The first few weeks in India were a whirlwind. I was happy to connect with a fellow Canadian field worker during my first few days in Delhi, then I flew to Imphal, the capital of Manipur, and headed to Churachandpur - my new home for the next nine months!
Charles Ssonko is an HIV/TB advisor based in the Manson Unit – a specialist medical innovation team – at MSF UK. As part of his work in the Central African Republic, Charles blogs about a series of innovative groups that have empowered HIV patients even in times of conflict.
I remember the first child I brought to the counsellor for disclosure – finding out they are HIV positive. How he stared at her with big eyes while she showed pictures of the ‘soldiers’ (immune system) and the virus.
“Inonzi HIV,” she said, pointing at the angry-looking green blob, showing its fangs. “It’s called HIV.”
“Another abnormal day,” says Paula, one of our international staff doctors, in an exhausted voice. “Well, maybe we should say a normal abnormal day,” I replied. “Every day seems to be like this out in Don Bosco!”
