COVID 19 – The Sweet and Bitter Truths
With the onslaught of Covid 19 and the subsequent nationwide lockdown, normal life went for a complete toss in the first half of 2020. The emergency protocol along with the ravaging virus brought about immense discontent and dismay in various spheres. Innumerable people lost their jobs, many survived on reduced salaries, businesses nosedived, health issues other than Covid 19 remained unattended, mental health issues spiked up, and many lost their lives to Covid 19 . India being home to the world’s 2nd largest population living with HIV, faced a major jolt as the Covid 19 pandemic threw up grave challenges and threatened the achievements of HIV and TB responses in the country. The already immunocompromised community’s plight turned worse with people having to combat HIV and the easy probability of getting infected by the deadly Covid 19. Stigma and discrimination centering around the lives of HIV survivors looms large; and regular medication being indispensable, the national lock...