Tamil Nadu   

A positive step towards helping HIV-infected

Ramya Kannan

A support and recovery group aims at forming a network for them to share concerns

The symbol of the Tamil Nadu AIDS Control Society

CHENNAI: A support and recovery group, on the lines of Alcoholics Anonymous, will be started for persons infected with HIV in Chennai.

Mooted by Freedom Foundation, an NGO working with positive people, HIVA (short for HIV Anonymous) will adopt the 12-step recovery programme that AA uses, tailored to suit the concerns of those with HIV/AIDS.

Freedom Foundation will merely facilitate its creation; HIVA will be guided solely by the interests of the positive population, according to KNS Varadan, Project Co-ordinator, Freedom Foundation.

Initially it will be a network of positive men.

Depending on the reception it gets, HIVA will develop a women's wing.

Sharing concerns

The fellowship attempts at forming a network for people to share their concerns and an equally strong determination to stem the spread of HIV. It will help individuals handle their physical, mental and emotional health in communion with others who have been through similar experiences.

In addition, it will provide information about government schemes, policies, addresses of hospitals and dispensaries to positive people.

Positive networks associations have welcomed the move to form HIVA in Chennai. P.Kausalya of the Positive Women Network of South India, says, "While we have positive networks, HIVA will be an important step. In terms of peer support and awareness generation, it will do a lot for positive people."

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