Tapesh

A man walked by on the street outside the JSK Centre.

He walked by again. The road we are on is one he travels alot in his day to day activities.

One day saw what our rather descreet sign says - "integrated counselling and testing centre."

Some time later Tapesh walked in and asked for HIV testing. Tapesh has used prostitutes over the past few years and he was scared that he might have HIV/AIDS.

Most men who buy sex and come for testing are concerned. By God's grace most of them are negative when we actually test them. It's an amazing opportunity to change behaviours.

Tapesh was counselled and decided to have the test. He gave his blood sample. The next day he came for the result.

Tapesh's blood was reactive to the HIV antibody. He is HIV positive. Our counsellor spent time talking with him about what this means.

Tapesh's initial reaction was shock and fear. We were able to talk with him and start to develop a relationship. He does not want our staff to visit him at home, since he does not want anyone in the family to know about his status.

We hope that Tapesh will come back for his next appointment. He needs to share about his condition with his wife. For her to know whether she has the disease - and for her to be protected from further exposure through him. And for his own good. We see this over and over again: people who try to push through things on their own generally end up sinking. HIV care needs others. Especially family.

Tapesh is not only a father - but a grandfather. Our hope is that we will be able to win his trust - and help him to make positive steps in his life. The choice is his - but it will affect everyone in the family.