According to UNAIDS, India now holds the second largest number of HIV infections in the world following South Africa. With an estimated 5.7 million HIV infections in 2005 (UN AIDS), India accounts for nearly 10% of the global HIV/AIDS prevalence.
Because of poverty and considerable percentage of illiteracy, this disease is growing at an alarming rate. Because of superstitions and social stigma, patients are isolated from the society, which leads to emotional and eventually physical death.
February 29, 2005 issue of Times of India reported:
bq. “On February 27, Sadu Ravi, an AIDS patient hailing from Urugonda village in Warangal District was forcibly put on a bullock cart and banished from the village by the villagers. He spent the night in his father’s field until an NGO (Non-Government Organization) came to his rescue and took him to the rehabilitation centre at Peddapendial village.”
How we got involved
It was in August 2002 that we became involved with HIV/AIDS patients. Laxmi who had been our house maid since the past 7 years, and her husband and little daughter were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. As a result of the help extended to Laxmi and her family, some of her suffering relatives and other HIV/AIDS patients from neighboring villages began to come for help and treatment. It was almost like opening the flood gates. As the patients began to come, we realized that more than anything they need be received and accepted in the love of Jesus and be led to faith in Jesus Christ.
With additional funds, we can help more patients and also give them better facilities.
The Project
Because of limited funds we have been able to help only around 140 patients. Hundreds more await treatment from these and many other districts and states.
We provide them:
- Medication:
- monthly health checkups with qualified doctors
- immunity building drugs
- multi-vitamins and iron
- medications for secondary infections
- Because of our efforts a few have been given Anti-Retro Viral (ARV) drugs by the government hosipital
- Nourishment:
- We provide counsel regarding nourishing & hygienic diet.
- Added to this we provide them finance each month for nourishing diet.
- Transportation:
- We provide travel fares from and to the village
- We provide transport to the medical clinic
We see much improvement in their health and outlook on life in general.
Love & Acceptance: Often these patients have experienced rejection from their family and friends. They receive our love and acceptance through counseling and fellowship. Each month we share together in a fellowship meal.
The Great Hope in Christ: More than anything else we offer them eternal hope in Jesus Christ. Each month as the patients come, we gather for a time of worship and expound the Word clearly. Many have put their faith in the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior. This has given great meaning to their lives. Their relatives are also listening to the gospel and a great door for the gospel has opened for us.