HIV positive people developing network

Bhopal, Apr 06: Registered with a noble cause in 1997 at Chennai, the Indian Network for People Living with AIDS/HIV (INP+) is now strengthening its network in the state to ensure hassle free life to affected people. Hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS have come together on a common platform under the banner of INP+ braving adversities of life.

As the disease is widespread in Indore, Burhapur and Ujjain region of the state, about 115 people alone in Ujjain have joined the network to communicate problems of affected people to government, health authorities, community and society at large.  Any HIV positive could procure the membership by paying a paltry sum of Rs 12. The membership could be renewed annually by paying the abovementioned sum. Besides counseling, the members convene meeting of support groups at regular interval to redress grievances of affected people and ensure they are not deprived of schemes announced for them.

Rajeev (changed name), an HIV positive individual, who is also the member of INP+, informed that about 115 affected people have become member of the non-profit organization in Ujjain alone. Objective of the organization to acquaint people living with AIDS/HIV of various schemes commenced for them. Besides, it also provides people with a common platform to interact and devise solution to their problems. Ostracized AIDS patients not only find people to share their problems but also get a platform to communicate their problems to authorities concerned by joining the group, he exulted.

Speaking on the recent projects undertaken by the state unit to assist the affected people, Rajeev informed that the state unit has bagged a project of Sweden-based 'Global Fund' fighting for the cause of AIDS patients. Apart from the INP+, the Hind Latex Family Programme Trust (HLFPT) and Population Foundation of India would also implement the projects financed by the Global Fund, he added.