Health organization imparts training to HIV-AIDS patients in West Bengal

Siliguri, May 12 (ANI): The West Bengal Voluntary Health Organization, a group providing counselling and support to HIV-AIDS patients in Siliguri, is imarting training in puppet and mask-making to help them become self-dependent.

Training has been given to the 40 people living with HIV-AIDS, along with other support groups.

"As a whole, we are working on 250 HIV patients. It's very necessary to spread awareness among people. There is a huge development in the media sector, so with that we are also trying to spread awareness with the help of puppet shows, mask-making, and through this we will be able to help HIV patients," said Tarun Maity, in-charge of association.

Trainers from Kolkata have come to train them.

"I, being an HIV patient, don't get proper dignity in the society. There are more people like us, who are still ignored in the society. But now I am taking up the training here to reach other people of society to show them that I can do this being a HIV-positive," said Kabita Roy, a HIV patient.

The organization is also going to organize puppet shows to help spread awareness of HIV-AIDS.

Despite efforts of the government and not-for-profit organizations, society still ostracises HIV patients, hampering their efforts to lead normal lives. (ANI)