Today on World Aids Day, we want to remember individuals, families and communities affected by this disease. We also want to recognise the efforts of all the organisations in Nepal who work in its prevention and treatment bringing much needed awareness and hope to areas where HIV/AIDS is present.
In many parts of Nepal, HIV/AIDS is still not a well understood disease. There is still a need for more education amongst many rural communities to assist in HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and where to go for treatment.
One of the major goals of INF’s HIV/AIDS programme is to create positive change by educating communities about the disease. By dispelling fears through education, families can better understand and support their family members.
46 year-old Bishnu* actively loves people with HIV. He is involved in INF’s HIV/ AIDS programme that provides care to people living with HIV/AIDS and promotes education about the disease to the community.
Bishnu understands the challenges and physical pain experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS. He understands the isolation and stigma they live with, because he has lived with HIV/AIDS himself.
More than three years ago, Bishnu found he was constantly weak and suffered a series of illnesses. He was unaware he had HIV/AIDS and didn’t know where to seek treatment. Bishnu was unable to work and had no source of income making life incredibly difficult until he discovered an INF HIV/ AIDS programme in his area. There, he received treatment and education about the disease: how to manage it and prevent it from spreading. The healing process began not only physically but emotionally as he met others who lived with HIV/AIDS.
Bishnu began helping others reclaim their lives and live with dignity as he had done through the programme. With his health improved, he started working in nearby fields where he tends to buffalo and chickens. With his savings, Bishnu hopes his three children can continue in their education.
*Bishnu’s name has been changed to protect his anonymity.
Read some highlights of last year’s achievements in INF’s HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care and support services in our Annual Report.