TAAL+ Celebrates 20 Years of HIV Care & Community Impact

Mrs Manaali Vengsarkar, Shri Dilip Vengsarkar, Dr Arun Khanna, Shri Rajesh Agarwal

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], January 27: TAAL+ marked a significant milestone as it completed 20 years of dedicated service to people living with HIV (PLHIV), reaffirming its role as one of India’s most impactful peer-led HIV care institutions. The occasion was commemorated in Pune through a deeply meaningful gathering that celebrated resilience, dignity, and community leadership in India’s HIV response.

Adding special significance to the event, cricket legend Dilip Vengsarkar chose to mark 50 years since his debut in international cricket by celebrating his personal milestone at TAAL+, underscoring his support for compassion-driven social causes. His presence highlighted the power of leadership beyond sports and the importance of standing with communities during critical public health challenges.

Founded during a period when HIV was surrounded by stigma, fear, and silence, TAAL+ emerged as a safe space rooted in trust and empathy. Built by communities for communities, the organisation has, over two decades, touched thousands of lives by restoring hope, improving access to care, and demonstrating that peer-led models are essential to sustainable public health outcomes.

The anniversary was not merely a reflection on time passed, but a tribute to the courage of people living with HIV and the collective strength that has shaped TAAL+’s journey. Through consistent advocacy, counselling, treatment navigation, and community mobilisation, TAAL+ has played a critical role in redefining HIV care in India.

Several distinguished voices from public health, civil society, and community leadership shared reflections on TAAL+’s enduring impact. PATH International representative Asha Hegde highlighted that TAAL+ exemplifies what becomes possible when science is guided by compassion and when health systems listen to communities. She emphasised that peer-led approaches are not only effective but essential for the future of public health.

Lions Club District Governor Rajesh Agarwal noted that TAAL+ has consistently reached those often unseen by society, describing its 20-year journey as one rooted deeply in humanity and service.

Reflecting on his long association with the organisation, Arun Khanna shared that TAAL+ has transformed the lives of countless people living with HIV, and that contributing to its mission has brought him immense personal fulfilment. Community leader Nehru described TAAL+ as a revolutionary healthcare model that acted as a lighthouse during some of the darkest phases of the HIV epidemic.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Guest Dilip Vengsarkar lauded TAAL+ for its unwavering commitment to people and purpose, highlighting how teamwork, perseverance, and compassion can drive lasting social change beyond boundaries.

Looking ahead, TAAL+ outlined its TAAL+ 2030 vision, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening India’s HIV response through a peer-led model aligned with the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP). Drawing on two decades of experience, the organisation aims to scale peer-led HIV service delivery, particularly for PLHIV accessing care through private providers, while complementing public health systems.

The proposed model focuses on trust-based engagement to reduce stigma, strong coordination with ICTCs and ART centres, integrated linkages with TB, STI, mental health and harm reduction services, and active support towards achieving the global 95–95–95 targets.

The event was supported by media partner Public Media Solution, helping amplify TAAL+’s message of hope, dignity, and community-led care to a wider audience.

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