The State Health Systems Resource Centre (SHSRC) Kerala and the National Health Mission (NHM) Kerala, in collaboration with the Mariwala Health Initiative (MHI), organized a two-day Training of Trainers workshop for district-level officials.

The State Health Systems Resource Centre (SHSRC) Kerala and the National Health Mission (NHM) Kerala, in collaboration with the Mariwala Health Initiative (MHI), organized a two-day Training of Trainers workshop for district-level officials.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Reena K.J, Director of Health Services, who emphasized the Kerala government’s commitment to supporting the transgender community and creating an inclusive health system for them. Dr. V. Jithesh, Executive Director of SHSRC Kerala, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the Queer Inclusive Health System (QIHS) Project, highlighting its objectives in bridging healthcare gaps for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The sessions, led by Dr. Shruti Chakravarty (Chief Advisor, MHI) and Pooja Nair (Faculty, MHI), covered crucial topics, including: Understanding challenges and barriers faced by the Transgender community, Facilitation skills (Active listening, effective communication, conflict resolution, and group energy management), Gender and Sexuality , Key terminologies and concepts, Unique life stressors of Trans persons, Gender Dysphoria, and transphobia prevention, concept of social death , Techniques for conducting effective awareness and sensitization programs.

District level officials from diverse cadre including Medical Officers, Psychiatrists, Nursing Officers, District officers and Field Staffs from the 6 districts implementing the Community Link Worker program -Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Malappuram, and Kottayam, participated in the training. These nominated officials will now lead district-level sensitization and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring the successful rollout of the QIHS Project across Kerala.