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Jharkhand HIV Kids Face Stigma Amid Thalassemia Treatment
16 May
Summary
- Children contracted HIV during thalassemia treatment blood transfusions.
- Court directed authorities to prevent social stigma and boycott.
- Families demand adequate food support and dignified livelihood options.
In Jharkhand's West Singhbhum, children with thalassemia who contracted HIV during blood transfusions are now receiving monthly food baskets. This assistance follows a May 5 directive from the Jharkhand High Court, which ordered district authorities to ensure these families are not subjected to social stigma or boycott. The court was informed that children aged five to seven were infected during necessary thalassemia treatments.
Families report challenges with the current support system, citing the need for repeated travel to Chaibasa hospital for rations, ART medicines, and blood transfusions. They have requested that food support be delivered to their homes due to the financial burden of travel. Concerns have also been raised regarding the adequacy of livelihood opportunities, with suggestions of cleaning jobs being met with apprehension about further stigma.
The High Court has instructed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and district administration to conduct village sensitization programs involving local headmen to prevent discrimination. Furthermore, authorities are directed to ensure the children's education is not disrupted, although schooling has already been affected for some.
The state government has been asked to present a concrete support plan for the affected children and their families. Legal representatives are committed to fighting the case until a satisfactory resolution is achieved, emphasizing the initial stages of a prolonged legal battle.
