Bangalore: Though the Government has been claiming that the number of HIV/AIDS cases are on the decline, many children still die due to the virus and those living with the disease are facing discrimination in the society.
Due to the stigma associated with the disease, many children do not turn up for check-ups and avoid medication, said Meena, a HIV positive woman working for Milana’s HIV outreach programme.
She said, “I have four daughters, of which one of them is HIV positive. Since I am the only bread winner, it is very difficult to provide healthy food for my ailing daughter. In addition, the discrimination we face in the society affects her morale as well.
“When we take forward these issues to Karnataka State Aids Prevention Society they say that they are not getting any global funds to provide additional support to people living with HIV (PLHIV).” AccoÂrding to statistics from UNAIDS in 2012 there were 1,40,000 HIV/AIDS deaths across the globe.
Due to the stigma and discrimination, HIV affeÂctÂed children do not get access to health care. They often drop out of school and since they are growing up, the bigger concern is about their future, said Julian Joseph, Community Health CoÂordinator and Activists, World Vision India.
He said “We cater to over 700 children living with HIV, many of whom below 18 years and few about 20-22 years. Due to the discrimination, children with HIV drop out of school.”
With the beginning of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) in 2006, the number of children dying of HIV/AIDS have come down, but still deaths are being reported. On an average every year there are about 10-15 children dying of HIV/AIDS in the State.
The Community Health CoÂordinator and Activists, Julian said, “Now the rising problem among these kids with HIV about their future and marriage. Some of them are already above 18 year old and there is no security for them from the Government.”
