The immense burden of stigma, and the resulting secrecy, shame and anxiety, will continue to block efforts to encourage people to be tested, disclose their status, prevent transmission of the virus, and access treatment.
“HIV/AIDS affects mind and soul. For some, they thought this was the end of their life. But having people encouraging them... it has made them start thinking of their children, start thinking of their dreams ...”
When the family and community around an individual are supportive, understanding and caring, people are more likely to protect themselves and others from transmission of HIV. They are more likely to access and adhere to ARV treatment. They are more likely to choose to disclose their status.
The fight against the epidemic needs to build up efforts to change the social environment that people live in along with other activities.
We can work with communities and families to transform their attitudes to HIV. We can empower women to protect themselves from contracting the virus, and to prevent transmission to their children. We can help individuals become more confident and make positive choices about their health, and the health of those around them, and so live with hope and dignity.
Mr. Tia, a healthy young man On ART was one day hospitalised with no hope from family members that he would be a changed man someday. He was indeed a problem child for his family because he was affecting the economy of his family. One cloudy morning in 2006, he was detected positive all to find tears in his eyes recalling how he had lived his life. When he was tested HIV positive 8 years ago, the road map for how to die with this condition seemed clear. Creating own path has been challenging and rewarding. HIV has been a catalyst for personal growth, an inspiration to make changes he needed. “Although I deal with fear all the time, I never really internalized the HIV/AIDS dogma. I instinctively believed that HIV was a co-factor and that I could manage my health successfully. I pursue an aggressive health management that includes nutrition and supplementation, exercises, ART adherence and appropriate rest.
Today, He runs a small business for the livelihood of his family and his service for the PLHIVs still continues being an active member of Network of Kiphire District People Living with HIV/AIDS (KpNP+). He recalls how Hokishe Chophy (DIS, DAPCU Zunheboto) and Naomi Semy, President NNP+ took hardships and efforts in shaping his life during the time when there was no such facilities as of todays.
Currently the KpNP+ runs Helpdesk (a Project of Vihaan Programme funded by the GFATM IV, RCC Phase II) with Alliance India and NNP+ as Principal Recipient and Sub Recipient respectively. Though Fear of Stigma and Discrimination continue still to be the twin handicaps to all the work being done to halt the spread of HIV, the KpNP+ has been pushing and intensifying their efforts in the fight against the epidemic.
The overall goal of Vihaan (Dawns’ first Light in Sanskrit) Programme is to improve the survival and quality of life of PLHIVs. As Sub Recipient of Vihaan Programme, NNP+ has 9 SSRs, out of which there are 3 CSCs run by KNP+ Kohima, Chavara Home Dimapur & NTDP+ Tuensang. The remaining 6 are Helpdesks run by MNP+ Mokokchung, KpNP+ Kiphire, PNP+ Phek, NZP+ Zunheboto, WNP+ Wokha and NPDP+ Peren.
