A ( HIV) POSITIVE STORY

-excerpts from a story by Ananthakrishnan G, TNN

We have read, heard and known of people with HIV positive being ostracised by the society, discriminated against at workplaces and educational institutions, looked on with distaste even in hospitals, and being subjected to such injustices which can lead a person to lose his/her sanity. With regard to these stories, it is evident that Indians are yet to come in terms with the idea of morally supporting the people affected and to learn to live and let live.

But on the flip side of the coin, there are people and organisations who are trying to safeguard the interests of the people affected,the number of whom has been on an all-time increase. Not only the NGOs, but the states are also trying to do their bit. Kerala became the first Indian state on august12,2008; to reserve a government job for HIV positive candidates, marking a new sensitivity for those afflicted with the killer virus.

The Kerala State Aids Control Society(KSACS) announced that it had reserved a vacancy in its office for HIV positive candidates with a hope that the presence of such a person will improve coordination and communication with groups at risk and ensure effective prevention.

They have issued advertisements inviting applications for the post of coordinator, People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLHA), only from candidates who are HIV positive. Earlier, they had set this as a desirable factor and then they decided to change it to an essential one.

Kerala now has drop-in-centres which work to facilitate grouping or association of people with HIV/AIDS. "The belief is that when they come together, they would get to share their problems and it would be a great relaxing factor." says Usha Titus, KSACS project director and special secretary, health.

Hopefully this a reservation which will not drag in the unceasing debate of merits and fairness.