Untouched

She met with Sheba on Friday.

We will call her Meena.

Meena found out that she has HIV 6 years ago.

She got help. Meena has been through various agencies in Mumbai and has been treated at the JJ Hospital and other hospitals. She is currently on Anti-Retroviral Therapy - the meds which have brought hope for so many by reducing viral loads.

She has been involved as an activist and volunteer with at least one HIV support group. Meena knows her HIV and is not taking it lying down.

But Meena came to meet Sheba.

Her meds are not working so well now.

Sheba examined her and talked with her.

Then the shock.

Meena told Sheba that to date Sheba was the very first doctor who had actually done a physical examination of her. The very first doctor who had touched her in the way all doctors are supposed to touch their patients. The very first doctor who had spent time finding out about who she was as a person.

Sheba's mind reeled.

25 years into the epidemic. In the big city of Mumbai with our International HIV Treatment Conferences held at the poshest of hotels. In the place where thousands of people with HIV are being treated with the Anti-Retroviral drugs - here is an HIV treatment veteran who has never been touched by a doctor.

Till now at least.