HIV

Today he is ‘Solomon Appa’ to 45 HIV+ kids. Yes, 45. All through the Shelter Trust, a registered non-profit and a safe haven for kids once abandoned and left to fend on their own.

HIV doesn’t have to stop you from living a long, happy and fulfilling life. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to lead a regular life, with marriage and companionship.

But saving lives is not without its risks—besides the physical threat from criminals who target this community, Ganesh often has to resist emotional pressure from those who want to know the test results of others, which they feel will help them keep themselves safe.

According to the 2017 UNAIDS data, new HIV infections in India have decreased by 46%, and AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 22% since 2010.

“One doesn’t realise the abuse that we put the body through in our younger days.”

The parliament has enacted a legislation that recognises the rights of people affected by HIV and AIDS. Despite its shortcomings, the Act has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people in the country.

Somen Debnath has been travelling across the world on a bicycle to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. Since the start of his journey in 2004, he has travelled 1,37,900 km and visited 126 countries.

An HIV-positive diagnosis can be extremely difficult to cope with. However, this mother is looking forward after her diagnosis, even despite facing many other extreme challenges.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals include the target of ending the global threat of AIDS by 2030. New fronts are opening up in the war against AIDS that recognise the importance of connecting this with other SDGs such as gender equality and decent employment and wages for all.

Shiva Kumar of Vaithikuppam in Puducherry is using digital literacy to help individuals living with HIV get access to a better life.