Karnataka HIV & AIDS Center

The counseling team is actively involved in the lives of many families who are affected by HIV or AIDS. The team has established a good working relationship with local medical facilities and is able to refer patients for government-approved medical care.

The counseling team has especially been instrumental in encouraging patients to continue their much needed anti-retroviral treatment. The patients are appreciative of the team’s holistic care and support. As one patient comments, “The team has offered me a great amount of help and much-needed comfort and support. They are my friends.”

The counseling team includes Devadasi (temple prostitute) family members as part of its team. One such counselor is the daughter of a Devadasi. She says she finds it easy to relate to the patients since she can immediately identify with some of the challenges they face. Similarly, as soon as patients realize she is from their community, they feel comfortable with her.

For many women who are isolated and rejected because of contracting HIV coupled with the stigma of being Devadasis, the counseling center is a haven of compassionate care.