HIV/AIDS Telephone Helpline - Rajasthan, India

The identity of callers to this helpline is kept anonymous, and the phone call is free. Callers may select one or more of the following options:

1. What is HIV/AIDS, how is it caused, and how can it be prevented?
2. Symptoms of HIV infection
3. Testing & treatment facilities
4. Support for those who have tested HIV-positive
5. Personal queries (medical professionals call to provide referrals or to help in other ways within 72 hours)

This helpline operates on two telephone lines, and is supported by custom-made software applications (foxpro on a Windows NT platform, with a PIII system supported by a voice card and a recorder).

Publicity materials designed to inform the public about this service have been produced in Hindi and English; they include stickers, posters, and advertisements in local newspapers. Organisers also inform NGOs implementing related projects among high-risk groups about the helpline.

HIV/AIDS, Technology.

This service was launched to address the increasing number of reported cases of HIV in the area. 100,000 calls have been received in the past two years. Due to widespread information about the transmission of HIV through sexual intercourse, a large number of callers are interested in discussing their personal experiences.

Organisers contend that the use of ICTs has make the project more effective in terms of reducing costs and increasing impact and outreach. ICTs, they say, are more cost-effective than employing counselors around the clock.

The helpline number is 91-0141-1097; it is accessible only by those living in Jaipur city - they are linked through local call facility of Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL). The organisers are exploring the possibility of extending this service to other people. They contend that this service should be accessible through the Internet and by long-distance callers within India, as well as through private telephone services. They are available and interested in consultancy or collaboration with others seeking to launch similar projects in other cities, regions, and cultures. They are also looking in to the design of one mega project in the state that would extend service beyond the local call facility. Finally, the government is considering designing a few bigger projects in the state that would extend service through the 91 facility of BSNL. The decision of whether or not to pursue any of these directions is being made in the context of competing considersations, as with project's maturity there is need for a walk-in counselling centre, the creation of a panel of technical/clinical experts on the subject of HIV/AIDS and other sexual/reproductive health and rights issues, and increased attention to services and rehabilitation for those living with HIV/AIDS.