OBJECTIVE
Purpose:
To create and promote a strong support system based on solidarity, social networking and people’s active participation for taking collective actions towards effective response to HIV/AIDS, and it’s associated negative impacts.
Core Program Activities:
- Advocacy and Representation
Represent for the legitimate interest and rights of PLHIV and their children, and that of the key affected populations (KAPs) at various levels, engage actively with the like-minded partners and individuals, and influence policies, programs, procedures and legislation that creates barrier to access to vital health services, violates human rights, and meaningful livelihood.
- Access to Comprehensive HIV Services
Adequately inform, educate and enhance the social complete knowledge on HIV and AIDS, and prevention, diagnostics, and treatment services. Empower constant precautionary practices, and encourage and improve regular services seeking behavior, and facilitate linkage/accompany to the needful services while ensuring services providers are sensitized, trained and are confident to deliver services that are nonjudgmental and discriminatory.
- Capacity Building and Empowerment
Build the capacity and enhance competency of the committed PLHIV, and the secretariat staffs for the systematic and efficient functioning of the organization’s mission and to foster leadership for meaningful engagement in policy dialogue, programs, collaboration and resource mobilization to further strengthen community-led initiatives, self-reliance, self-determination, and resilience.
- Stigma Reduction and Social Inclusion
Challenge and reduce the prevailing social fear, stigma and discrimination of AIDS through regular information and education programs which are based on the scientific facts, and real-life experiences, and decrease self-stigma and isolation among the PLHIV and their children by building self-esteem and confidence through peer-counseling, treatment literacy, and self-help group programs.
- Networking and Collaboration
Build and further strengthen the cooperation and foster collaboration with the relevant partners, stakeholders and donors within and outside the country through regular contacts, consultations, exchange, and updates to combine strengths and resources for reaching a common goal.
- Research and Evidence Building
Generate and effectively utilize the evidences for evidence-based planning of organizational and national HIV response programs, and use it meaningfully as evidences to advocate for changing the policies, laws and procedures that creates barrier to services, including social welfare and economic empowerment schemes.
- Resource Mobilization and Sustainability
Increase financial capacity and ensure sustainability of the organization through various means of resource mobilization methods, including through income generation activities, institution of endowment fund and efficient use of the available resources. Strengthen the relations with the existing allies and donor by proving trustworthiness, and further network to explore new collaboration and partnership.
- Skills Development and Livelihood
Enhance the livelihood of disadvantaged PLHIV and their children through vocational skills development trainings, and facilitate access to microcredit loans for economic development and fostering entrepreneurships.
- Access to Community-Based Care, Shelter, and Livelihood
Ensure that the disadvantaged PLHIV and their children finding difficulty to live in their place of residence due to stigma and discrimination, and those abandoned by their family members has access to meaningful community-based care, shelter, and livelihood facilities at the Lhak-Sam Livelihood Centre.
VISION
“To create a Bhutan free of the burden of HIV and AIDS by 2030”
MISSION
At Lhak-Sam, our mission is to proactively prevent new HIV infections, reduce the effects of prejudice/discrimination, and end AIDS-related fatalities in Bhutan by working closely with partners and donors. We are committed to achieving this through meaningful participation of people living with HIV and AIDS and fostering a resilient support system founded on solidarity. With dedication and compassion, we strive to build a future where every person in Bhutan has access to comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services. Through our unwavering commitment to this mission, we strive to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS and build a society free from the burden of this disease.