Fighting the stigma of HIV in India

M. Venkatesh. "I had been visiting prostitutes since I was 13. I was 15 when I tested HIV positive at Madras General Hospital. When the village leaders discovered this, they threatened to kill me if I returned to my village - I had to sneak back at night to visit my parents. After meeting with a group of positive people I realised I could live a healthy and happy life. The village people now accept me, I have been able to educate people there and explain how the virus spreads, and how it doesn't. Now I am married with a woman who is also positive and we are confident about life."

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Contained in galleries: Fighting the Stigma in India

M. Venkatesh. "I had been visiting prostitutes since I was 13. I was 15 when I tested HIV positive at Madras General Hospital. When the village leaders discovered this, they threatened to kill me if I returned to my village - I had to sneak back at night to visit my parents. After meeting with a group of positive people I realised I could live a healthy and happy life. The village people now accept me, I have been able to educate people there and explain how the virus spreads, and how it doesn't. Now I am married with a woman who is also positive and we are confident about life."