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ShareAhmedabad, Ahmedabad: Twenty-nine-year-old Geeta Chitroda is a great support for her family in Surat, besides working to improve the lives of others. Her story does not come across as that extraordinary until one understands her history: she tested positive for HIV nine years ago and by her remarkable willpower has overcome the problems usually faced by people affected by the deadly infection.
After being tested positive for HIV, Chitroda left her government job and decided to help others like her by showing them the right way to fight HIV/Aids. She now works with the Gujarat State Network of People Living with HIV/Aids.
"I was married at the tender age of 19. After my husband tested positive for HIV in 2000, I too underwent the test and found out that I was also infected," Chitroda said. Her husband died in 2001, following which she faced many hardships at her in-laws' home.
After a long struggle, Chitroda decided to move into her mother's home and support her family in all that they need. "I am proud of what I am doing, and I am able to keep myself healthy too," she said.
Another case in point is that of Manoj Parmar, who is in her late 20s. Residing in Ahmedabad with his family which includes his father, mother, wife and adopted daughter, he is the only earning member. Parmar married his wife who is also HIV+ in 2008, deciding to spend his life with someone who can understand his feelings and vice versa.
Chitroda and Parmar both take their medication regularly and as prescribed by their doctors. In addition, they include yoga, pranayama and meditation in their routine, which, they said, have contributed to extending their life expectancy.
"Taking medicine religiously at the right time can keep one healthy. The government is, therefore, increasing the number of ART and link ART centres in the state," said Jaynarayan Vyas, state health and family welfare minister.
