She counselled them and accompanied them to the nearest government doctor, who recommended HIV and TB testing. This led to further referral to the nearest government-run tertiary care hospital in Lucknow (King George's Medical University - KGMU which was around 30 kilometres away), where Baba tested negative for TB disease but tested positive for HIV.
Pre-test and post-test HIV counselling were crucial. Government counsellor and health workers like Sarojini counselled Baba's carers to dispel fear, despair and doubts too. Soon after, Baba started receiving antiretroviral treatment.
Now Sarojini's role became even more pronounced to help support Baba's carers to ensure treatment adherence and attend to his other care needs on an ongoing basis.
Government of India's National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has supported Humana People to People India to implement its Link Workers Scheme, which is how Sarojini got trained by NACO and Humana as a Cluster Link Worker to help support people (like Baba and his family) in 9 villages. She is backed by an elaborate network of team at Humana People to People India which enables her to keep making a difference in the lives of people (and children).
Embracing HIV treatment, care and support
Administering medication posed significant challenges for Baba's aunt. Initially his regimen of antiretroviral medicines consisted of four crushed capsules mixed with water - whose taste the child found intolerable. He frequently refused the medication or vomited after eating it, requiring his aunt to administer it forcibly at times. Sarojini's regular follow up was important not only to ensure treatment adherence but also to help solve any other problems his carers might be encountering.
Thankfully, soon after Baba began receiving antiretroviral medicines in the form of fixed-dose combination (1 pill) to be taken once daily and at the same time. This eased the daily caregiving routine.
After 2-3 months of initiating antiretroviral therapy, Baba also received TB preventive therapy to protect him from TB disease. Sarojini's regular follow up and support bore fruits as his health started showing substantial improvement.
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