HIV affects our most private emotions, our sexuality, our security and trust in relationships and future. Having HIV is nothing to be ashamed about, but many people may feel afraid to tell their friends, colleagues or even family. They may feel not emotionally prepared or they may fear the social consequences of others finding out. This has become different to PLHA cluster members the group have been strengthen day after day.
The group started with very few members who shared the fact that they are HIV positive. They were worried about confidentiality, meeting in secret places. At the end they didn’t know what they were doing or thinking or even who they were. Since they started working with ROADS project the situation changed, there are hundreds of people joined and access services provided by the group. One of the group member shared her story, that she decided to check her sero status and join the PLHA cluster after receiving a very good support and care from HBC providers who are also HIV positive and members of PLHA cluster, before she was not believing that you can continue with your normal life after found your HIV positive but since joined the group her perception changed. Now she found new hope and vision through the group.
PLHA cluster members are free to speak out about their status, many members witness that soon after joining the group they met friends who changed their lives. They realized that, they hadn’t done anything wrong, they are not criminals and they have even get married which is what most people tend to lose when they found to be HIV positive.
Furthermore PLHA in the group testify that before joining the group they faced lot of problems in the community, they didn’t know where to go when they are discriminated in their own families, but through various trainings received have enabled them to have one voice to fight for their rights and to show that they are still productive and no difference from any one else. The only difference is that they are HIV positive which is not the reason to discriminate them.
What is your ROLE in this?
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