A positive step towards helping HIV-infected

[Guest guest]

A positive step towards helping HIV-infected

Ramya Kannan

A support and recovery group aims at forming a network for them to

share concerns

CHENNAI: A support and recovery group, on the lines of Alcoholics

Anonymous, will be started for persons infected with HIV in Chennai.

Mooted by Freedom Foundation, an NGO working with positive people,

HIVA (short for HIV Anonymous) will adopt the 12-step recovery

programme that AA uses, tailored to suit the concerns of those with

HIV/AIDS.

Freedom Foundation will merely facilitate its creation; HIVA will be

guided solely by the interests of the positive population, according

to KNS Varadan, Project Co-ordinator, Freedom Foundation.

Initially it will be a network of positive men.

Depending on the reception it gets, HIVA will develop a women's

wing.

Sharing concerns

The fellowship attempts at forming a network for people to share

their concerns and an equally strong determination to stem the

spread of HIV. It will help individuals handle their physical,

mental and emotional health in communion with others who have been

through similar experiences.

In addition, it will provide information about government schemes,

policies, addresses of hospitals and dispensaries to positive

people.

Positive networks associations have welcomed the move to form HIVA

in Chennai. P.Kausalya of the Positive Women Network of South India,

says, " While we have positive networks, HIVA will be an important

step. In terms of peer support and awareness generation, it will do

a lot for positive people. "

http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/28/stories/2006072807470100.htm