Mr. A. Shankar Rao (Founder and President)
Mr. Atika Shankar Rao, the Founder and the President of the Asha Positive People Association (APPA+), is an inspiring and committed leader leading the organization since its inception in 2005. He has played a significant role in mobilizing the PLHIV community to advocate for their rights and sensitize the key stakeholders to identify with the issues of the community. He has established partnership with important stakeholders such as TNP+, NTP, NCPI+, INP+, PFI, Alliance HIV/AIDS India, FHI360, LEPRA Society, SAATHII, DAPCU, CSR, etc. During the initial years, Mr. Shankar has worked as a PPTCTC Coordinator for the ACT Project. He plays an important role in ensuring legal aid for the community by coordinating with the District Legal Services Authority.
The Journey of Mr. Shankar Rao:
- Speaker in Asha Program conducted by State AIDS Control Society (SACS) in 2005 at Village, Mandal and District Level
- Elected as President of APPA+ in 2005
- Positive Speaker at the Red Ribbon Club of Degree and Engineering Colleges, 2007 – 2010
- Organized pap smear cancer screening in liaison with District Health department, 2011
- Successfully completed family planning surgeries for PLHIV in collaboration with the District Health department, 2011
- Elected as the Vice President at the State level PLHIV Network (NTP+) in 2016
- Awarded as the Best Performing President District level by District Collector and ADMO, 2007- 2023
Mr. Namburi Sudhakar (Vice President)
Mr. Namburi Sudhakar, the Vice President of APPA+, is a committed social worker and passionately works for the PLHIV community. He facilitates awareness programs, treatment adherence, skill building and life skill education initiatives and has also worked as a Health Promotor in Vihaan CSC Project.
Ms. Pittala Rajya Lakshmi (General Secretary)
Ms. Pittala Rajya Lakshmi, the General Secretary of APPA+, has been part of the organization since its inception. She has worked in PPTCT project and Vihaan CSC project and has been felicitated by the district officials for her exemplary work. Currently, she works as a Health Promoter in Vihaan CSC project and guides the implementation of the programme at the field and the organization level. She motivates the PLHIV to lead a quality life and enables linkages with various Govt. schemes and social entitlements. She also actively mobilizes nutrition support for the community.
Ms. B. Padmavathi (Joint Secretary)
Ms. B. Padmavathi, the Joint Secretary of APPA+, works as a Health Promoter in the Vihaan CSC project. She has previously worked in PPTCT and DIC projects. She is also actively engaged in conducting Support Group Meetings and arranging nutrition support for the community. She also aids the process of linking the community members with the Govt. schemes.
Ms. Nirmala (Treasurer)
Ms. Nirmala, the Treasurer of APPA+, has been associated with the network since its inception in 2005. She is a committed leader and an active positive speaker, creating awareness and advocating for the rights of the PLHIV community.
Ms. G. Krishna Kumari (Board Member)
Ms. G. Krishna Kumari joined the Board of APPA+ in 2015. She voluntarily supports the work of the organization w.r.t prevention, treatment and skill building initiatives and motivates the community to lead a healthy life during home visits and support group meetings.
Ms. Kanchu Aruna (Board Member)
Ms. Kanchu Aruna actively works in the field to create awareness for prevention and treatment adherence. She works as an outreach worker for the Vihaan CSC project and motivates the community to lead a healthy life.