HIV-positive tested couples wed in Pune

Pune, Jan 19 (ANI): Five HIV/AIDS afflicted couples tied the nuptial knots here on Monday.

Their marriage was solemnised as per traditional Hindu wedding rites in the city's Suyog Hall.

"We need support and company. We get help from the rotary club. More things like this should happen in the society," said Lonar, a groom.

Several NGOs like the Network of Positive People, Manavya, Rotary Clubs, Lokmanya and West End, working amongst the HIV positive people, pitched in to make the weddings a reality.

"Some NGOs together decided that we arrange their marriages to provide a complete married life. Perhaps they will get psycho-social support," said Anjali Yadav, a member of Network of Positive People, an NGO.

India has 5.13 million people living with HIV/AIDS, the second largest number after South Africa, but voluntary agencies and UNAIDS, the UN's anti-AIDS agency, say the figure is too low and many cases go unreported. (ANI)