Give a future for 950 Indian kids living with HIV

Vallavan, a 15-year-old boy lives with his mother and elder brother in Sivagangai. His father died eight years ago from an HIV-related illness. Vallavan and his mother have been on ART since then. His elder brother is fortunately HIV negative, he and his mother go for daily wage labour when they can get it. Finances are tight.

Vallavan enrolled in 8^th grade at his village government school, but he was two years behind in his studies, difficult even under normal circumstances. Although initially interested, his attendance and engagement dropped over the last six months. Staff and volunteers thought that Vallavan felt that he was stigmatised due to his HIV status although there was no evidence of discrimination by others.

Our staff and volunteers worked with Vallavan and his mother to address this through psychological counselling with a government ART counsellor who confirmed our impression that he was withdrawn because of his 'self-stigma'. With our support, he regained confidence and completed 8th standard in the same school.

Their mother was not in good health and Vallavan also faced health problems including thyroid issues, adding to his challenges. His brother struggled since it was now up to him to meet most of the family’s financial needs. Despite this they strongly encouraged Vallavan and he remained committed to his studies.

To provide a supportive environment, staff helped him gain admission to a hostel in Thirunelveli, well known to us, which offers educational and medical support for children with HIV. This was done with the approval from the District Child Welfare Committee.

He is now in 9^th grade, receiving treatment for HIV and his thyroid problems, and benefiting from counselling and the structured hostel environment. His progress highlights the impact of the sort of holistic support for children living with HIV that our project offers for kids with HIV.

Our support is tailor made to fit the needs of individual children. We also offer marriage guidance, an important issue for young adults with HIV. All our work is done through local associations of people with HIV in cooperation with the local government health and welfare systems. Our work is made possible by your generous donations.

A big thank you and with very best wishes,

John Dalton, Founder of Arogya Agam.

(Names changed, photos are indicative)