A New Hope For Kausar

Photo Credit: Charu Dadlaney, USAID/India

A large number of housewives in India are threatened by HIV/AIDS as age-old social customs and a lack of awareness restrict access to protection from sexually-transmitted infections. Kausar Khan, a mother of three, contracted HIV/AIDS from her husband who then abandoned her. The hospital that she visited did not provide her with proper care. Weak and feeble, she went into acute depression and began to lose hope in life.

With support from USAID, the Salvation Army, reached Kausar and about 1,178 others living with HIV/AIDS in Mumbai and Thane. The NGO also works with 3,000 family members, catering to the specific needs of children and spouses of those infected with HIV. Salvation Army counseled and treated Kausar in their drop-in center and also facilitated a CD4 test which assesses the status of the immune system. Kausar had no money for the necessary medical treatment so she was referred to the appropriate antiretroviral treatment center at a local government hospital. Due to prompt treatment, her CD4 count went up and her health began to improve. The Salvation Army also provided her training in embroidery and Kausar began to earn 2000 rupees per month.

Today, Kausar is living with her 20-year-old son and a daughter. After receiving training in peer education and home-based care services for HIV/AIDS patients, she now works with the Salvation Army making home visits and providing encouragement and care to people living with HIV/AIDS. Kausar has also become a strong and vocal advocate for the rights of HIV/AIDS infected patients, especially women.