AIDS

The London Patient is the second ever case of HIV who recovered and remains virus-free to this day, four years since he first underwent the procedure.

“By not disclosing one is HIV positive, I feel one adds to the stigma that is attached to it. Pradipkumar’s journey has been spectacular.” #EndTheStereotype

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.

“While what has happened is very tragic, unfortunately, it is not the first time. The Government of India, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Aids Control Organisation in 2017, came out with strict guidelines to be followed by both the donor and the recipient.”

Would it surprise you to know that this group took almost six months to find a space to start the café? After several rejections from all quarters, they finally found a space in Jodhpur Park.

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.

Our country is the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. And 1st December marked as World AIDS Day, is a reminder that even though there is a long battle ahead of us against this life-threatening condition, the fight is against the disease, not the people affected by it.

Acclaimed American biomedical researcher, Robert Gallo, known for his discovery that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the infectious agent responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), bestowed the award at the 19th international meeting of the IHV.

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.