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Prakash started on AA-funded ARVs in August 2005. At that time his CD 4 count was only 57 (CD4 count monitors the strength of an individual's immune system - your healthy CD4 count is likely to be 1000); and he was also fighting many related illnesses. Before becoming ill, he worked as a rickshaw driver but in January 2005 he became too weak to continue this work. His financial situation was dire. I met Prakash in March 2006 by which time his CD4 count had increased to 178; both his physical and mental health were already greatly improved. In 2008 I saw him again. His CD4 count was above 600 and he was healthy and strong. He now runs his own business selling tea and candles that provide a living wage for him and his family.
Sudesh started to take ARV's funded by AA in April 2006. Despite a low CD4 count he was able to continue to work in the construction industry but he felt unable to tell his work colleagues about his HIV status. "If they knew I would immediately loose my job". Of his family he states, "I have only told my wife. If my parents knew they would throw me from the house." Such is the reality of life in India.
Adjita works as a domestic servant and started on AA funded ARVs in March 2006. She lost her husband to AIDS in 2005. His family will no longer have her living with them due to her HIV status - she and her child now live with her own widowed mother. Despite her illness, as the sole income earner, it is essential that Adjita maintains her strength and health. She earns less than £18 per month. Life is very hard for Adjita. "Without Aids Ark there would be no future for either me, my son or my mother on this earth."
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