Research

Introduction

National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)  collects data on components related to HIV/AIDS through various online as well as offline mechanisms including routine monitoring systems, HIV Sentinel Surveillance Systems, Behavioral Surveillance Surveys and other evaluations/operations research studies. The main objectives to collect the information through an integrated M&E system are to track the progress of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country and to track performance of the National AIDS Control Program and to suggest corrective measures if the programme diverts to the main objectives.

Carry out research studies on HIV/AIDS

Since the HIV/AIDS issue is now becoming a global epidemiological concern lots of research studies on various complex issues related in HIV/AIDS are carrying out across the world. Some institutes are exclusively working on HIV/AIDS research. As per DAC’s data sharing guidelines Postgraduate and PhD students/scholars, who want to do research in the HIV/AIDS field, also request for data access subject to following the conditions and fulfilling the criteria for carrying research studies as mentioned in the data sharing guidelines which can be downloaded from www.naco.gov.in

Purpose of Data Sharing Policy

The data collected varies from inventory information to patient disease details. With web-enability, the data can be made available through the internet at all levels and to all partners who are involved. The data transfer is gradually shifting from sequential (RU→District→State→National) transfer to direct web transfer so that information is available to all simultaneously. Adequate measures for data security are in place to restrict access by giving various levels of permission. However, due to the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, maintenance of confidentiality is crucial for the security and confidence of HIV patients.

Involvement of a large number of organizations ranging from government, semi-government, private, civil society, and many more in fighting against HIV/AIDS and interest and support of a large number of donors and stakeholders emphasizes the need for transparency and availability of data to all those who are involved in the program related to HIV/AIDS. Postgraduate and PhD students/scholars, who want to do research in the HIV/AIDS field, also give requests for data access. The approaches and implementation strategies being adopted by programme pose several operations research questions and researchers in constantly need to add to the existing knowledge or create new knowledge information. The information needs thus vary according to levels and area of work. Looking at the stigma and discrimination faced by HIV-infected persons and keeping the confidentiality at forefront, there is a need to use this data with utmost caution and maturity. Considering the above, this Guideline has been developed.

 Format For Research

 Click Here to Download NACO Format for Research

Guideline for fellowship

Click Here to Download Guidelines for fellowship

Circular- NACO Research Fellowship Scheme 2016

Click Here to Download the Circular of the NACO Research Fellowship scheme

Documents required for approval of Research

The following documents are compulsory and required for research studies: 

• • The proposal is to be submitted in the prescribed format only (as above attached format)
  • The proposal must be approved by the ethical committee
  • Certificate of HIV data confidentiality
  • The necessary consent of respondents (if PLHIV is included in the study)
  • Expected benefits to NACO and GSACS

Permission to the above study is granted subject to the following conditions.

•  Data confidentiality will be strictly maintained.
•  Final copy of the study report is to be submitted to GSACS.
•  Prior permission is must before publishing and sharing it publicly.