HYDERABAD: A little over 10 km from the city, a group of school children make their way through the gates of a beautifully landscaped hospital-cum-hostel building. Wearing their pinafores, braided hair and carrying school bags, they look like any regular child going to school. But beneath their laughter lurks a virus that threatens their very existence. The HIV virus they carry restricts their right to absolute freedom in a society still grappling to accept them.
“December 1 is celebrated as World Aids Day all over but the children here are completely unaware. Yes, such movements help raise attention but we hope more awareness is inculcated among masses about perils of the virus and the day doesn’t end up in mere celebration,” said Dr Tirupathi Reddy, chief administrative officer, Shivananda Rehabilitation Centre at Kukatpally.
A home for orphaned HIV children, the centre has cultivated an atmosphere where sensitivity towards children is top priority. “We ensure sensitive topics related to their disease is neither discussed nor spelled out by strangers or well-wishers. We have made them aware of the virus and how to handle their conduct in public to minimise risks. We also provide them anti-retro viral drugs as well as food, clothing and shelter. The children are traumatised knowing their future is uncertain but they mingle with others without any worry.”
The three-decade old centre which provided shelter for leprosy and TB patients started intake of HIV-affected children in 2005 and now houses 41 children. “Only orphan children are provided shelter. We provide them all support but now we have started sending out feelers that upon crossing a particular age, they’ll have to stand on their own feet,” added Dr Reddy, who’s been at the helm for over seven years. For this, the centre provides training in vocational courses such as stitching and weaving and finds donors for their higher education.
In tune with the global mission to ensure no new cases of HIV+ are reported between now and 2015, the centre has decided to raise awareness among the labourers and poor. “We tell them to think of the danger they put themselves if they contract the virus and the risks faced by their children. Once the virus is contracted, one can’t even mingle freely since the immune system becomes weak, increasing chances of contracting other diseases,” he said.
The children though are making most of the present. “They like to study and many dream to become engineers, doctors and teachers. But who will support these dreams? They still do not think of uncertainties.”
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