Counselling remains centre-stage, and so does trust, which Sarojini and Baba's carers share.
Sarojini guides the family on treatment adherence, precautions they need to take to stay healthy, and monitor their health and wellbeing, among addressing other issues.
Regular health screenings are vital
She also accompanies them to the antiretroviral therapy centre for periodic testing. Carers of Baba are screened for HIV once every 6 months. Baba's CD4 test is done once every 6 months and his viral load test is done annually. As of now, his viral load has remained undetectable as shared by Pop Singh, a programme manager with Humana People to People India. This is an important indicator that Baba's HIV treatment is working, HIV is undetectable and untransmittable, and he is healthy.
When we spoke with Baba's aunt, she said that she clearly understands the importance of daily treatment adherence although unaware of the exact names of his medications.
Thanks to Sarojini for the facilitation, Baba currently attends an Anganwadi centre, part of India's government-run early childhood care and development system. The Anganwadi workers provide supplementary nutrition, preschool education, health check-ups and immunisation. Staff members are aware that Baba is on medication, though his HIV status has not been disclosed.
Impacting positive change for those left behind
Baba is among over 130 people living with HIV (including children living with HIV) supported under NACO's Link Workers Scheme implemented by Humana People to People India across 100 villages of Lucknow.
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