WHAT WE DO

The problem

You might never think of it, but HIV is still a huge problem in India! It was only after multiple visits to the beautiful city Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, South India, that Claudia and I were informed about this and the consequences of receiving an HIV diagnosis. It shocked us. Looking around, we were aware and could see that poverty was a big issue in this area, but HIV? Even this day and age? Meeting some of the affected children and their families and hearing their stories has touched us deeply.

Tamil Nadu is a beautiful state in South India, but is also identified as one of the six states with the highest count and spread of HIV infections in India. In total, India’s National AIDS Control Organization estimates that 5.7 million people are HIV positive in India. In the smaller area of Dindigul, the number of reported AIDS cases is only 1029. However, unofficial estimates for the amount of people living with HIV/AIDS in Dindigul suggest that the actual number of infections lies between 106,000 – 149,000! This discrepancy may be caused by the stigma of HIV diagnosis in India, causing many to choose uncertainty over a stigmatized existence. HIV also affects a lot families in India, and mothers and father still do die from AIDS-related complications. As a result, a lot of children are left alone to fend for themselves without parents, and tragically many children themselves are also infected by this disease.

What are some of the challenges faced by children affected by HIV?

- Psychological stress: The illness and death of their parents can cause extreme psychological distress in children. Due to the stigma, they will likely have feelings of shame, fear and isolation. For example, if a school learns about the HIV status of a child, chances are the child will be expelled from school.

- The family income decreases: In many cases the income of the provider of the family is eliminated, and expenses increase to meet the medical needs of the family.

- Malnutrition: As a result of lack of proper parental care and economic instability, children affected by HIV are more prone to suffer from malnutrition.

In summary, HIV/AIDS makes a community isolated and poverty stricken. People living with HIV/AIDS are likely to lead a lonely life without any hope for the future, and are frequently discriminated against by the society. The children especially face the worst shortcomings due to discrimination and social stigma, such as lack of education, inadequate medical treatment, unbalanced diets and low self-esteem.

Our solution

Together with Massngo.org

We provide food, psychological, and medical support to 152 children and their families affected by HIV;

We create awareness to prevent the spread of HIV infections and remove the stigma surrounding HIV;

We initiate activities that bring the children together through learning and playtime, raise their confidence and teach them valuable life skills;

We guide and coach the parents towards accumulating a higher family income.

Our big goal

The big goal for our first year is to open a sisterandsister.org community centre in Dindigul. In this centre we can bring all the children together and support, guide and teach them. While at the same time also help their families to break free from poverty. The community centre will also function a HIV help and information centre for all living in the Dindigul city and the surrounding incorporated villages.