Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - 15 December 2004
Shanta Diaz Indian Red Cross counsellor and Priya Nair in Chennai
The man was a school headmaster. He had been suffering from tuberculosis and had come to the Thambaram hospital in the southern Indian city of Chennai for treatment.
He began to feel better after visiting the hospital, but had fallen ill suddenly again and decided to come back to the hospital for a check up. Now, having undergone a series of tests, he has just been diagnosed as HIV positive.
The Thambaram hospital project was started by the Indian Red Cross Society in July this year. The hospital provides food and hygiene kits to those living with HIV/AIDS, while counselling services are provided to both the more than 300 patients and their families.
The hospital has 13 wards for HIV/AIDS patients, and Red Cross staff visit and spend time with them every day.
The patients are counselled individually and in groups, with more time being spent with those suffering from depression. Counselling has helped many patients get back to their normal lives and to be accepted by their families. The headmaster was talking now, confessing to me that, unknown to his wide, he had been out with several women. He had come to the hospital today thinking his sickness was due to TB.
"I don't know how to tell my wife the truth. She will disown me. I have grown up children. I hold a responsible and respectable post. I will not be able to face the world. What will happen if my students find out about it?" he asked.
"When you came to me, I was thinking of committing suicide," he admitted. On learning his HIV status, the doctors advised him to get admitted to the hospital.
We talked for a long time and I told him about the disease. I convinced him that with regular treatment, good diet, good hygienic conditions, care from his family and a disciplined life, he would feel better and that it could be controlled. He cheered up a little after that.
His wife arrived the next day. When she heard his story she became furious and walked out with the children.
However, we advised his wife and children to be tested for HIV. Their test results were negative. We assured her that the virus would not spread to any of them by staying with him in the same house.
Deserting him would not solve their problems, either. He was the familyÆs only breadwinner and she could not manage without any income. Instead if she took care of him he would be able to go back to work and lead a normal life. He also pleaded with her to forgive him.
After a few days he was put on ART (anti-retroviral treatment). Having shown good improvement he was discharged. Before he left I told him to take two months off and, when he got back to school, to talk to the students about HIV/AIDS.
As someone who was infected himself and had seen other patients suffering he would be able to talk about it in depth. Without disclosing the truth about himself he could talk about his experience with those affected with HIV/AIDS during his visits to the hospital.
Every month he comes to collect his medication. His wife has come with him twice in the last three months. He visits us in the office with a smile that expresses his gratitude. He says he has spent time talking to the students, and his family is treating him well.
Last month I saw him in the ward. He came to me and said he was very sorry.
"During the counselling you said I should not smoke or drink. I gave up both as you told me they are like poison for people with HIV/AIDS. I was feeling better. My friend offered me a packet of imported cigarettes and I smoked.
They made me feel very sick. Now I have come to consult the doctor. I promise you that I will never do this again."
041215
IF041208
Copyright © 2004 - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IFRC Contact.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .