Nayansingh, a drop in centre manager from Nepal, speaks to a truck driver about HIV
Buses and trucks roar past the Khanidanda HIV drop in centre supported by CARE International. It is clear why this location needs this resource. Being in the far west of Nepal, close to the border with India, this small village is constantly utilised as a stop for truck drivers and migrant workers.
Research has shown that migrant workers, people travel away from home for work, are more likely to take part in high-risk behaviour. They then bring the HIV virus home to their own families and communities.
Nayansingh, 30, runs the drop in centre. He has a deep commitment to its work and a personal tale to tell. “I run the centre everyday between 7am and 6pm. I live across the road so I am always available.
My mother died when I was young and my father remarried. My stepmother discriminated against me and I spent a lot of time at the youth club. This motivated me to make the community better.”
HIV in south Asia is severe and the epidemic can be expected to grow rapidly if it is not tackled as a priority. Over 60 per cent of people with HIV in Asia are living in India. Due to widespread poverty, people from Nepal travel there to find work.
The centre faces social challenges and difficulties when tackling the issues around HIV.
“The problem is that HIV is still such a taboo – no one ever openly says if they have it. Some people know the risks but others are shocked about the realities of HIV/AIDS. I give out around 90 condoms a week but often people don’t know how to use them so they have to be educated through demonstrations and videos,” explains Nayansingh.
However, the drop in centre is already seeing small developments that can make a big difference:
“I have seen a lot of changes. People are more aware and want to use condoms. People want to get tested so I take them to the hospital.”
