The Problem

An estimated 2.5 million Indians are infected with HIV/AIDS, making India next in the world to South Africa in number of HIV cases. The epidemic, which began among high-risk groups, is now spreading rapidly amongst the general population, though interventions, particularly in Tamil Nadu, have shown a stabilization of the epidemic. The epidemic is in its early phase, and even a small percentage increase can have detrimental health and socio-economic consequences. Stemming an epidemic of this magnitude requires collaborative work among all stakeholders involved, strong institutional capacities to carry out work, and political commitment at the highest levels both for prevention and treatment.

The Gap

Organizations at the frontlines - government, non-government, community-based, UN, faith-based, private sector agencies and positive networks - are in urgent need of support to strengthen and expand their prevention and treatment services.

Our Vision

SAATHII envisions a concerted response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in India.

Our Mission

SAATHII strengthens the capacity of organizations working against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in India.

Our Organizational Structure

Founded informally in February 2000, SAATHII is now registered as a Charitable Trust (Registration # 637, dated August 2002) with the Sub-Registrar of Charities, in Chennai, India. It is also registered with the Income Tax Department (Permanent Account No. AAETS3446C) and the Directorate of Income Tax Exemptions (No.301-04-05).

SAATHII is registered in the U.S.A as a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization.

SAATHII has offices in Bhubaneswar, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Karur and U.S.A.

SAATHII's Chennai office functions as the administrative headquarters of the organization. Programs in the Chennai office facilitate district-level decentralization and enhanced access to HIV services through a package of training, mentorship, technical assistance, networking, advocacy and operational research support to institutional/ community/ home-based care providers, district program managers, community-based collectives, positive networks, and NGOs.

SAATHII's Calcutta office implements programs in training and technical assistance with a focus on building the capacity of sexual health agencies in the eastern states. Networking, advocacy and information dissemination programs are also implemented at Calcutta in collaboration with the Chennai office.

Hyderabad office, programs focus on training and technical assistance for organizations implementing Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission in high-prevalence states, Care and Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, and need-based TA to government and civil society sector.

Jaipur office, in support of efforts to mainstream HIV/AIDS in Rajasthan and nationally, SAATHII has established a Mainstreaming Resource Unit (MRU) in Jaipur. The MRU will provide technical assistance and collaborate with the Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society (RSACS) and its State Mainstream Unit (SMU) towards mainstreaming HIV in the business sector, civil society organizations and the ministries and associated departments of Tourism, Urban Development, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Tribal Affairs and Railways.

Karur IMAI project was conceived as a way to build the capacity of health-care providers from tDistrict Collectorate of Karurhe government institutions, though training and system-strengthening activities.

SAATHII USA bridges the human, financial and knowledge resources from the U.S. to the need for increased support by Indian organizations at the frontlines of the HIV/AIDS fight in India.