‘Promiscuous sex amongst tribals needs to be tackled’

Dr Fabian Toegel is secretary, Association of Partners of India (API), a Germany-based NGO involved in several health projects in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh since last eight years. API, has been extensively working to ameliorate the healthcare delivery scenario in the region. In an interview with Falaknaaz Syed, Dr Toegel shares the findings of the Jhabua Health Initiative; a programme started last year among the tribal population involving over 500 self-help groups across Jhabua District.

Please brief me about your initiatives in Jhabua.

Jhabua is a predominantly tribal district located in western part of Madhya Pradesh. Eighty five per cent of its total population consists of tribals. Males take up labour and move towards neighbouring states like Gujarat, while females move out to serve as housemaids in other parts of the countries. When out of their homes, these males often visit brothels while the females allegedly, are often sexually exploited. Thus, this district has a large migratory population and poverty is rampant. API has been involved in several health projects. We have a community-based programme for the villagers on HIV/AIDS. This is an awareness programme among the tribal population involving over 500 self-help groups.

We have been working closely with WHARF to conduct Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centres for HIV/AIDS patients in four key towns across Jhabua District. We are collecting the epidemiological data from the HIV/AIDS patients seeking treatment in the government, nodal centre but a major hindrance is that the patients are continuously migrating. Therefore, we have started counselling testing through Jeevan Jyothi Health Service Society. Various church organisations, nurses and nuns participate in several of our programmes as they play an important role in shaping opinions in society thereby strengthening our efforts.

What are your findings in Jhabua?

Forty seven per cent of the people in Jhabua live below the poverty line. Most of the healthcare is still home-based. Most childbirth takes place at home, supervised by traditional ‘Dais’. A ‘Dai kit’ is used by few of them towards a cleaner childbirth. This kit includes a pair of gloves, blade, needle, cotton swabs and thread to tie the umbilical cord. Methods of placenta (‘Avail’) disposal are not uniform and not always safe.

Their sexual modes are more permissive than the rest of rural India. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are allegedly rampant, in both males and females. The Indian government is not doing enough in terms of awareness. Promiscuous relationship or free sex amongst the tribals is a problem, which needs to be tackled. Condoms are available but used chiefly for contraception. Unprotected sex is common and there are misconceptions about STIs.