An increasing number of HIV-infected people in the district are earning their own livelihood. Their earnings have not only helped them buy their own food but also anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs. These patients have taken up poultry farming, grocery business, animal husbandry and tailoring.
"As many as 19 HIV-infected people have turned entrepreneurs and become self-reliant," informed Bal Krishna Khatri, program coordinator of Sakriya Samaj Sewa, an organization working for the welfare of HIV infected.
"I feel sad whenever I recall the past. I'm better off now and people no more look down upon me," said one of the infected, who now works as a tailor. He now feels that he doesn't need to depend on anybody for his livelihood.
Some HIV-infected people have set up a flour mill "Sarvottam Pitho Udyog". According to them, the mill has helped them earn enough money to feed themselves and buy medicines. HIV-infected people need to religiously take medicines after meals. Earlier, the National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) used to supply flour to HIV-infected free of cost.
"We need to take our medicines regularly after meal," said Pawarta Banjade, chairman of Sandesh Sahayog Samuha. "The mill has given us a huge relief," he added. According to him, they only use organic wheat grains and cereals.
The flour we produce is supplied to Palpa, Repandehi, Kapilvastu and Syangja districts, said Banjade. "We are expecting help from donor agencies so that we can promote our product and do our bit to bring change in society," he added.
There are 125 HIV-infected people in the district, including 57 females, 59 males and nine children, according to Sunil Adhikari, coordinator of Prerana, an organization working for the welfare of HIV-infected patients. Twenty-six infected, including 10 females and 16 males, have already died of the disease, while 61 are on medication.
"Because of their active involvement in income generating activities, people's perception toward HIV-infected patients is gradually changing," said Adhikari. "However, we still need to raise awareness about the disease."
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