Zoo visit for HIV-positive children in Kolkata

Kolkata, Jan 25 (ANI): A non-governmental organisation organised a trip for children suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to Alipore Zoo in Kolkata.

"We have brought 60 children with us from West Midnapore. All are HIV infected. So, they are enjoying watching animals in the Alipore zoo. They never knew whether they would get this opportunity ever or not, so we thought of bringing them here. So, they are happy watching the animals in the zoo," said Haran Basak, a member of NGO Sparsha Aasha.

The children said they were happy to see the animals for the first time.

" I am enjoying watching the animals like rhino, tigers and deer. I had never seen the animals before," said Manju Mondal.

India with 2.5 million patients is among the top three countries with the highest number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases, alongside South Africa and Nigeria.

The Indian government spends about one percent of its GDP on healthcare facilities, much less than some African countries, forcing millions to struggle to get medicines. (ANI)