Umang Community Care Centre (UCCC)

Bringing Care, Hope, and Dignity to People Living with HIV/AIDS in Uttar Pradesh

Introduction

Launched in September 2006, the Umang Community Care Centre (UCCC) was a pioneering initiative of FSC, supported by NACO and UPSACS. As one of the first community-based HIV/AIDS care centres in Uttar Pradesh, UCCC offered a stigma-free environment focused on care, rehabilitation, and education for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).

Vision and Objectives

To provide free, comprehensive care and support for PLHIV
To address stigma through awareness and education
To advocate for HIV prevention and treatment accessibility
To build a patient-centric, community-supported model of care

Services Delivered (2006–2008)

591 inpatients treated for opportunistic infections
Linkages to ART centres and referrals
OPD, nutrition, palliative and psychosocial support
Special care for HIV+ women and children
Follow-up and home care visits
School-based awareness and IEC material distribution

Demographic Snapshot

Total Beneficiaries: 693 PLHIV

Gender: 61% Male, 39% Female

Age Group: 83% aged 25–49

Religion: 84% Hindu, 16% Muslim

Allied Activities & Advocacy

Workshops in Lucknow, Aligarh, and Delhi for educators and professionals
Peer counselling for youth and PLHIV
Rallies and seminars on World AIDS Day (2006–07)
National seminar on “Islam & AIDS Alleviation” with Universal Knowledge Trust
Youth-led research on stigma and health-seeking behavior

Partnerships & Recognition

Praised by NACO, UPSACS, World Bank, DFID, UNAIDS, USAID
Visited by Red Ribbon Express, senior ART counselors and government officials
Recognized as a replicable model of public-private healthcare partnership

Institutional Outcomes

Created model framework for community PLHIV centres
Increased ART access and awareness via referral and education
Trained NGOs and health educators in sensitive HIV communication

Legacy & Continued Relevance

Integrated in FSC’s hospital outreach and awareness programs
Ongoing HIV, TB, reproductive health education in schools
Model for future health crises like NCDs and pandemics

“Umang gave voice to the voiceless, care to the forgotten, and dignity to the stigmatized. More than a facility, it was a national statement.”