To improve the quality of life of the aged, especially chronically ill patients including those infected/affected by HIV/AIDS, HelpAge has launched a 3 year pilot program titled Project Karuna. Currently underway in 11 villages in 9 Gram Panchayats in Korukonda Mandal in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, the Project has provided medical services to nearly 70% of the elderly in target villages. Elder Self Help Groups are being formed at each of the villages to provide individual & group counseling, promote awareness and access to resources & schemes including micro-finance and micro-insurance.