World AIDS Day: Abandoned during pregnancy, HIV+ woman counsels others

Abandoned by husband and family during pregnancy, an HIV+ woman is now counselling others and creating awareness about AIDS. So far, she has counselled more than 3,500 people in the city.

'I found that I was pregnant and HIV+ at the same time in 2007," said Aprajita (name changed), 31. She was 20 years old and pregnant with her first child. "It took me a few days to accept it. I told my husband with great fear. And, he left me. I was at my parent's house for the first few weeks. Then I had to leave because of social taboo, and forced to live alone," she added.

She said she did not know what to do at that point, and felt that there was no hope for her. "I went to a counsellor at the Civil Hospital with the hope of getting some work for survival. I also wanted a better future for my unborn child. First, the counsellors refused to give any work, knowing my health and pregnancy status," she said.

After the birth of her first child, she was able to convince her husband to screen himself for HIV. He was found positive, and they united after that. She has a daughter who makes sure that her parents take their medicines on time. However, she is not aware of their condition.

Swati Pandit, AIDS Control Society's project member, said: "Most of the women come to know about their status during pregnancy and then face wrath from their families. We counsel them, treatment them and gather them under one roof for better future prospects," Pandit said.

"Aprajita's life was not easy, but HIV has transformed her life. She is working for education of orphan children, helping widows get their benefits," she further added.