India: Spreading HIV Awareness the Folk Way in Jammu and Kashmir

India's Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) recently launched an HIV/AIDS awareness program for violence-hit Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative uses the nomadic Gujjar community's folk literature and music to spread its message.

"The Gujjars constitute 20-25 percent of the state's population but have negligible access to modern health care facilities in Jammu and Kashmir," said Dr. Javaid Rahi, TRCF's secretary. "There is high vulnerability among youth and those who come into contact with non-tribal populations."

The awareness program is in the Gojri language, and will be based on oral traditions and folk poetry. Gujjars have a very low literacy rate and many government programs do not reach them, so lack of HIV/AIDS awareness remains a problem. Folk artists, painters, story tellers and performers will be involved in producing the campaign's media and theater, said Rahi.

TRCF will also try to increase awareness among nomadic tribal populations about hepatitis, carcinoma, and water-borne diseases, Rahi said.

"Being tribal nomads, the community is also shy to discuss their diseases," said Rahi. TRCF plans include bringing volunteer Gujjar doctors to visit the tribes and speak about health care in their native tongue, he said.

Back to other news for July 2008