blog post

"HIV-related Behavior Change"

When I first heard that people who travel abroad in search of work are at a higher risk of HIV, it scared me. At that time, I didn't know much about HIV. Before my husband left for Bombay, we never talked about HIV. He worked in a pipe manufacturing company in Bombay for two years. Villagers often warned that those working in Mumbai were at greater risk of HIV. After hearing this, I became worried and started talking to my husband over the phone, urging him to be careful.

We live in Ward No. 2 of Baliya Village, Kailali District, and our family has a weak economic situation. Due to this, my husband had to go to Mumbai for work. During his absence, the Safe Passage Program, a joint project of FAYA Nepal and CARE Nepal with support from the European Commission, was introduced in our village. The program’s educators shared vital information about HIV and AIDS, focusing on people going abroad for work and their families. Through this program, I learned that young people traveling to India for work are at a higher risk of contracting HIV. Fearing for my husband's safety, I advised him to come back home from India to avoid the risk of infection.

Two years later, my husband returned from abroad, and we had a serious conversation about using condoms. We then visited the mobile VCT camp in Lamki and both got tested for HIV. To our relief, the results came back negative, and we were overwhelmed. Shortly after, FAYA Nepal held a one-day orientation on HIV and AIDS for the members of our mother’s group. The training helped me gain a much deeper understanding of HIV. With the knowledge I gained, I felt more confident in taking control of my health. However, to be sure, I went for another test at Attariya N. Sark, and the results were still negative. I felt a deep sense of relief, knowing that both my husband and I were safe.

Now, I have sent my husband to work in Qatar, reminding him of the precautions for HIV and AIDS. In my community, I actively share information about HIV transmission, prevention, VCT services, and the importance of getting tested. Through these efforts, I’ve successfully raised awareness among my neighbors.