The Suniti Scholars Program HIV girls Northeast initiative, launched in memory of pioneering HIV researcher Dr. Suniti Solomon, will begin supporting HIV-affected young girls in Northeast India starting the 2025–26 academic year. This program brings new hope to girls who often face stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to education due to HIV.
Focused on education, mentorship, and health care, the initiative specifically targets regions with high HIV prevalence.
Who Was Dr. Suniti Solomon?
Dr. Suniti Solomon was the first Indian physician to diagnose HIV in the country in 1986. She dedicated her life to erasing HIV stigma and advocating for gender-sensitive care and education. The Suniti Scholars Program HIV girls Northeast campaign continues her legacy by focusing on marginalized girls impacted by HIV.
Program Overview: Support Beyond Scholarships
The program is more than just financial assistance. It’s designed to build long-term success for young women by offering:
Educational Aid
- Full scholarships for high school to undergraduate education
- Coverage of books, uniforms, and examination fees
Health & Counseling
- Monthly medical check-ups for HIV-positive students
- Access to mental health support and peer counseling
Life Skills & Mentorship
- Training in digital literacy, English, and financial planning
- One-on-one mentorship from HIV survivors and female professionals
By combining education with emotional and physical wellness, the Suniti Scholars Program HIV girls Northeast initiative builds resilience in students while enabling academic achievement.
- Eligibility: Women aged 25 or younger (including transgender women), living with HIV (confirmed confidentially through ART centres) or affected (e.g., children of HIV-positive parents or guardians, verified by NGOs), residing in Northeast India. They must have completed Grade XII (for undergraduate) or hold a bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate), secured admission to an accredited program, and demonstrated financial need and commitment through a 500-word essay.
- Scholarship benefits, eligibility details, and timeline need updating to reflect the official structure
- INR 1,00,000 per year for tuition, books, and living expenses
- INR 50,000 (one-time) for digital learning tools
- Personalized mentorship and counseling for holistic growth
- Applications for the program will be accepted between 15 and 25 August 2025, and the final list of selected scholars will be announced on 14 October 2025, Dr. Suniti Solomon’s birth anniversary. Scholarships will be disbursed on 1 December 2025 (World AIDS Day).
Why Northeast India?
The program targets Northeast India due to its disproportionate HIV burden among youth and women. According to NACO, Manipur and Mizoram report some of the highest HIV rates in the country. Poverty, conflict, and gender inequality make girls especially vulnerable.
Local NGOs have welcomed the program as a game-changing intervention, with many girls unable to continue school after a parent’s death from AIDS-related complications.
Partners Driving the Mission
The program is a joint effort between:
- YRGCARE Foundation (founded by Dr. Suniti Solomon)
- NEHHF (North East Health & Human Futures)
- State health ministries in Assam and Manipur
- Global donors including the Global Fund and UN Women
Local implementation will be handled by community-based organizations such as SAATHI Assam, ensuring cultural sensitivity and grassroots reach.
Pilot Program Success
A 2024 pilot in Imphal and Aizawl showed impressive results:
- Zero dropouts during the academic year
- 92% of students improved attendance
- Significant gains in self-esteem and academic performance
“The scholarship helped me return to school after two years,” says Anita (17) from Aizawl. “Now I want to become a social worker and help girls like me.”
What’s Next in 2025–26?
The program will launch with 200 scholars in the first year. in 2025–26, They are supporting 86 girls across all eight northeastern states. Selection will be done through:
- Referrals from district HIV clinics
- Applications through verified NGOs
- Family income and medical records screening
Plans are underway to expand to Tripura and Meghalaya by 2026–27, based on demand and funding.
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The Suniti Scholars Program HIV girls Northeast campaign is more than a scholarship — it’s a lifeline for young women living in silence, shame, or survival mode. By offering education, health, and empowerment, it lights the path forward.
Join the movement. Visit sunitscholars.org today and become part of their future.