“I am a HIV positive widow and been on ART medicines for the past 20 years. Sometime back, I started suffering from fever and uneasiness often. I decided to go for a checkup and the tests revealed that I had cancer. The doctor recommended that a surgery was required but he himself did not agree to operate on me because of my HIV status. I went to the APPA+ office and discussed my problem with Mr. Shankar Rao, the President of APPA+ whom I have known for past many years. APPA+ team then accompanied me to the hospital and sensitized the management and the doctor about my problem and asserted how it would be lawfully wrong to deny me the required health services. Finally, the hospital team agreed for the surgery. and I was successfully operated upon and am feeling much better now. Post the surgery, I have also been receiving regular nutrition support from the APPA+ team. I am grateful for the support that I have received from APPA+ ….”
Ms. Namala Varamma Kondalarao, 58 years, Bhadradri Kothagudem district
“I got to know that I am HIV positive when I conceived. It was a mixed feeling, rejoicing the feeling of becoming a mother and also shocked and sad at discovering that I had HIV. I was extremely worried about passing on the infection to my child. It was during this time that I came in contact with APPA+ team. They counselled me and helped me understand the disease, the available treatment and how I can minimize the chances of passing on the infection to my child. In addition to the much needed emotional support that I received, APPA+ also provided financial help considering our economic situation. My chiId is now 2 years old and he is not infected. I am very grateful to the APPA+ team ….“
Ms. Shoba, 30 years, Yellandu Khammam district
“I was often ill-treated by my family members on account of my HIV status. They would often humiliate me and at times, they also did not allow me inside the house. I brought up this issue with APPA+ when my brother and sister refused to share the property with me. I have been associated with the APPA+ network for the past many years. The APPA+ team visited my home and asserted my equal right to the property citing the constitutional provisions guaranteed through the HIV (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017. My family agreed for equal division of property but after few days, they started behaving like before denying what was agreed upon. APPA+ team again visited with the DPM of DAPCU and tried to counsel my family about the rights of PLHIV but they were still adamant. APPA+ team then took legal action with support of District Legal Service Authority and we got the court order in our favour. I feel very relived now and secure now …..“
Mr. D. Seetharamulu, 38 years, Khammam district
“After my husband died 3 years back, my in-laws started harassing me due to my HIV positive status. They mistreated me and my two daughters and also denied my share of property. I needed money for the marriage of my second daughter and wanted to sell my share of the property. I approached APPA+ network and explained to them my problem. APPA+ President Mr. Shankar Rao visited my in-laws and tried to sensitize them by explaining the recently enacted the HIV (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 under which I am entitled to my share of property. My in-laws remained adamant and hence, we approached the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). The lawyer agued my case at Lok Adalat and my in-laws had to agree to the court order. I was able to comfortably manage the expenses of my daughter’s wedding because of the support I received from APPA+ ….“
Ms. Muthamma, 47 years, Khammam district