Theme Charity

CASE HISTORY 1 - Rajeshwari

Rajeshwari’s skin and scalp were covered with sores a year ago, but she was always very brave and never complained. Now her skin is much improved and she has started school again.

She looks well and happy; however her mother tells us that the teachers make her sit apart in class. Sadly discrimination against HIV sufferers still occur, and when this happens councillors from Arogya Agam go to speak to the school teachers and their classes to explain that her HIV status is of no danger to the other children.

CASE HISTORY 2 - Tangapandi

Tangapandi's HIV infected mother had unwittingly infected his father (pictured above with Tangapandi).

This state of affairs would normally end in the wife being kicked out of the home; however with Arogya Agam's counselling and financial help the couple has managed to stick together.

“My wife fell ill five years ago,” Sureli explains. “She was tested HIV positive. Then they tested all the family. We are all positive. Family life is difficult but we have been given a lot of help by Arogya Agam. No one knows about all this in the village. The doctor who looks after us is well known for herbal treatments so it doesn’t look suspicious when he calls.”

Tangapandi is not yet on ART. He is very bright. “I want to join the police force when I grow up,” he says grinning.

CASE HISTORY 3 - Powneswari

Powneswari looks well and happy. Her grandmother is doing a wonderful job looking after her and her baby brother since their mother died from AIDS.

She tells us that she is able to get the treatment that her grand-daughter needs from a hospital close to her village, and the 500 rupees that Arogya Agam gives them each month makes all the difference.

However suddenly she burst into tears and shows her leg which has a nasty red mark on her thigh.

“My daughter in law wants me out of the house where I live with my son. My son beat me with a stick. Where shall I go?” AA will send a councilor to see the son and daughter in law.

CASE HISTORY 4 - Pandeeswari

Pandeeswari died 6 months after this photo was taken.

Sixteen year old Pandeeswari had to drop out of school when she started to feel sick four years ago. Her mother had not been HIV tested when she was pregnant as it was not done automatically at the time.

Pandeeswari started to suffer from fever and diarrhea. She continued to have recurrent symptoms until 2008 when she was tested for HIV and found to be positive.

Pandeeswari’s mother used to take her to the temple to offer her child's hair to the gods, however when her daughter fell really ill she would bring her back to Arogya Agam where she was put onto antiviral treatment (ART). Sadly she suffered from severe side effects, but she remained incredibly brave and always managing a little smile.

It was decided to put Pandeeswari onto second line drugs. This involved going to Chennai; her mother took fright and took her daughter back to her village. Children who interrupt their ART die quickly.

CASE HISTORY 5 - Pandiswaren

Pandiswaren dropped out of school this year. He was getting depressed about his exam results. This is a pity, he's a bright lad with a great sense of humour.

His mother tells us he just floats around with friends. The good news however is that his CD4 results are improving.

People on ART need to be tested every 6 months. He is good at taking his treatment and the Arogya Agam team are encouraging him to return to school.

CASE HISTORY 6 - Muthupandiamal

Muthupandiamal's CD4 count is low, she should be taking ART. However when her mother became infected with HIV she refused treatment for herself and for for her little girl fearing that it would make them both feel sick, also that people would get to know about their positive status.

She had been very angry with her husband who had not dared tell her that he was HIV infected and already on ART.

However she is being supportive, but still refuses treatment for herself and her daughter. Arogya Agam are encouraging her to change her mind before it is too late.