Selvi Memorial Illam Society (SMIS)
SMIS founded in August 1999 is a Community Based Organization (CBO), which is formed and managed by a team of affected women. SMIS was founded by Mrs. Mary Thomas and she named it in memory of Ms. Selvi, who was among the first to be diagnosed with HIV in India in 1986. She was also the first woman in India, to speak openly about her HIV status. In January 2004 SMIS set up a short stay facility that provides an affordable, clean and safe place for people living with HIV/AIDS and their accompanists in Chennai. The organization also provides food, accommodation, group education and counseling services for the PLHA and their attendants.
Since 2005 IAPA and SMIS are working together in HIV/AIDS education & counseling to people attending the short stay home and Community Care Center, Support for provision to families of children infected with HIV, Income Generation program for the women PLHA and Referral Services.
