Abbott and YRGCARE inaugurate new outreach centres

Abbott and YRGCARE, a non-profit offering non-stigmatising services to those with or at risk for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), opened two new facilities dedicated to helping stop the spread of HIV. The initiative aims to transform the lives of over 2500 people in these cities over the next year by taking a holistic approach for those who have or are at risk for HIV and other known or emerging infectious diseases.

YRGCARE began providing support for people who are at risk for HIV in Delhi, in 2012, particularly for PWID (people who inject drugs), as transmission of HIV, hepatitis and other infectious diseases is higher amongst this group. The non-profit has been collaborating with Abbott since 2014 to support people beyond the scope of the HIV care continuum. The first facility, called “The Blue Shed,” is based in Delhi’s Yamuna Bazar, a hotspot for HIV transmission amongst its largely transient population. The new facility will offer testing, treatment and counselling, and other support services to provide holistic support for those who have or are at risk for HIV and other known or emerging infectious diseases.

The facility features a laboratory for on-site testing, which will enable the detection of known and emerging infectious diseases to help better track outbreaks. People can also consult with doctors and healthcare workers, access social services and daily meals, and use hygienic facilities for showers. 

Beyond testing, the facility helps provide links to government-run OST (Opioid Substitution Therapy) and ART (Antiretroviral Therapy), as well as tuberculosis treatments when needed. Reportedly, more than 600 individuals are currently registered with the clinic, and this number is growing every day. 

In Mizoram, YRGCARE recently opened an adolescent centre in Aizawl to serve at-risk youth who are vulnerable to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. In addition to testing through the support of the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, the Centre offers access to treatment and other healthcare services, counselling and mental health services and guidance programs. Over 1600 young people have enrolled and this number is increasing.

Both facilities were established with the aim to to help more at-risk groups of people live healthier lives with dignity and social acceptance at an integrated community centre, while ensuring that medical resources are deployed to the people who need them the most, making a real impact in the community and people’s lives. These centres reiterate that pandemic preparedness isn’t just about hunting for the next, new virus, but helping to address the current epidemics such as HIV and hepatitis.