From stigma to support

Eleven-year-old Rohan had already lost his parents and grandmother to HIV when his aunt reluctantly took over his care.

Worried that she would catch HIV too, she neglected her nephew who was left malnourished and sick.

But a concerned teacher spotted that something was wrong and asked the Lumbini Christian Society (an associate of MAI’s partner, UMN) for help.

They built trust with Rohan’s aunt and explained the facts about HIV. She learned how to support Rohan in his diet, medicine and education.

His health is improving steadily and Rohan’s aunt has since apologised for her behaviour, saying:

‘I was scared of Rohan because I thought HIV will be transferred to me by touching. But now I am very much clear.’