? Can we find a code book that will give us the key to our dilemmas? Is there any source of authority to which we can turn? Have we just been placed here by some unknown creator or force without any clue as to where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going? “The answer is ‘no.’ We do have a code book. We do have a key. We do have authoritative source material. It is found in the ancient and historic Book we call the Bible. This Book has come down to us through the ages. It has passed through so many hands, appeared in so many forms-and survived attack of every kind. Neither barbaric vandalism nor civilized scholarship has touched it. Neither the burning of fire nor the laughter of skepticism has accomplished its annihilation. Through the many dark ages of man its glorious promises have survived unchanged.” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Now, if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, allow me to show you how you can place your faith and trust in Him for Salvation from sin and Hell. First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God's law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death…" Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Now that is bad news, but here's the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will. Romans 10:9 & 13 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead, and you want to trust Him for your Salvation today, please pray with me this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sins. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. I trust Jesus Christ as my Savior and I choose to follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen. If you just trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, I declare to you that based upon the Word of God, you are now saved from Hell and you are on your way to Heaven. Welcome to the family of God! I want to congratulate you on doing the most important thing in life and that is receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read "What To Do After You Enter Through the Door". Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Until next time, May the Lord Bless You!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in over twenty-five foreign countries. He is the author of over forty books including the Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News, and Amazon.com national bestseller, Letters to Young Black Men. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts/podcasts, which include: The Prayer Motivator Devotional, The Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message, the Prophet Daniel’s Report, the Second Coming Watch Update and the Soul-Winning Motivator, among others. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Religion, a Master of Divinity degree, and a Master of Theology degree from Liberty University's Rawlings School of Divinity (formerly Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary). He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica since 1987. God has blessed their union with seven children.

[anchorarcade]

Adolescent Health Congress Skirts Issue of Abuse, Trafficking

http://ryanguillory.com/adolescent-health-congress-skirts-issue-of-abuse-trafficking/

Adolescent Health Congress Skirts Issue of Abuse, Trafficking

Active Citizens, Asia-Pacific, Crime & Justice, Education, Featured, Gender Violence, Global, Headlines, Health, Human Rights, Migration & Refugees, Population, Poverty & SDGs, Women’s Health

Attendees at the 11th Congress on Adolescent Health in New Delhi, Oct. 27-29, 2017. Credit: Stella Paul/IPS

NEW DELHI, Oct 30 2017 (IPS) – Twenty-year-old Gogontlejang Phaladi of Mahalapye, Botswana is grateful she was never sent to a so-called “hyena” like scores of girls in neighboring Malawi were.

In a ritual approved by the community, a solo man (the hyena) would have sex with the adolescent girls of an entire village to “sexually cleanse” them so they would be considered fit for marriage.

“It makes sense to bring village and religious leaders in this conversation on violent crimes. After all, most of them are validated by the society and traditions.” –Gigi Phaladi

“I am so glad that in Botswana we do not have hyenas, but we face other forms of sexual violence such as stepfathers molesting stepdaughters and giving them HIV,” says Phaladi, founder of Pillar of Hope, a project that counsels, educates and trains local adolescents to tackle these challenges.

Violent Crimes Left Out

Last week, Phaladi attended the 11th World Congress on Adolescent Health which was held in New Delhi and focused on different health aspects of youth in the age group of 10-24. Speaking to an audience that included diplomats, bureaucrats, researchers, doctors and activists, Phaladi stressed that if the problems of adolescents were to be truly addressed, they had to be involved in the process.

Talking to IPS on the sidelines of the Congress later, Phaladi said that there were adolescents who experienced the most heinous and violent crimes across the world such as sexual assaults, trafficking, violent social norms and religious practices of violent crime.

Aside from HIV, beating, molestation, and sexual exploitation at schools by teachers – the challenges faced by adolescents were multiple. But the adolescents directly affected by the violence and crime were not included in the process to address them.

“You see, the laws in these countries are not firm enough to protect the adolescents from these crimes. So, it’s not just a health issue, but a governance deficiency and we need to talk about this at such events, from the adolescents themselves,” she said.

Unfortunately, violent crimes like sexual slavery, hyenas, molestation at schools or breast ironing – another crime reported widely from Western Africa – were missing from the Congress on Adolescent Health, as were issues of cross-border sex trafficking of adolescent boys and girls in Asia and community-backed forced prostitution of young women in India. Mental health was discussed as a generic issue, but rising cases of mental illness in militarized and conflict zones were also missing.

Lack of Studies and Data

A big reason behind this could be lack of any data, said Rajib Acharya, a researcher from Population Council of India, a New Delhi-based NGO researching population issues across India. Acharya just conducted a study of 20,000 adolescents aged 10-14 in two states of India – Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Presented at the Congress, the study showed, among others, severe levels of anemia among the adolescents. According to the study, 1.2 million and 2.8 million are severely anemic, respectively, in these two States.

But it took four months and a team of 50 researchers to interview the adolescents on nutrition and sexual and reproductive health.  Three weeks were spent on training the researchers, and analyzing the data took another four to five months. To generate data on multiple issues would mean multiplying the investment of this time, effort and money, Acharya reminded.

He also said that if the issue was complicated, sensitive and involved  traveling to conflict zones, it was less likely to be taken up for research as gathering credible date would be incredibly hard.

Forums like the Congress should ideally be utilized to bring on the hard-hitting issues related to adolescents,  said Thant Aung Phyo, a young sexual and reproductive healthcare activist in Myanmar. Pointing out the severe restrictions on adolescents in accessing abortion care, Phyo said, “The rigid government policies and social traditions that restrict the rights of adolescents need to be brought up and discussed at forums like this.”

Myanmar is currently caught in a human rights  disaster where over a million Rohingyas had been forced to flee their homes, taking refuge in neighboring countries including Bangladesh, India and Thailand.  The refugees included hundreds of thousands of adolescents who are living in trauma, poverty, fear and uncertainty.

Decribing their suffering as “unfathomable” and “unprecedented”, Kate Gilmore,  Deputy High Commissioner of the UN Human Rights Commission, says that refugee and migrant adolscents  across the world must be provided  free and regular healthcare as a right.

“Migrant adolescents must have access to healthcare without the fear of being reported, detained and deported,” Gilmore said.

Improving World’s Largest Adolescent Program

India, home to the world’s largest adolescent population (253 million), launched  an adolescent-specific program in 2014 – the first country in the world to do so on such a scale. Titled Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (KRSK), the program aimed at improving health and nutrition of adolescents besides protecting them against violence and injuries.

It is currently run in 230 of the country’s 707 districts,  but even after three years, there was  little data available on the program’s impact. The data presented at the event by the health ministry of India at the Congress only specified the facilities built by the government so far (700 adolescent health clinics) and services provided (training over 20,000 adolescents as peer educators).

However, the selection of the peer educators and the skills of the field workers had been questioned by experts from the non government sector.

“The peer educator component is the most controversial aspect of the program. The skill of the workforce on the ground is also questionable,” observed Sunil Mehra, one of the pioneers on adolscent health in India and head of Mamta Health Institute for Mother and Child which coorganised the Congress.

Agreed Rajib Acharya: “If we spoke with community level  health workers, we would see  that only 5 or 6 out of  every 30 or 40 knew what they were supposed to say or do to adolescent patients.”

On Saturday, however,  the ministry  announced certain changes  to improve the RKSK program and monitor certain services  Said Ajay Khera, Deputy Commissioner (Adolescent Health) at the minsitry, the government would “now make the program  promotion and prevention-centric and monitorable”.

The ministry would particularly monitor its  Weekly Iron Folic Supplementation (WIFS) programme  on digital platforms to tackle anemea among adolescents. A special toolkit called “Sathiya” was also launched at the World Congress on Friday for better peer education. The Toolkit—available both in print and online – focused on six broad themes of the RKSK such as integrated child health , sexual and reproductive health, injuries and violence, nutrition, substance abuse and mental health.

Leveraging the Traditional  System

There are other instituions and systems that  India and other countries could make better use of  to address the “wicked problems” faced by the adolescents, reminded  Anthony Costello, Director, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health at the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Promoting greater interaction among adolescents of different age and sex is one. Involving parents in learning of the health issues of adolescents is another. Talking of difficult and disturbing issues like breast ironing, rape, trafficking is yet another. We need to use all of these,” Costello told IPS.

Gigi Phaladi added that traditioonal and religious leaders  also must be roped in to talk about adolescents. In Botswana, she said, pastors in churches were urged to talk of gender violence, HIV and other gender-based crimes.

“People were surprised to hear their religious leaders talk about sex etc, but they also started paying attention. The general feeling among people was ‘if the pastors do not feel hesitant to talk about these issues, why should we?’ So, it makes sense to bring village and religious leaders in this conversation on violent crimes. After all, most of them are validated by the society and traditions,”she said.

The three-day (Oct. 27-29 ) 11th Congress on Adolescent Health, which had 1,200 participants from 65 countries, concluded on Sunday.

  Source link

[awesomefelicitylewis-blog]

Adolescent Health Congress Skirts Issue of Abuse, Trafficking

http://ryanguillory.com/adolescent-health-congress-skirts-issue-of-abuse-trafficking/

Adolescent Health Congress Skirts Issue of Abuse, Trafficking

Active Citizens, Asia-Pacific, Crime & Justice, Education, Featured, Gender Violence, Global, Headlines, Health, Human Rights, Migration & Refugees, Population, Poverty & SDGs, Women’s Health

Attendees at the 11th Congress on Adolescent Health in New Delhi, Oct. 27-29, 2017. Credit: Stella Paul/IPS

NEW DELHI, Oct 30 2017 (IPS) – Twenty-year-old Gogontlejang Phaladi of Mahalapye, Botswana is grateful she was never sent to a so-called “hyena” like scores of girls in neighboring Malawi were.

In a ritual approved by the community, a solo man (the hyena) would have sex with the adolescent girls of an entire village to “sexually cleanse” them so they would be considered fit for marriage.

“It makes sense to bring village and religious leaders in this conversation on violent crimes. After all, most of them are validated by the society and traditions.” –Gigi Phaladi

“I am so glad that in Botswana we do not have hyenas, but we face other forms of sexual violence such as stepfathers molesting stepdaughters and giving them HIV,” says Phaladi, founder of Pillar of Hope, a project that counsels, educates and trains local adolescents to tackle these challenges.

Violent Crimes Left Out

Last week, Phaladi attended the 11th World Congress on Adolescent Health which was held in New Delhi and focused on different health aspects of youth in the age group of 10-24. Speaking to an audience that included diplomats, bureaucrats, researchers, doctors and activists, Phaladi stressed that if the problems of adolescents were to be truly addressed, they had to be involved in the process.

Talking to IPS on the sidelines of the Congress later, Phaladi said that there were adolescents who experienced the most heinous and violent crimes across the world such as sexual assaults, trafficking, violent social norms and religious practices of violent crime.

Aside from HIV, beating, molestation, and sexual exploitation at schools by teachers – the challenges faced by adolescents were multiple. But the adolescents directly affected by the violence and crime were not included in the process to address them.

“You see, the laws in these countries are not firm enough to protect the adolescents from these crimes. So, it’s not just a health issue, but a governance deficiency and we need to talk about this at such events, from the adolescents themselves,” she said.

Unfortunately, violent crimes like sexual slavery, hyenas, molestation at schools or breast ironing – another crime reported widely from Western Africa – were missing from the Congress on Adolescent Health, as were issues of cross-border sex trafficking of adolescent boys and girls in Asia and community-backed forced prostitution of young women in India. Mental health was discussed as a generic issue, but rising cases of mental illness in militarized and conflict zones were also missing.

Lack of Studies and Data

A big reason behind this could be lack of any data, said Rajib Acharya, a researcher from Population Council of India, a New Delhi-based NGO researching population issues across India. Acharya just conducted a study of 20,000 adolescents aged 10-14 in two states of India – Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Presented at the Congress, the study showed, among others, severe levels of anemia among the adolescents. According to the study, 1.2 million and 2.8 million are severely anemic, respectively, in these two States.

But it took four months and a team of 50 researchers to interview the adolescents on nutrition and sexual and reproductive health.  Three weeks were spent on training the researchers, and analyzing the data took another four to five months. To generate data on multiple issues would mean multiplying the investment of this time, effort and money, Acharya reminded.

He also said that if the issue was complicated, sensitive and involved  traveling to conflict zones, it was less likely to be taken up for research as gathering credible date would be incredibly hard.

Forums like the Congress should ideally be utilized to bring on the hard-hitting issues related to adolescents,  said Thant Aung Phyo, a young sexual and reproductive healthcare activist in Myanmar. Pointing out the severe restrictions on adolescents in accessing abortion care, Phyo said, “The rigid government policies and social traditions that restrict the rights of adolescents need to be brought up and discussed at forums like this.”

Myanmar is currently caught in a human rights  disaster where over a million Rohingyas had been forced to flee their homes, taking refuge in neighboring countries including Bangladesh, India and Thailand.  The refugees included hundreds of thousands of adolescents who are living in trauma, poverty, fear and uncertainty.

Decribing their suffering as “unfathomable” and “unprecedented”, Kate Gilmore,  Deputy High Commissioner of the UN Human Rights Commission, says that refugee and migrant adolscents  across the world must be provided  free and regular healthcare as a right.

“Migrant adolescents must have access to healthcare without the fear of being reported, detained and deported,” Gilmore said.

Improving World’s Largest Adolescent Program

India, home to the world’s largest adolescent population (253 million), launched  an adolescent-specific program in 2014 – the first country in the world to do so on such a scale. Titled Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (KRSK), the program aimed at improving health and nutrition of adolescents besides protecting them against violence and injuries.

It is currently run in 230 of the country’s 707 districts,  but even after three years, there was  little data available on the program’s impact. The data presented at the event by the health ministry of India at the Congress only specified the facilities built by the government so far (700 adolescent health clinics) and services provided (training over 20,000 adolescents as peer educators).

However, the selection of the peer educators and the skills of the field workers had been questioned by experts from the non government sector.

“The peer educator component is the most controversial aspect of the program. The skill of the workforce on the ground is also questionable,” observed Sunil Mehra, one of the pioneers on adolscent health in India and head of Mamta Health Institute for Mother and Child which coorganised the Congress.

Agreed Rajib Acharya: “If we spoke with community level  health workers, we would see  that only 5 or 6 out of  every 30 or 40 knew what they were supposed to say or do to adolescent patients.”

On Saturday, however,  the ministry  announced certain changes  to improve the RKSK program and monitor certain services  Said Ajay Khera, Deputy Commissioner (Adolescent Health) at the minsitry, the government would “now make the program  promotion and prevention-centric and monitorable”.

The ministry would particularly monitor its  Weekly Iron Folic Supplementation (WIFS) programme  on digital platforms to tackle anemea among adolescents. A special toolkit called “Sathiya” was also launched at the World Congress on Friday for better peer education. The Toolkit—available both in print and online – focused on six broad themes of the RKSK such as integrated child health , sexual and reproductive health, injuries and violence, nutrition, substance abuse and mental health.

Leveraging the Traditional  System

There are other instituions and systems that  India and other countries could make better use of  to address the “wicked problems” faced by the adolescents, reminded  Anthony Costello, Director, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health at the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Promoting greater interaction among adolescents of different age and sex is one. Involving parents in learning of the health issues of adolescents is another. Talking of difficult and disturbing issues like breast ironing, rape, trafficking is yet another. We need to use all of these,” Costello told IPS.

Gigi Phaladi added that traditioonal and religious leaders  also must be roped in to talk about adolescents. In Botswana, she said, pastors in churches were urged to talk of gender violence, HIV and other gender-based crimes.

“People were surprised to hear their religious leaders talk about sex etc, but they also started paying attention. The general feeling among people was ‘if the pastors do not feel hesitant to talk about these issues, why should we?’ So, it makes sense to bring village and religious leaders in this conversation on violent crimes. After all, most of them are validated by the society and traditions,”she said.

The three-day (Oct. 27-29 ) 11th Congress on Adolescent Health, which had 1,200 participants from 65 countries, concluded on Sunday.

  Source link