Married in 2022, he had been living separately from his wife for the past three years due to his family’s disapproval of their marriage. Despite the distance, the couple continued to maintain their relationship. After learning about his HIV status, he made the responsible decision to disclose it to his wife so that she could also get tested and take preventive measures if necessary.

While his wife was supportive, the disclosure brought new challenges. His parents still refused to accept the marriage and further accused his wife of revealing his HIV status to others in the village. The situation became emotionally overwhelming for the young man, significantly affecting his mental well-being.

Understanding the sensitivity of the case, the Vihaan team stepped in to provide holistic support. The Project Director (PD), Project Coordinator (PC), and outreach workers visited the village to address the issue. They met with the woman’s parents and the village sarpanch to discuss the stigma, misconceptions, and lack of awareness surrounding HIV. Through open dialogue and counselling, the team helped the families understand that HIV is a manageable condition and that stigma only worsens the challenges faced by those living with it.

After continued discussions and reassurance, the girl’s family and the village leaders agreed to support the couple. The young woman decided to live with her husband again, and the sarpanch assured their safety and acceptance within the community.

Today, the couple lives together, better informed and emotionally stronger. They expressed deep gratitude to the Vihaan team for their guidance and support during this difficult time. Through timely counselling and community engagement, the Vihaan Care and Support Centre helped not only rebuild a family but also challenge HIV-related stigma within the community.