AMCHAM India, as a supporting partner to the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust and USAID, jointly with Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), Maharashtra District AIDS Control Society (MDACS) and NACO, organized a CSR consultation and learning workshop on ‘Enhancing and Accelerating Responses to the Needs of Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC)’ on Friday, 14th July 2017 at Hotel Novotel, Mumbai.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Mohan HL, Managing Trustee, KHPT followed by the keynote address by Professor Shalini Bharat, Deputy Director, TISS, who set the context of the day’s program while speaking on status and challenges in implementing a comprehensive response to the needs of OVC in Maharashtra and India. Inaugural addresses were made by Mr. Dwipal K. Bose, Mentor and Advisor, Social and Rural Enterprises; Ms. Surabhi Wahal, Regional Director – Western Region, AMCHAM India; Dr. Padmaja Keskar, Executive Health Officer, MCGM & PD, MDACS and Ms. Sangeeta Kaul, Senior Project Management Specialist, USAID. The presidential address was shared by Mr. Parimal Singh, IAS, Project Director, MSACS. The chief guest of the event was Ms. Leena, a young girl living with HIV, who provided dignity and hope through her message.

The first session of the day focused on the Maharashtra situation with OVC – needs and opportunities. The session began with a presentation on experiences and evidences of programmes with OVC by Dr. Troy Cunningham, Project Director, KHPT. Ms. Shrikala Acharya, Additional Project Director, MDACS and Dr. Mamata Manglani, Director, Comprehensive Thalassemia Care Centre and Bone Marrow Transplantation Centre, spoke extensively on needs and gaps with programs. The session concluded with touching experiences shared by child advocates of OVCs.

Session two brought out the efforts and experiences of CSR in bridging gaps with various corporates such as the Ambuja Cement Foundation, Ronal McDonald House of Charity, JSW Foundation, Max India Foundation, Reliance Group of Companies, Tata Trust, Novartis Arogya Parivar, ACC and the Kewalramani Foundation. Post lunch, the participants formed groups to discuss on thematic areas of support for OVCs through education, nutrition, health and psychological support, skilling and placement. The event came to a close with concluding remarks by Ms. Mohini Singh, CEO, Max India Foundation and Mr. Mohan HL, Managing Trustee, KHPT.