Gujarat State Network of People living with HIV/AIDS (GSNP+) formed

February 18, 2004

AIDS victims form network to lessen agony, boost morale

TIMES NEWS NETWORK [ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2004 02:44:56 AM ]

AHMEDABAD/SURAT: The HIV-afflicted themselves are out to actively help AIDS

patients in Surat .

With an express aim to address the issues and concerns of HIV + people, over 300

people with varied backgrounds but diagnosed as having AIDS virus, have formed

Gujarat State Network of People (GSNP) living with HIV/AIDS in the textile city.

Their motto is to collectively aim at not only income generation but also to

instil among themselves social dignity. " I have become more + in my approach in

the company of other members of GSNP and no longer fear the stigma of carrying

the AIDS virus " , says GSNP member Ghanshyam Patel. GSNP members have genuine

understanding of the problems faced by HIV + patients and their endeavour has

given a new dimension to AIDS advocacy. " Inspired by the Surat initiative, we

are planning such a network of HIV + people in six zones in the state " , Gujarat

State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) deputy director DM Saxena said. The six zones

are: Surat , Palanpur, Vadodara, Gandhidham, Bhavnagar and Rajkot .

" Earlier, we had the Enabling Environment Project with the help of United

Nations Development Project (UNDP) where HIV + people are working towards

removing the stigma, besides actively participating in the small savings scheme

wherein the association will match the savings made by the HIV + p e r s o n

that can be used either for his medication or income-generation. Official

formation of the network will carry this project forward " , said NGO advisor of

the GSACS Sonal Mehta.

The formation of the network of HIV +ve people made more sense for HIV advocacy

as they are more realistic in their approach and specific about the needs of

people with AIDS.

" More than the NGOs, an HIV + person would always know exactly what people with

AIDS are going through and address their needs more sympathetically and

realistically. HIV + people can also create awareness about AIDS in the society

more effectively " , said Mehta.

" We are a group of 18 people with HIV + in Rajkot and wish develop a network in

Rajkot " , says HIV + Chotaniya Heena who came to know about the GSNP recently

and is eager to form similar network back in her place.

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