Kumaraswamy spends tonight in HIV positive couple's house

Mudhol, Karnataka, Jan 23 (UNI) In a unique gesture that will go a long way in lessening the social stigma attached to people suffering from HIV/AIDS, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will spend tonight with an young couple afflicted with the dreaded disease at the remote Ingalgi village in Bagalkot district, about six km from here.

The Chief Minister, who had made it a habit to stay in poor people's homes in small villages, had readily accepted an invitation to this effect sent by a Village Health Committee set up by the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, doing notable work in educating the people on the dangers of the killer disease in North Karnataka.

While the State's average of adult population with HIV/AIDS was 0.9 per cent, Belgaum had the highest prevalence rate of 3.8 per cent. Bagalkot district's 2.9 per cent of population were stricken by the disease, according to a sample survey.

Mr Kumaraswamy thus became the first Chief Minister to stay in a house belonging to a HIV patient. The whole village in Mudhol taluk, known for its rare breed hunter dogs and richly endowed with fertile irrigated land fed by Ghataprabha river, wore a festive look ahead of the VVIP visit.

The life of the young couple - Rudraiah Matapathi (26) and Shobha (20) - had become miserable after they tested positive for the virus. Rudraiah, a truck driver-turned-flour mill owner, was now restricted to his home and was no more in a position to earn.

Similar was the plight of his wife and the flour mill was now closed. His parents, who held a small piece of land, were now working in other's fields to look after the sick couple.

Rudrappa gave a feeble smile when asked how he felt knowing that the Chief Minister was staying in his house. He thanked Mr Kumaraswamy, but the disappointment on his face evidently showed that this would not end his mounting problems.

The young couple came to know their HIV status when Shobha went to the hospital to see why she could not conceive. During the blood test, the doctor found that she was HIV positive. Without disclosing her status, the doctors made her bring her husband, who was also found to be HIV positive. It was evident that Rudrappa was responsible for transmitting the virus to his innocent wife.

UNI