The Hindu : Kerala News : Novel rehabilitation scheme for HIV-affected

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Saturday, Dec 01, 2007
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Kerala

Novel rehabilitation scheme for HIV-affected

G. Prabhakaran

MUTHALAMADA, (PALAKKAD): Ashokan and Ajitha, HIV-affected couple who got married two years ago and have adopted four children, also infected with HIV, have heralded a new approach in rehabilitation of HIV victims.

They live in a house at Muthalamada and form the novel ‘HIV family,’ a concept introduced by Sneham Charitable Trust headed by Sunildas. All the six AIDS-affected persons were rejected by their families and society. The Sneham Charitable Trust took them under its care and provided them treatment at the Thrissur Medical College for the last two years. Mr. Ashokan hails from Muthalamada and Ms. Ajitha from Elappully panchayat in the district. Her husband died of AIDS following which she was thrown out of his family. With nowhere to go, she was brought to the Sneham Chairtable Trust, which gave her shelter and treatment. She began learning stitching and assisted in the manufacture of garments. On December 1, 2005, Ashokan and Ajitha tied the knot. Their marriage was a big event, with nearly 4,000 people, including prominent personalities from different parts of the country, attending the “first HIV patients’ marriage.” The Trust took up the responsibility of looking after four children affected by HIV. Their parents had died of HIV. The children were entrusted under the care of Mr. Ashokan and Ms. Ajitha. The Federal Bank has constructed a new house for the family. The keys to the house will be handed over to the Trust on December 1.

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