An interview with an HIV+

"People living with HIV and AIDS need more nutrition, particularly if one is taking ARVs (Anti Retro Viral) as it leads to induced hunger. However, most HIV+ people are unemployed, partly due to social stigma and partly because they are too weak to work. They are physically not even strong enough to do a part time job. This leaves them without any means or support mechanism to feed themselves and take proper nutrition.

Therefore, the interlinkages between HIV and food rights need to be established. A positive person cannot afford to go without proper food as nutrition supplements and vitamins along with ARVs keep him alive. Food security is the key to his survival. There are some common symptoms among the HIV+. They tend to lose weight over a short period of time, or get tired very fast. In such cases, proper nutrition and good food are the only way to keep up their stamina.

But, in spite of the common problem, different people have different needs. There may be some who just need medication; some may be strong enough to work; and some of them just want food. It is necessary to identify the unique needs. Speaking strictly in the Sri Lankan context, Sri Lankans are very proud and will never plead for food. So, these are situations when activists and the government have to do the thinking for them. For this, one needs much research and advocacy on the grounds.

APN+ (Asian Positive People’s Network) tries to understand the unique needs of the positive people. It is an organization comprising of positive people. Negative people are also welcome, but it is a reality that very few negative people understand what a positive person’s requirements are. Only by being positive can one tell whether another HIV+ person is suffering from dementia or TB. They are not put under treatment unless absolutely necessary. Only an HIV+ will know the importance of food in increasing blood count. Lots of research is needed to know what is suitable. Only with research amidst HIV+ persons was it realized that groundnuts pounded with milk or soya could provide some relief.

That is why it is needed that more positive people are visible and join the network to share experiences, raise awareness on the ground, and make it possible for others like them to get access to their specific needs to fight the disease.”

- An interview with Aruna Jagath Hewapathirane;
Aruna is a Sri Lankan who is living with AIDS for half a decade now.
He is an active member of APN+,
struggling for the rights and better treatment of people with HIV+/AIDS