Who We Are
What is SAHAS, and what does SAHAS stand for?
Somaiya Action for HIV/AIDS Support
SAHAS is an acronym for our organization,
meaning courage in Hindi.
Our Mission Statement:
"To reach out to and support those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS: to work to halt the spread of the disease with empathy, responsibility and dignity."
SAHAS Team, Who We Are:
SAHAS is a project of the K. J. Somaiya Medical Trust, it comprises a small team of individuals who are passionate about making a change and empowering those who are faced with the stark reality of being HIV positive
Currently, we are a Project Director, a Program Coordinator, two counselors and three community health workers who directly interact with the surrounding slum community on a daily basis. This dedicated team also includes part-time student and community volunteers. In addition, our expanded team comprises the dean and medical staff of K. J. Somaiya Hospital, Sion.
| SAHAS Advisory Board: | |
| Mr. Samir Somaiya | Trustee |
| Mr.Samir Somaiya | U.S. Representative of SAHAS |
| Dr Nirupama Maskai | Director of K.J. Somaiya Hospital and Research Centre |
| Dr V V Dewoolkar | Dean of K.J. Somaiya Medical College |
| SAHAS Staff: | |
| Dr. Patricia Gokhale | Project Director |
| Ms. Manju Pednekar, MSW | Project Coordinator |
| Sandra Keller | Organizational Development |
| Ms. Asha Chavan | HIV Counselor |
| Mr Anil Dalvi | Counselor and Computer Technician |
| Ms. Karuna Manjarekar | Community Health Worker |
| Ms Supriya Manjarekar | Community Health Worker |
| Ms Prajakta Sonsurkar | Community Health Worker |