Name of the Donor:   SAATHII

Total amount of Grant received / spent during the year :  Rs.8,00,521 / Rs.8,81,002

Goals

Goal-1 : Reaching MSM, TG, other high risk males (HRM), prisoners and single male migrants with HIV / STI and vulnerability reduction services.

Goal-2 : Identifying HIV positive MSM/TG and HRM cases and linking them to treatment and socio-economic welfare schemes.

Goal-3 : Enhancing uptake of STI, HIV, and reproductive health services amongst female partners of MSM/TG populations.

Objectives

The project seeks to leverage current test-and-treat paradigms to maximize immediate / early ART initiation for individuals confirmed as HIV positive, to reduce disease progression and further viral transmission. The prime objectives are

  1. Increase uptake of HIV and STI prevention and reproductive health and rights related services through community-based screening amongst those, hard to reach MSM/TG and other HRGs and ARGs.
  2. To identify and initiate early treatment for the HIV+ cases, identified under the project.
  3. Enhance uptake of STI, HIV, reproductive health and rights services amongst female partners of MSM/TG, and other HRGs/ARGs.

 Other Linkage, Advocacy and Mainstreaming activities

Coverage:

The Undivided districts of Rangareddy, Medak and Warangal districts

COMMUNITY BASED SCREENING CAMPS CONDUCTED DURING 2019-20

DISTRICT Number of camps / CBS events conducted Individuals Screened STR cases detected Clients confirmed as HIV+ at the SA-ICTC
MEDAK 32 2,371 24 14
RANGAREDDY 35 2,517 12 5
WARANGAL 36 2,984 32 13
TOTAL 103 7,872 68 32

Case Stories:

Linkage to treatment during lockdown: On 14th March 2020 a Community Based Screening (CBS) camp was organized at Sitampeta village of Warangal District, where 87 individuals were screened.

Sridhar, a 31 years old auto driver, was found to be single test reactive. The field worker accompanied him to the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) where he was confirmed as HIV positive. He has a 7 years old son and a 9 years old daughter. For incremental earning he used to drive auto at night, especially in the nearby brothel area. He gradually developed relationship with female sex workers and had unsafe encounters. After screening, he brought his wife to the camp for screening. She was also found to be reactive. During counselling, she revealed that she had been suffering from lower-abdominal pain for a couple of months.

Before the couple could visit the ICTC, the government declared a lockdown due to COVID 19. Considering the emergency nature of the situation the staff requested the District Project Manager, District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) to intervene. The DPM facilitated the issue of transit-pass for both of them to visit ICTC. Both were confirmed as HIV positive and subsequently linked to treatment. Their children are yet to be tested. His wife was referred to the nearest Designated STI/RTI Clinic (DSRC) for diagnosis of lower abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with having STI and is being treated for the same. The couple thanked the project team for the support and timely intervention to save their life and ensure good health.

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Gaddala John, Executive Member

He brings unparalleled experience and empathy to his role, which stems from over four decades of dedicated work dedicated to uplifting the rural poor and downtrodden communities in Warangal District, Telangana State. His extensive personal and professional involvement in the region informs his profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by these communities.

 

As a devoted social worker, John has spearheaded various community development projects to empower marginalized and vulnerable groups. His nearly three-decade association with MARI has significantly contributed to the organisation’s growth and impact.

 

He remains actively engaged in executive functions, ensuring his valuable insights continue to influence MARI’s direction. His enduring commitment and adaptability highlight his dedication and inspire others in the sector.

Ramisetty Murali, M.S.W, Executive Director

He has 38 years of experience in social development and plays a crucial role in steering MARI towards remarkable achievements in social development work. His passion and expertise have been instrumental in assembling a robust team of professionals capable of executing diverse projects precisely, ensuring satisfaction among funding partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders alike.

 

His comprehensive understanding of various development fields—including water management, environmental conservation,sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, gender and social equity, WASH, capacity building, and community mobilization—has consistently fostered trust and confidence among MARI’s partners. This trust is a testament to his ability to effectively align project goals with partners’ expectations and community needs.

 

Recognized as the most impactful personality in Telangana State, his contributions have not only elevated the organization’s status but also ensured it is seen as credible, democratic, transparent, and reliable. Under his leadership, the organization has earned numerous accolades, highlighting the significant impact of its initiatives on the targeted populations. His visionary leadership continues to guide the organization toward achieving its mission and enhancing its influential footprint in the development sector.

Kocherlakota Venkata Seshasai, Joint Secretary

He is an expert in financial management and statutory compliance, with extensive experience in the NGO sector. He has been actively contributing to systems development in MARI since 1998, dedicating over two decades of voluntary contribution to the organization. His deep understanding of NGO accounting intricacies and their applicability under the Income-tax Act, 1961, makes him an invaluable asset.

 

Venkata Seshasai’s commitment extends beyond financial oversight; he is deeply passionate about social development. His voluntary contributions significantly enhance MARI’s planning and implementation processes, ensuring both efficiency and compliance. His guidance is strategic and inspirational, fostering a culture of diligence and ethical accountability within the organization.

 

His steadfast presence and insight have helped shape the organisation’s success and integrity. Seshasai’s blend of expertise, dedication, and passion for social work enriches MARI’s mission and operational strength.

Kolisetty Rama Rao, Treasurer

He brings over 35 years of comprehensive experience in the development sector, enhanced by a robust academic foundation in Commerce and financial management. Throughout his illustrious career, he has developed an extensive knowledge of accounting practices specific to charitable institutions, working with several prominent national and international NGOs.

 

Rama Rao’s deep expertise in finance management has made him an invaluable resource for MARI, offering essential support and guidance that significantly benefits the organization’s financial operations and strategic planning. His reputation as a seasoned expert in the development sector is well-recognized, making him a key figure in various NGOs under different capacities.

 

Since joining MARI in 2011, his vast experience and expertise have been instrumental in advancing the organization’s goals and enhancing its operational effectiveness. Rama Rao’s long-standing association and contributions remain vital to MARI’s success and sustainability in pursuing its mission.

Suresh Kosaraju, Secretary

He is an agricultural professional with over three decades of experience in the development sector. His deep analytical skills in social issues have been precious in guiding MARI in the design and execution of impactful social development projects. Suresh is also a highly effective trainer and is respected for his passionate contribution to Manchi Pustakam. This initiative translates globally popular children’s books into Telugu,creating excellent pictorial books that encourage children to learn with joy and interest.His extensive experience and expertise have greatly enriched the organisation.

Tenneti Hema Nalini, Vice President, M.Sc. (Chemistry), M.Ed, LLB

She is an esteemed educator and a dynamic motivational speaker with extensive experience across various government colleges in Telangana. Known for her articulate speeches on social development issues, she brings a blend of academic rigor and passionate advocacy to her roles.

 

Her deep commitment to social work is not just a part of her life, it is her life. This is evident in her significant contributions to the Environmental Education programme implemented by MARI, where she demonstrated passion and effective leadership. Her involvement in this programme underscored her dedication to fostering sustainable practices and educating the community on environmental issues.

 

Subsequently, she joined MARI as an Executive Member, where she provided strategic direction and critical insights that significantly enhanced the organization’s vision and the development of various initiatives. Her role involves strategic oversight and active engagement with project sites, where she offers invaluable guidance to team members.

 

Her expertise and leadership remain vital to MARI, reinforcing the organization’s foundation with experienced and visionary guidance.

Gangula Arundathi, B.S.W., M.Ed., M.Phil (Dip) P.R., President

As a pioneer in the educational community, Gangula Arundathi has amassed over 40 years of experience in the field. Her role as the founder and head of Sanghamitra School is not just a business venture, but a testament to her vision of a nurturing environment dedicated to holistic student development. Since its establishment on March 27, 1990, Sanghamitra School has flourished into a prestigious institution, boasting a 34-year legacy that mirrors Arundathi’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education.

 

Arundathi’s commitment to community service and advocacy is as strong as her administrative prowess. She works closely with the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate to promote safety. She actively volunteers with Akshaya Vidya, an organisation that strives to educate children in urban slums, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the educational sphere.

 

Her influential role as an educator and community leader has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Brave Teacher award from the Cyberabad Police Commissioner. Arundathi is also a recognized voice in educational discourse, having shared her insights on platforms like TEDx and Josh Talks, further establishing her as a respected figure in both educational and professional circles.

 

At MARI, Arundathi brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a proven track record of impactful leadership, underlining the organization’s commitment to being led by a team of highly committed and reputed professionals.