DHNS

Mangalore Dec 8: "There is a uproar created with regard to HIV. However, I have been living with HIV for the past 13 years and I have never felt it as a disease....” This was what social activist and HIV infected Shanthi Noronha from Padubelle had to say about the perception of the society with regard to HIV/Aids.

She was speaking at a discussion on Aids organised as part of World Aids Day observed by Fr Mullers Charitable Institute premises.

Ms Shanthi said she got infected with HIV through her husband within three months of her marriage. Though it has shocked her then, she never feared death. She lamented that fear of death is being created unnecessarily regarding HIV infection.

Aids infection is not a disease. Those infected with Aids must not be compared to those suffering from diseases and they must be allowed to lead a normal life. In fact, the fear created about Aids has made their life a hell, she added.

School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya Department of Medical and Psychiatric Social Work HOD Rameela Shekhar, Dr Roshan M and Dr Prashanth Hegde of Fr Muller Medical College participated.