AIDS Causes Children To Face Social Stigma

AIDS affects children social stigma. Though they are not infected with the disease, research shows that children with parents positive with AIDS felt like they are also infected. For some, even their close relative does not want to take care of them.

In Mumbai, reports shows that last august 22, two kids were brought in to a shelter home for children affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV at Goregaon-based Desire Society. Sibling with the age of nine and eight has lost their mother due to AIDS and their father also infected by the diseases. Social worker, Supriya Ahire said that the father could no longer take care of them as he also battles the disease. The sad part is the relatives won't take care of them or have them in their custody.

In line with this, one boy aged ten was also brought to the shelter with the same circumstances as with the two girls. Ahire added that, though they tested negative with AIDS, they are now facing social stigma, even their relatives depart from them. Now, with a total of 25 girls and six boys, the center is having problems with their space and the numbers of orphans being left by their relatives are growing, according to Indian Express.

The city is now facing 1,997 HIV-positive children from the record of Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS). 1481 of the victims needs to be treated by antiretroviral treatment to fight the virus.

Meanwhile, The Committed Communities Development Trust id trying to rehabilitate the children and their extended families after their parents lost the battle of AIDS. Plan director Poonman Palkar said that the routine can take 12 to 19 months. Their team explains the diseases and how can it affect others. Their councilors are visiting home to home of the families that are affected by the virus and educates them on how to give the child's nutritional, medical and educational support, reported by Peoples Magazine.

Additional project director, Dr. Shrikala Acharya form MDACS added that AIDS does not spread by touch, the orphans need someone to take care of them. They have lost both of their parents thus; the inability to get admission in school and abandonment by relatives still needs to be addressed.