DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 9 (MExN): Discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAS) is still prevalent in our society. Even parents discriminate their infected children and maintain distance from them. These were the words of Sister Servia, In-charge of Chavara Home.
Chavara Home, a care and support centre for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAS), situated at the outskirts of Dimapur city at Naharbari village. The Home was inaugurated by T Kikon, Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur Civil Hospital and blessed by Rev. Jose Mukala, Bishop of Kohima on March 26, 2007. Chavara Home is being run by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC).
Talking to The Morung Express, Sister Servia said PLHAS need love, care and support from their family, friends and the society, as these infected people are also the part of our society. “Understand, PLHAS are not dangerous, they need forgiveness, love, and bonding. Discrimination is not going to help anyway because they are part of our family and society,” she added.
Admitting that most of the people are still ignorant about HIV/AIDS, she said that HIV/AIDS patients who come to the Home for treatment, don’t know that they are suffering from HIV/AIDS and maintained that some people are afraid to come to the Home, as the Home is providing shelter to PLHAS. Sister Servia also agreed to the need of creating better awareness of HIV/AIDS in the society.
Advising the people on HIV/AIDS, she said that to control and to avoid this disease, people should avoid sex till marriage, remain faithful to their partner, have faith and trust in God and bonding in the family is very important.
Talking about Chavara Home, she said that there are two departments in the Home, In-patients and Out-patients along with 12 staffs, including two (2) doctors, who visit the Home on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 1 pm. In-patients are those who reside at the Home whereas the Out-patients are those who visit the Home for treatment and counseling.
At present, there are seven (7) In-patients, including four female, these patients generate their own income through shawl making, carpentry and gardening, the Home is even planning to put up a candle making plant to support the PLHAS.
For seven (7) months, CMC was supporting the Home but now Population Foundation of India (PFI) is supporting the Home.
In the Home, In-patients get treatment of opportunistic infection, nutritional support, spiritual support, relaxation, exercise, yoga and medical examinations whereas the Out-patients get medical examination, treatment, and counseling.
Chavara Home constructed its own multipurpose hall with donations from school children, friends, and neighbours, wherein the PLHAS offer everyday prayer at 6:30 pm and once a month, the Home organises a get-together with PLHAS along with their families.
