THERE IS LIFE AFTER HIV

(Commentary)
1.

This is a blossoming childhood; Sylvie

Unfazed by vagaries of life
Not even by the fact that she had acquired HIV

the Human Immuno-

deficiency Virus.
2.

But to her HIV positive mother it made a difference. She abandoned her.

3.

Fortunately she found another

an organization working for HIV prevention

and AIDS care.

4.

But then, there are several Sylvies in our country. [And everyone doesnt find
a mother once abandoned by her own.]
..Why one should at all be discarded by her own selves?

Is it shear

ignorance that there is no life after HIV?

--- Indeed! There is life after HIV.
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FADE IN TITLE: THERE IS LIFE AFTER HIV
5.

Human Immuno-deficiency Virus or HIV is a tragedy to mankind, which

results in Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition that
breaks the in-built defense system of the body.

6.

But this is a half-truth; the other half being that a person leads a normal active
life till the virus remains dormant; and this period may extend even beyond 10
years.

7.

The virus can be transmitted to a healthy person through semen and other
sexual fluids. Loyalty to your life partner therefore, pays in physical terms
too; let alone its subtle advantages. Transfusion of HIV infected blood also
lead to acquiring HIV; as also infected needles, syringes, etc. HIV may also
transmit from infected mother to her newborn.

8.

Certain professions are prone to acquiring HIV because of their behavioral

peculiarities.

It is unfortunate that economic conditions and social ills

continue to force innocent girls into prostitution, exposing them to

circumstances increasingly conducive for acquiring HIV virus.
9.

Professional truck drivers remain away from home for considerable time in a
large country like ours. Surveys claim that their likelihood to come in contact
with commercial sex workers can not be ruled out. They in turn may pass on
the virus to their healthy partners.

10.

When diagnosed for HIV virus, it is as if the future stands no meaning

thereon. The dream one had painted for ones happiness suddenly seems to
have shattered. Need of the hour is an understanding humanity and pairs of
caring hands.

11.

One need not lose purpose and confidence of ones life here. Care and
affection works wonders. There can be no better witness to this fact than Dr. P.
Manorama. The volunteers of CHES, to whom she is a guiding force, are a
dedicated lot. Counseling sessions help reinstate their confidence back. It
makes one realise that the new reality does not take the normal life away.

12.

Prolonged infections need attention in HIV positive persons. Any infection

should to be contained at the earliest opportunity. Medical fraternity and
health volunteers understand the requirement of the HIV infected persons
well. [Service to them with love and care makes all the difference.]

13.

Counselling provides the affected persons with greater mental strength

necessary to deal with the changed circumstances. It is all about developing
positive attitude towards life.

14.

Individual approach in counseling has been found to be the most affective

method as each person is distinctly different. The encouragement and selfbelief helps regain confidence to lead a normal life.

15.

Yet another aspect about HIV is, how not to spread the virus. Counseling
techniques, individually and in groups, are aimed at educating commercial sex
workers and creating awareness amongst them.

16.

Nutritional balance becomes important for HIV infected persons.

The

organizations like CHES are commendably contributing towards nutritional

care of the affected.
17.

Social discrimination is an unfortunate dimension associated with HIV. It is

much harder for children to cope up with the stigma.
affected children should never be denied.

Education to the

These kids are enjoying their

childhood to the possible best, which they had once lost.

18.

Managing routines of HIV positive persons is a dedicated task, especially in

initial stages. Dr. Manorama and her organization work hard to safeguard the
needs of physical and emotional selves of these tiny souls.

Timely treatment

with care and love make things happen.

19.

From darkness to light. These individuals could now look for normal living
chores.

Along with medical attention, when love and care is around in

abundance, its a changed world altogether.

20.

To heal the sick and alleviate sufferings are the eternal ethics of love and
compassion, upon which tall stands humanity. Sharing love and happiness
does not spread HIV; it only strengthens our resolve to conquer every
stumbling block against all odds, so that no Sylvie is deprived of her share of
legitimate material and emotional dues.
END