What does RTU do? - 5. AIDS Programme

Over the past decade or two we've got quite used to hearing about AIDS and the impact it's having on populations around the world. However, I don't recall reading much in the news about the growing epidemic in India. Reaching the Unreached happens to be situated in one of the most badly affected areas, with an infection rate that is increasing extremely rapidly. Unfortunately, people there haven't had the same chances as us to learn about HIV and AIDS, the means of transmission, the risk of infection, and so on. As a result, the disease carries huge stigma in the area. The story of Pothumani, a 35 year old widow with three children, is not an unusual one. When she and her husband discovered that they were both HIV+, they hid it from the family as long as they could. However, in this man's final days, the nature of his illness became known. Pothumani was chased out of her home with great hatred; she was seen as the bringer of misfortune to the family. She planned to kill her children and commit suicide, but discovered the work of RTU just in time. They helped her to re-gain the land she was entitled to, provided financial assistance and a house, and arranged counselling for the whole family. Now Pothumani can continue to bring up her children with dignity.

In the Children's Villages more than half the children have been orphaned due to AIDS; at present almost every new admission comes from a family affected by AIDS. Many of these children are HIV+ themselves. In-depth training is given to the foster mothers to enable them to integrate HIV+ children fully into the family and the village, and to provide whatever special care is necessary. Medical check-ups take place regularly, with the prescription of anti-retroviral drugs when appropriate. Of course, some of the children eventually become too ill to be cared for at home, in which case they go to a nearby hospice run by the Presentation Sisters. Brother James (the founder of RTU) and the current director Father Antony write frequently in the newsletter of these children. Their dedication to them is so clear from their words, as is their immense grief when a child dies. There can be no doubt that every individual helped by RTU is just that - an individual - given every possible care with unstinting love.

Why not have a look at RTU's website to find out more about their work? You will even see a picture of me on there! But don't let that put you off.