Jab miya biwi razi, toh kya karega HIV

June 18, 2009

Pune 2009-06-18 An increasing number of responsible HIV infected Puneites are

opting for spouses who are also infected by the virus to prevent passing on the

condition to unsuspecting partners

When Abhay tested positive for HIV eleven months ago, the graduate lost hope of

ever leading a happy life.

Then he met Manisha who too was HIV positive and his life changed. They got

married a few months ago.

Abhay and Manisha have joined the increasing list of Puneites who are opting for

partners who are also HIV positive instead of hiding their affliction and

passing the virus on to unsuspecting partners. Of the 10 such marriages that

took place in the city in the last 18 months, five have been in the last five

months.

Rohini Gore, coordinator, Population Foundation of India (PFI), an NGO that

works for HIV/AIDS afflicted, said, " It is a good sign that HIV positive youth

are serious about not spreading the infection to their sex partners. As per the

National AIDS Control Organisation figures, the spread of HIV has slowed in

Maharashtra by 50 per cent in the last few years. There are an estimated 27 lakh

HIV positive people in the state. "

PFI, Maharashtra Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS and other organisations

are facilitating such marriages. Recently, they organised a youth festival in

which HIV positive youth from all over the state participated.

Vijay and Sangeeta are another such couple. Said Vijay, " My community opposed my

decision. Even Sangeeta was worried in the beginning, but regained her

confidence later. " Not surprisingly, the newlyweds have no intention of

expanding their family the conventional way.

Said Vijay, " We won't be having our own child. But we plan to adopt an HIV

positive child. " Ashok (name changed), who married Sulabha early this year, said

they were not planning to have a child either. " We do want to enjoy life like a

normal couple, " said Ashok.

arriag-Pune-news.htm

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