Rising above HIV diagnosis and turning pain into purpose
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Shobha Shukla – CNS
Contd from previous issue
It was only when their health deteriorated and they visited hospitals that they were tested and were diagnosed for HIV. They also had to deal with a lot of stigma within their family," said Sneha.
"I was determined to help these children living with HIV - project or no project - and started building my rapport with them. They had got infected unknowingly and had to be prepared to deal with their situation in the best possible manner," she said.
A day of hope: Free check-ups, supplements & life skills for adolescents living with HIV
"Through Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics, we hold a day long camp once every month on a Sunday, so that the participants do not have to miss their school. A medical check-up of all the children living with HIV is done to monitor their health parameters. They are also given multivitamin, calcium, iron, and protein tablets free of charge. We also counsel them on why they should not miss their daily medication, which is essential for our survival," shared Sneha.
Sneha shared that these health camps provide a safe space for the adolescents to express and share their thoughts without any discrimination and stigma, which many of them have to face in their families. They look forward to these camps and literally wait for that one day in the month to enjoy their day with other similar participants with no strings attached.
"Adolescence is the age when they undergo physical changes and they also need some career guidance. So, we call some resource person every month to guide them about their studies and help them in life skills development." Sneha worked for three and a half years in this project before it ended in March 2025 due to funding cuts. Now she works as a peer counsellor in Cheyutha, doing similar work.
"But we still continue holding these health camps with the help of some local donors. I enjoy spending time with the youngsters so that they feel safe and reassured that whenever they have a problem, they can discuss it with us and arrive at a solution by themselves with our help."
Sneha is happy that 92% of these 150 children are virally suppressed. (To be contd)
Contd from previous issue
It was only when their health deteriorated and they visited hospitals that they were tested and were diagnosed for HIV. They also had to deal with a lot of stigma within their family," said Sneha.
"I was determined to help these children living with HIV - project or no project - and started building my rapport with them. They had got infected unknowingly and had to be prepared to deal with their situation in the best possible manner," she said.
A day of hope: Free check-ups, supplements & life skills for adolescents living with HIV
"Through Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics, we hold a day long camp once every month on a Sunday, so that the participants do not have to miss their school. A medical check-up of all the children living with HIV is done to monitor their health parameters. They are also given multivitamin, calcium, iron, and protein tablets free of charge. We also counsel them on why they should not miss their daily medication, which is essential for our survival," shared Sneha.
Sneha shared that these health camps provide a safe space for the adolescents to express and share their thoughts without any discrimination and stigma, which many of them have to face in their families. They look forward to these camps and literally wait for that one day in the month to enjoy their day with other similar participants with no strings attached.
"Adolescence is the age when they undergo physical changes and they also need some career guidance. So, we call some resource person every month to guide them about their studies and help them in life skills development." Sneha worked for three and a half years in this project before it ended in March 2025 due to funding cuts. Now she works as a peer counsellor in Cheyutha, doing similar work.
"But we still continue holding these health camps with the help of some local donors. I enjoy spending time with the youngsters so that they feel safe and reassured that whenever they have a problem, they can discuss it with us and arrive at a solution by themselves with our help."
Sneha is happy that 92% of these 150 children are virally suppressed. (To be contd)