“Hubli Champions” galloped into their second month of operation in July 2009! The Champions gathered at DCSE on the morning of 26th July, 2009 to hear the Director of DCSE, Mr. Naveen Jha, deliver an introductory note on public health, medical entrepreneurship and explain two models that exemplify these concepts.

Following an engaging discussion at DCSE, the Champions visited three sites in the health sector. Below you will find more information on each of the sites we visited.

The team of “Hubli Champions” went to a village called Shivhalli to study Bhageerath's work. They saw a bio-gas unit, which runs the kitchen waste from Anganwadis. The Champions learned about the Eco-Sanitation Toilets, Bhageerath constructed in the village. As well as other steps the Panchayat took to improve health in their village. Shivhalli Panchayat's extensive work has earned them the “Nirmal Grama Puraskar" award.

As their day's adventure neared an end, the Champions visited the KHPT office and learned about different HIV/AIDS related awareness programs and different approaches to educate the masses on HIV/AIDS. One such approach is the “Peer Education Model,” which has been very effective in spreading awareness of HIV/AIDS.

After the site visits, the members met at DCSE to debrief on their day and participate in interactive sessions with industry experts, who addressed the Champions doubts and queries. Mr. Ravindra of Grama Shikshana Foundation, spoke about oral health and the negative effects of smoking and chewing tobacco. Then, Dr. Gajanan from KHPT discussed different aspects of HIV/AIDS awareness.

During the 2nd month, the Champions also engaged in a social project by organizing their resources to contribute books to the Akshara Foundation.