What We Do
June 7, 2024 2024-07-28 7:58What We Do
What we do
Women’s Empowerment:
Nireekshana, established 20 years ago, provides holistic care for individuals affected by HIV, leprosy, and poverty related diseases. Beyond medical treatment, Nireekshana offers support services such as women’s empowerment and children's education. Women and their families find acceptance and respect, with an emphasis on recognizing their purpose and planning for a hopeful future. Nireekshana empowers women through health counseling, disease education, skill development, and economic initiatives the Mallika Project. This approach enhances their economic and social stability, ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls, and fostering holistic growth and stability.
Vani recollects her journey with Mallika with fondness and a smile. “I was a widow with two little children and with very limited exposure to the world. I was fearful and without hope but now, I am strong and bold. This place is like my home and people around encourage me more than my own family do. Skills I learnt now sustain my home. The most exciting thing is that the dreams I had for my children have come true. Both of them are now in college”.

Community and home-based Care
Nireekshana provides holistic services, including home-based care, to support patients within their communities. This approach involves regular medical check-ups, health counseling, and disease education directly at patients’ homes, fostering a supportive and familiar environment for recovery and health maintenance. Home-based care includes health and social services aimed at promoting, maintaining, or restoring health and minimizing the effects of illness and disability. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions, disabilities, or those recovering from medical procedures, as it allows them to receive care. This approach helps patients manage their health conditions more effectively, reduces the need for hospital visits, and enhances their overall well-being.
“Thank you for coming home and caring for my mother. As you came and talk with her and encourage her to continue treatment for Cancer, thank you for the lovely food you brought and soft cotton sarees for the summer. My mother conveys her thanks”. Swetha is the only daughter of the mother and is in the final year of doctor of Physiotherapy.
Training and capacity-building:
Training and capacity-building programs are pivotal for empowering communities, vulnerable patients, leaders, and school children. Initiatives like Simple Health Care and school education programs cover a spectrum of topics, from HIV/AIDS prevention to neglected tropical diseases and adolescent health. By imparting practical skills like handwashing and fever reduction, and addressing sensitive issues like STIs and sexuality, these programs aim to prevent infections, provide care, and foster community support. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, they contribute to healthier, more resilient communities.
Children empowerment program:
Nireekshana prioritizes child protection policies and advocates for children's rights, ensuring that education is accessible to every child. Through educational support, awareness campaigns, nutritional assistance, merit scholarships, and special events like competitions and picnics, Nireekshana empowers children from marginalized backgrounds. This includes HIV-affected and infected children, those with special needs, children of commercial sex workers, HIV orphans, and single-parented children. The organization aims to prevent school dropouts by providing comprehensive support and encouraging quality education. By offering the necessary resources and encouragement, Nireekshana strives to help children achieve their goals and become responsible citizens, thus
positively affecting their lives and communities.
Laboratory & Research & Training:
Nireekshana's ACET Lab and Research facility is dedicated to conducting essential laboratory investigations, including biochemical, hematological, and histological tests. The primary focus areas of research encompass HIVTB, oral pathology of HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and related co-infections. Through innovative approaches such as ultrasonography, the lab assesses nerve damage in leprosy cases. The overarching goal is to enhance clinical services by providing accurate diagnoses and robust laboratory support. The research aims to identify new markers for early detection and prevention of opportunistic infections, elucidate the pathogenesis of co-infections, and discover new therapeutic targets. Additionally, the lab contributes to staging, prognosis assessment, and early
detection of diseases, particularly focusing on nerve damage in leprosy cases.
Dental Work:
At Nireekshana, we provide essential dental care as part of our holistic approach to supporting HIV/AIDS and leprosy patients. Despite stigmatization and fear elsewhere, our clinic offers a safe haven where patients feel comfortable seeking treatment. Dental problems can exacerbate general health issues, making our dental education and awareness initiatives critical. By collaborating with volunteers and spreading awareness in communities, we aim to prevent dental issues and promote preventive care. Our efforts underscore the importance of addressing oral health in the overall well-being of our patients. Research shows a strong correlation between oral health and cardiovascular problems, underscoring the importance of dental care in overall well-being. As many of our patients are single parents, maintaining quality of life is paramount. Through our dental work at Nireekshana, we aim to improve oral health, alleviate discomfort,
and enhance overall quality of life for HIV/AIDS and leprosy patients, contributing to their holistic care and well being.
Medical Management:
Medical management of co-infections is essential for individuals living with HIV. Co-infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, and sexually transmitted infections can complicate HIV progression and weaken the immune system. Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and regular monitoring are crucial components of co-infection management. Integration of treatment for both HIV and co-infections, along with preventive measures like vaccination and education, is vital for optimizing health outcomes and improving quality of life for HIV-positive individuals.