New Delhi, Nov 30, 2024: In the heart of Central Delhi, a 19-year-old woman named Reema (name changed) sat alone, her dreams of becoming a flight attendant eclipsed by a life-changing diagnosis, HIV-positive. The stigma weighed heavier than the disease itself. She couldn’t bear to face her family or her own reflection.
But that night, as her thoughts spiraled toward a breaking point, one call changed everything. On the other end of the line was Shubhangini, a field worker with the Community-Based HIV Testing & Linkages (CBHTL) project. With a calm and compassionate voice, Shubhangini gave Reema something no one else had offered: hope.
This was more than a routine call for Shubhangini — it was a mission. Her role as a CBHTL field worker is not confined to arranging testing camps or linking individuals to healthcare services.
Shubhangini stood by Reema during her journey offering gentle encouragement and guidance. When Reema hesitated to confide in her mother, Shubhangini urged her to take the leap of faith. Reema’s mother, devastated at first, struggled to accept the news. But with Shubhangini’s guidance, she found the strength to embrace her daughter with unconditional love.
Months later, Reema began anti-retroviral therapy (ART), rediscovered her confidence, and even found love. Today, she is married and thriving — a living testament to the power of compassion and support.
“Shubhangini didn’t just counsel me; she saved my life,” Reema says. “She showed me that HIV doesn’t define me, and my dreams are still mine to achieve.”
“When someone is diagnosed with HIV, it’s not just their health at stake—it’s their dignity and relationships too,” says Shubhangini. “Our role is to stand by them, help them rebuild trust in themselves, and show them they’re not alone.”
Reema’s story is just one among many. Under the CBHTL project led by AHF-India Cares and implemented by Palladium, more than 75 field workers like Shubhangini have become unsung heroes of India’s fight against HIV across nine states.
Ankit Srivastava, Project Manager at Palladium, explains, “Field workers are the bridge between people and life-saving healthcare. They organize testing camps, facilitate access to treatment, and ensure consistent follow-ups to help individuals adhere to their treatment regimens. Without them, many people would remain unseen and untreated.”
Their work goes beyond logistics. Field workers tackle the stigma and fear surrounding HIV, often becoming confidants, counselors, and advocates for those they serve.
One of the greatest challenges field workers face is breaking the silence around HIV. Stigma often prevents individuals from seeking testing or treatment, leaving them isolated and vulnerable. Partner testing and disclosure are particularly sensitive hurdles. Cultural and social norms often hinder open communication within families, making the work of field workers even more delicate and essential.
Palladium supports its field workers with regular training, counseling tools, and strong partnerships with healthcare systems. “Our team is equipped to handle both the medical and emotional needs of individuals,” says Amit Patjoshi, CEO of Palladium India. “We ensure they can navigate the complex challenges of HIV care with confidence.”
The impact is profound. Field workers don’t just save lives; they transform them. They help individuals move from fear to empowerment, from isolation to resilience, and from stigma to acceptance.
On World AIDS Day, as we reflect on the progress made in combating HIV, it’s crucial to recognize the human stories at the heart of this fight. Behind every statistic is a life transformed—someone like Reema, who found hope when she thought all was lost.
Field workers like Shubhangini are not just delivering healthcare; they are rewriting the narrative of HIV in India. They remind us that even in the face of immense challenges, compassion and support can light the way forward.
This is more than a fight against a disease—it’s a fight for dignity, equality, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to live and dream without fear.
“Enhancing the HIV service uptake in India demands radical cooperation at all levels — government, healthcare providers, civil society and community must work as one. Stigma and discrimination isolate people living with HIV, alienating themselves from access to treatment and care services. Renewed community-driven approaches are essential to uncover the hidden burden of HIV positivity - especially in our rural communities. We need to work on building trust with the vulnerable populations. Through radical cooperation and compassionate care AHF India Cares and Palladium India strive towards leaving no one behind,” says Dr V Sam Prasad, Country Program Director, AHF India Cares.
x
