FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2024
SHASHWAT GUPTA RAY
PANJIM: From the high of 1,094 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in Goa in 2007 to 196 cases in 2022 and 193 Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases in 2004 to 11 in 2022, the HIV-AIDS cases in Goa have come down drastically due to the efforts of the State government over the years.
But while the cases have come down, People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are confronted with numerous hardships.
Be it living under the fear of social stigma or financial crunch, life is a constant struggle for them.
“I have been living with HIV for the last 12 years. I was orphaned at a small age,” a 19-year old HIV+ girl from Agasaim said.
The girl said, “My grandparents brought me up, despite facing a lot of financial hardships. I faced problems at school. Once, parents barged into the school after knowing my HIV status. They wanted me out of the school.”
Although the teachers managed the situation, this incident however shook her.
“Fear of getting ostracised has led me to live an anonymous life. I have completed my HSSC. But I can’t afford to study further as I have a younger sister and old grandparents to support. But I don’t know how I will get a job with HIV status and not being a graduate,” she said.
A 48-year-old HIV+ widow from Panjim, who has three little kids to feed, is struggling for finances.
“As a widow and a HIV+ person, I am entitled to government assistance. But I can avail either of the two schemes. The total amount given is a meagre Rs 2,000 per month. As a single mother of three kids, how am I supposed to run my house with this sum? I have to pay home rent, school fees and arrange for food. We should be entitled for more assistance, including homes for us,” she said.
According to chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Peter Borges, society till date associates HIV with morality.
“Lack of knowledge has been a major reason for the stigma and discrimination that still prevails towards PLHIV,” he said.
Project Director of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), Dr Gokuldas V Sawant said that while the government has been able to bring down the number of HIV cases drastically over the years, there are hurdles that prevent complete elimination of the disease.
“We are committed to end HIV/AIDS by 2030. In Goa, in the last 10 years, the HIV cases have reduced tremendously. But there are barriers. First is the lack of vaccines. Even though Covid vaccine was made available in record time, there is no HIV vaccine even after almost 40 years,” he said.
Also, since maximum HIV infection is transmitted through sexual route, there is lot of social stigma, leading to discrimination.
“This year’s slogan given by the World Health Organisation is ‘Equalise’. But due to stigma, there are isolated cases of discrimination, which we have to end. We have appointed an Ombudsman for the legal rights of PLHIV. We also have a helpline number 1097, where one can get the number of our Mainstreaming Officer for help,” he said.
