AHMEDABAD/SURAT: The HIV-afflicted themselves are out to actively help AIDS patients in Surat .

With an express aim to address the issues and concerns of HIV + people, over 300 people with varied backgrounds but diagnosed as having AIDS virus, have formed Gujarat State Network of People (GSNP) living with HIV/AIDS in the textile city.

Their motto is to collectively aim at not only income generation but also to instil among themselves social dignity. “I have become more + in my approach in the company of other members of GSNP and no longer fear the stigma of carrying the AIDS virus”, says GSNP member Ghanshyam Patel. GSNP members have genuine understanding of the problems faced by HIV + patients and their endeavour has given a new dimension to AIDS advocacy. “Inspired by the Surat initiative, we are planning such a network of HIV + people in six zones in the state”, Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) deputy director DM Saxena said. The six zones are: Surat , Palanpur, Vadodara, Gandhidham, Bhavnagar and Rajkot .

“Earlier, we had the Enabling Environment Project with the help of United Nations Development Project (UNDP) where HIV + people are working towards removing the stigma, besides actively participating in the small savings scheme wherein the association will match the savings made by the HIV + p e r s o n that can be used either for his medication or income-generation. Official formation of the network will carry this project forward”, said NGO advisor of the GSACS Sonal Mehta.

The formation of the network of HIV +ve people made more sense for HIV advocacy as they are more realistic in their approach and specific about the needs of people with AIDS.

“More than the NGOs, an HIV + person would always know exactly what people with AIDS are going through and address their needs more sympathetically and realistically. HIV + people can also create awareness about AIDS in the society more effectively”, said Mehta.

“We are a group of 18 people with HIV + in Rajkot and wish develop a network in Rajkot ”, says HIV + Chotaniya Heena who came to know about the GSNP recently and is eager to form similar network back in her place.