Bangalore: HIV positive Maheshwari (name changed) from KR Puram, who turned 18 recently, is now worried about the future and lots of questions keep crossing her mind.
She said, “I am now afraid as I won’t be able to seek help of the organisation who rendered all forms of support to me. I have lot of dreams — to get married to a HIV positive partner and have family of my own, but I really do not know whether all these would come true.”
This isn’t the problem of Maheshwari alone. According to statistics available with the Karnataka state aids prevention society, the state has about 14,800 children affected with HIV/AIDS. In addition to the disease, lack of security ails HIV positive children in the city.
There has been no support centre for them from the Government. Many of the NGOs in city taking care of HIV positive children are in a fix about their future support system after they turn 18.
Providing anti-retroviral treatment (ART) is the only treatment programme that is being provided to the children living with AIDS in the state.
When contacted, Julian Joseph, community health coordinator and activists, World Vision India said, “We have been working with the HIV positive children and cater to about 600 children. Though due to ART the survival rate among the kids has gone up, the problem is providing them with psychological support.”
Yet another HIV positive, Bhusan (name changed) who is now in 10th standard is in a dilemma. He wanted to drop out of school as he was scared of his future. Once he completes his schooling, no NGOs will support him.
He said, “The state government should come up with a counselling centre regarding career and jobs for HIV positive children.” Meanwhile it was also learnt that the state women and child development department identified about 600 HIV positive children for support, but it was brought down to 372 later. But it has actually provided sponsorship to about 100 HIV positive children in the State.
