HIV widows are being exploited

BELGAUM: A scandal involving government health staff sexually exploiting HIV positive widows seems to be unfolding in Belgaum district.Thirty-five-year-old Anagha (name changed), an HIV positive widow, revealed to Belgaum superintendent of police Sandeep Patil that staff of health centres, widow pensioners office and members of the gram panchayat have been sexually exploiting women like her for the last six months in the district.The stunned SP listened as Anagha, who was accompanied to the SP’s office by Express, narrated her tale and those of some 20 other HIV positive women.Anagha, a widow with two children told Patil that whenever the women approached the health centre for the prescribed medicines, a few staff members there forced these women to have “safe sex”. She claimed that even health centres in Chikodi taluk were involved in these activities.Under a government scheme, HIV positive widows are provided medicines at health centres, which they have to approach periodically to take drugs that are available only at government outlets.Anagha said that if the women refused to oblige, the staffers would deny them vital medicines the women have to  collect every month from the centres. She said that in rural areas, gram panchayat members have also been sexually harassing HIV positive women, who approach them for government benefits.“More than the stigma of HIV, it is this sexual harassment which is killing  me. Ending my life is no answer as there will be no one to take care of my children,” said Anagha.She said she was helpless since she feared harm if she confronted the culprits.Anagha told the SP that if he assured secrecy and protection to the women, she would provide details of more such victims. Patil told Express that he has taken serious note of the complaint and assured a trap will be laid to nab the culprits.