Establishment of new linking organisation in Andhra Pradesh underway
15 December 2006
The Alliance is celebrating the evolution of its Andhra Pradesh project office into an independent Alliance linking organisation - the Alliance for AIDS Action. The first meeting of its new Board took place on 29 November 2006, where roles, responsibilities, vision, mission, and values were made clear.
As an independent linking organisation it will be easier for the Alliance for AIDS Action to broaden its range beyond one programme and one donor. The Andhra Pradesh project office was originally established in Hyderabad in 2003 by the Alliance to manage focused prevention activities with populations key to the epidemic in Andhra Pradesh – work funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Why linking organisations?
At the centre of the Alliance’s strategy and vision is a commitment to work through strong national linking organisations that have strong international links. In some situations, the Alliance has established its own offices in countries – for example, where quick action and quick results are needed, but with the idea that in time these offices will become independent organisations that are nationally governed and managed.
The Andhra Pradesh office was identified as one of the first offices to make the transition, due to its stable programme, secured funding until 2008, a strong and confident team, and donor confidence. A series of activities including meetings with management and staff, workshops to decide on the new name and logo, and identifying and orienting the Board all happened in the run up to the launch.
The registration process of the Alliance for AIDS Action is currently underway, and due to be completed in the next few weeks. In accordance with Indian Law, it will be applying for Prior Permission under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act for receiving funds from foreign sources – after which it can officially function.
Alliance for AIDS Action Board members
President elect: Dr. C.S. Rangachari is a retired member of the Indian Administrative Service, who has served in various capacities at under secretary, deputy secretary, director and joint secretary levels in the Government of India in addition to holding posts at secretary, principal secretary and special chief secretary levels with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. He has been elected as the president of the new entity.
Vice President elect: Ms. P. Sumitra is the president of the Andhra Pradesh Maytri Mahila Sangam – a state sex workers network and registered body, based in Tirupathi. Her special interest in supporting other vulnerable women resulted in forming a community-based organisation of sex workers in her district. Her wide understanding of the issues, and her good rapport and commitment to her peers led her to be elected as president of Maytri Mahila Sangam.
Treasurer elect: Ms Sonali Thakker is the senior vice-president – HR, IT and Administration, Star Television, the largest television channel and one of the fastest growing media conglomerates in India.
Dr. P.M. Bhargava is the founder director of the renowned Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad and is widely regarded as the architect of modern biology and biotechnology in India.
Dr. G.K. Jayaram is an entrepreneur-businessman, founder of the Institute of Leadership & Institutional Development (ILID) in Bangalore and the first chairman of Infosys. Over the last three decades, he has specialised in assisting organisations across diverse industries worldwide to manage change and create long-lasting performance.
Dr Saroj Pachauri, regional director for South and East Asia, Population Council, is a community health physician engaged in research on sexual and reproductive health. She helped to establish two departments of Preventive and Social Medicine in India. From 1971 to 1983 she worked with Family Health International and undertook research on international health.
Mr. G. Venka Reddy is the coordinator with the Indian Network of Positive People (INP+). He has been an activist on HIV and AIDS issues, in particular around stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV.
