Our Health Our Right by Jeyapaul Sundar Singh

Our Health! Our Right!

Knowing and learning to live healthy HIV and TB are two major infections that is affecting children around the world and in India. This booklet â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Health Our Rightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has been prepared with an intention that children will learn and understand the facts about TB and HIV. This booklet is prepared in an interactive process, to make it more children friendly. We sincerely hope this booklet will help in educating more children about HIV and TB and lead to healthy living practices.

It was an evening after school. Sheela, Meena, and Samraj gathered for a small meeting. Usually Subash would also join them everyday while they go home, but that day he was not with them. Sheela asks “Where is Subash?' Samraj says, “In the last two days, Subash has been coughing a lot even in the class room. Our science teacher asked him to consult a doctor and take necessary treatment”. Sheela says 'Oh! Is it? Then he should be going through some kind of illness!” Meena says “Why don't we visit him?” “Yes, let's go now” says Sheela.

They reached Subash house, only to find that he has gone to the hospital with his mother. When they asked Subash sister about it, she says, 'Subash was coughing all night and day, so our mother has taken him to the hospitalâ&#x20AC;?.

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Meena says, “I know this hospital, it is very near, shall we go and meet him there?” “Yes” say everyone in chorus. So they start walking towards the hospital.

Sheela says, “Aunty, don't worry, Subash will be all right”. As they are speaking, the nurse at the hospital calls Subash's name. Subash and his mother are going inside to see the doctor. After 10 minutes, Subash and his mother come out and doctor is also coming out to send them off, she being their family doctor. When the doctor sees Sheela, Meena and Samraj in school uniform, she enquired on who they were to Subash. He says, 'they are my friends at school and they've come to enquire about my health”. The doctor was so happy to know how much they care for their friend, in his sickness.

Doctor replied, “Since Subash has cough and fever, I suspect him having TB, to confirm that I have asked him to come back and undergo few tests”. Samraj asked, “Doctor, how did Subash develop this infection? And what should we do to prevent diseases like TB?” Sheela interfered and says, “Isn't TB curable, doctor?” Doctor replied, “Yes indeed, TB is curable but there are some diseases that don't have medicines to cure immediately hence we need to take life long treatment. And Samraj, Subash's infection is not yet confirmed to be TB, we need to know the test result. I will tell you how to prevent the two major infections that is affecting many people in the world today”. Doctor instructed the nurse to bring the book that has pictures explaining the different ways in which we can prevent AIDS and TB. When the nurse brought that book, she placed it on the table and started explaining to the children on these diseases and about the related prevention and cure. 9

AIDS

About the disease

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It affects our immune system and so our protection forces get weakened. So the person becomes weak and sick. It spreads through sexual contact, infected needles, infected blood or passed from an infected mother to child.

Ways to Prevent

Knowing the right information is the best way of prevention. HIV can be prevented among children by saying no to sex and Drugs. And when you go to hospitals ensure they use disposable injections or the injections are sterilized .If you or any body is having blood transfusion, ensure the blood is screened for HIV and other infections. If you know of pregnant women tell them there is a test for HIV and with proper treatment we can prevent HIV for the baby

Treatment and Access

Now treatment is available to control the production of new viruses .It is available in all the district hospitals

About the disease

It is caused by a bacterium that is easily transmitted through air. So if an affected person is coughing it can affect the person standing next to him or her.

Ways to Prevent

The person who is affected with TB should take the complete course of treatment as said by the doctor and then it can be completely cured. When sneezing or coughing one should close the mouth or use a hand kerchief, so that it does not spread. When they spit on the ground, they should cover it with mud, so that others do not stamp on it.

Treatment and Access

Treatment is available at door steps through the DOTS programme. They observe the person directly and provide the drug. It is also available in all the district hospitals.

Sheela, Meena, Samraj, Subash and his mother were asking so many questions in between as the doctor was explaining about the diseases. Sheela said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doctor, thank you so much for all the useful information .Now we know so much and will surely share this vital information to our classmates too. Good I am so delighted by that response. And it was interesting to share all this with you children. The doctor responded, Samraj immediately responded, doctor I would also like to thank you for all information that you gave us in the way we can easily understand and teach others. We also feel respected, especially when you listened and answered all our queries and doubts. You have valued our right to know about our health. So for us you are 'Dr. Right!'â&#x20AC;? The Doctor and children laughed and returned home from the clinic. One week later, subash came with his mother with the tests report and from the report he was diagnosed for TB. Now with the information he had gained from the previous visit he is taking tablets and also eating well .When he is with his friends, he practices the precautions the doctor advised during the first visit. 15 13

Notes

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Kerala Positive women Network (KPWN+) is a State, community based, non-profit organization of women living with HIV/ AIDS and was formed in 2006 by twelve women living with HIV in Kerala. KPWN+ aims to empower all women living with HIV/AIDS and their children to live with dignity, equality and free from stigma and discrimination. Since 2006, KPWN+ has been raising and advocating for better access to information, health and social security services for children through district and state consultations. To meet the information needs of children, KPWN+ has been developing child friendly materials through posters and Booklets. This Booklet â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Health Our Rightâ&#x20AC;? is the first attempt of KPWN+ in facilitating the Right to Health and Information for children.

Buds of Christ is a Voluntary organization working exclusively with children living with and orphaned by HIV and AIDS. We offer Health, Education, Advocacy and Livelihood option for children and their families. Our mission is to Love, Listen and lead children affected by HIV and AIDS to live life positively and be children of hope and courage for their community. Buds of Christ stands unique in developing child friendly IEC materials on HIV and related facts through Posters, Board games and Story Booklets .