Benson and Bency Kerala's HIV+ kids fight a losing battle

[Guest guest]

Gilvester AssaryWednesday, March 21, 2007 (Kaithakuzhy):

Orphaned and HIV positive Benson and Bency in Kerala's Kollam district have been under their grandmother's care for the past many years.But there is no emotional and financial support coming their way as a result the 60-year-old woman is almost giving up. "If I am not able to take care of my children then what will I do? I'll have no other option but to commit suicide. Nobody will look after these children the way I do. I try my best to keep them happy," said Salamma, children's grandmother.The children's grandfather, an ex-serviceman, died three years ago. Salamma is partially blind and asthmatic, she barely manages to keep going with her husband's pension. Trouble brewingWhile the children receive free medicine and education no one calls on them or spends time. The family of three is trying to fight the isolation but fresh trouble is brewing.About three years ago the family had taken a loan of Rs one lakh from a private bank to meet the medical expenses of the children. Now the dues have gone up to Rs 90,000 and the bank is now threatening to attach their ancestral property.This family's story points to the need for continuous support for HIV positive people but right now the family is looking for financial help requires is immediate financial help.

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