New Delhi, September, 23: In a week-long dedicated vaccination drive a large number of transgenders and sex workers were inoculated. The drive was part of an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs to inoculate people from these high-risk categories. The government had roped in NGOs to set up the dedicated center for these marginalized communities including LGBT and sex workers.

The vaccination center that was especially set up for the transgender community on September 16 to complete their second dose of Corona Virus vaccine at the 908 Bus Terminal, New Delhi – 110086, concluded on 22nd September. The vaccination drive was initiated by Aarohan, in association with CFAR and DLSA.

According to data of the national AIDS control program of the health and family welfare ministry at least 55,633 female sex workers and 9, 496 transgender persons are living in Delhi. They are considered members of the high-risk groups.

In a bid to promote vaccination among the high-risk groups, the central government had also exempted them from carrying any of the seven acceptable identity proofs. What they were supposed to possess was one active mobile number and a valid identification proof.

“The drive has been highly successful as the response has been overwhelming,” said Shashi Sahay, the director of the project who played a vital role in organizing the event.

Sonam, 22 is a transgender and a social worker, who recounts her experience said, “I wanted to get the vaccine but for transgender there were no such arrangements. Finally, I got the vaccine”. She was so overwhelmed that tears rolled down her eyes. She also added, “It’s such a great effort by the organization for the community to organize this special drive. Now my friends can also get their vaccination.”

Manju a sex worker from Sultanpuri said she was reluctant to get the vaccine initially, but when cases increased she got desperate to get vaccinated. She said, “I tried to get the vaccination but I was refused as I was not having an Aadhar.”

To do away with the documentation was a high-level decision. A senior Delhi government official said the Union government had allowed vaccination of people in high-risk groups even if they do not have any of the seven acceptable ID proofs. Only an active mobile number and one valid identification proof is enough for them.

Delhi State Legal Service Authority who also participated in the drive and Abhishek Kumar, secretary DLSA said, “DSLA North West is pleased to be part of Aarohan initiative to vaccinate and spread legal awareness amongst transgender on COVID-19. The initiative is commendable and was much needed.”

Mrs. Rani Patel, Founder and President of Aarohan and member of NHRC core group, said “I am always there to serve the people and to support issues related to transgender, sex workers and marginalized communities.”

Aarohan is an NGO that is dedicated to providing comprehensive and holistic support through education, health care, skill training and for the upliftment of the underprivileged. Aarohan is also actively promoting the rights of transgenders and sex workers on various forums. We want these groups to be at par with the rest. Aarohan undertakes outreach programs for around 1000 transgender in Mangolpuri, Sultapuri and Nangloi areas of North West Delhi.