Karuna Bhawan HIV/AIDS care Centre, Godavari
It is a home for women and children infected with HIV/AIDS. The center was established to provide care and support to women infected with HIV who are deprived of any other support. It was mainly meant for the girls returned from Indian brothels at the same time infected with HIV and thrown away by family and society. Gradually HIV infected widows whose husbands went abroad for work also found shelter here. Likewise HIV infected orphan children are also found a safe haven here. At present 9 women and 20 children are receiving support from this centre. They have come from different parts of the country.
Objectives
- Provide a sound environment for women and children living with HIV/AIDS for their well being.
- Enhance the knowledge and capacities of women living with HIV/AIDS.
- Empower women to raise their voices and help them to act against stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS.
- Empowering HIV-infected children through quality education.
The main aspects of the service are:
- Providing shelter, food etc: All the inmates at the centre are accommodated in a hygienic and healthy atmosphere. Facilities are provided for their mental, physical and spiritual nourishment.
- Treatment support: Women and children are provided with all possible medical services. All are under the observation of doctors. Routine checkups and treatment for opportunistic infections are given without any failure. The majority are on Anti Retroviral Treatment.
- Skill training for women: Opportunities are provided for women to develop their skills and prepare them to stand on their feet. They were given training in embroidery works, candle making, knitting etc. Besides that they are involved in vegetable gardening and rearing goats, rabbits etc.
- Education for children: Children are sent to school considering their health status. Except two kids all other children are going to school. One girl has completed her +2 education and left the centre recently to find a job. Three of them are studying in high school classes and others are in primary level. Due to their sickness most of them started their formal education very late.