Shanker Foundation
Darjeeling, India
February 2009

Arati Rai

Arati comes from a remote place where transportation and many governmental facilities are not available. Arati's husband, Binod was a cook working in Delhi when his health began to decline. He was found to be positive at an advanced stage of his infection. He became of member of Shanker Foundation in 2006 and was able to start treatment. Unfortunately, his condition worsened and he passed away in 2007.

Arati and her son Kunal tested positive in 2007. Kunal was 5 years old at the time. After Binod’s death, Arati and Kunal were thrown out of their house. Arati's in-laws denied her the inheritance of Binod's property due to the stigma attached to HIV. Kunal is now going to school but has many health issues including severe herpes outbreaks that often cover the right side of his body.

With the support of the Shanker Foundation, Arati is able to share her story and works to educate people by conducting awareness programs in her community. Arati is fighting for her rights and against the stigma and discrimination of her son.