No one is 'immune'HIV doesn't discriminate based on age. Susan Desai, HTC clinic director, spoke  of a 12-year-old son of a well-to-do banker in town. The youth called Dr. Patel (one of our regular general practice physicians) and visited the clinic. He had blood tests and asked him in confidence if he's been to see any prostitutes because this was the only way he could have contracted HIV. The boy pleaded with Dr. Patel not to tell his parents, but, yes, he'd been to the prostitutes. When his father found out, he refused to believe his son was HIV positive. But we later discovered that the boy had visited the prostitutes with his cousins in Bombay during a family visit. We will begin treating the boy now, and he will be able to survive about 17 years with the proper diet and medications. | | A culture of fearThe cultural stigma of HIV/AIDS is very evident to the workers at the clinic. Susan Desai, HTC clinic director, said, "People who call are frightened. They know they can be fired from their jobs and ostracized from their families. So during the first call, they will usually say that they have a 'friend' who is HIV positive, and can we help them?" Desperation can also be seen. Susan says most people she speaks with on the phone are young. One young man said, "I'm 18 years old, and my life is finished." One man that Susan recalled was very distressed. He asked, "How long will I live?" She responded, "We don't know that, but one thing we can tell you for sure - all of us will eventually die. But if you eat well and take your meds daily you can extend your life." The man said, "Madame, thank you for speaking to me - it's given me hope that I can improve my condition. Thank you for giving me hope." |
Christ's call to His followers was not only to preach but to serve as well.