Giving more than care

Sirisha, 20, was only 25kg and could hardly walk. Infected with HIV/AIDS she has no one to take care of. Weight loss and undernutrition are common in people living with HIV/AIDS and are likely to accelerate disease progression, increase morbidity and reduce survival.

The Nutritional Needs of the HIV/AIDS affected person is much different from the normal person. A balanced healthy diet is vital for health and survival for all individuals infected by HIV. Children deserve special attention because of the nutritional requirements necessary for growth and development, and because of their dependency on adults for adequate care.

There are many who suffers from this disease, but what makes it different is the support that she has received. Shortly after identifying her situation, Caritas India through St. Vincent Rural Organization Society supported her with nutritious food. The institution supports 100 HIV/AIDS infected and affected children from 10 villages of Prakasham District of Andhra Pradesh with food kits under the Community based health care program.

The kit consists of rice, dhal, ragi powder, cooking oil, Jagari, groundnut, biscuits, and other sanitation and hygiene products.

Recently, the Local Police Inspector – Mr. Kotteshura Ravu and constables with other local NGO representatives participated in the food kit distribution program organised for the HIV/AIDS children. The event was also attended by HIV infected children with their relatives. The children participated in various activities such as group discussions and cultural activities. For girls, Nuns of St. Vincent (SSVROSS) conducted separate classes for self-hygiene and encouraged the winners of the self-hygiene competition.

The kids and their relatives who attended the program were extremely happy and highly appreciative of the support and encouragement of Caritas India, Delhi. This special event was covered by local media and news channels.