PANJIM, Dec. 1 -- From the high of 1,094 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in Goa in 2007 to 196 cases in 2022 and 193 Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases in 2004 to 11 in 2022, the HIV-AIDS cases in Goa have come down drastically due to the efforts of the State government over the years.

But while the cases have come down, People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are confronted with numerous hardships.

Be it living under the fear of social stigma or financial crunch, life is a constant struggle for them.

"I have been living with HIV for the last 12 years. I was orphaned at a small age," a 19-year old HIV+ girl from Agasaim said.

The girl said, "My grandparents brought me up, despite facing a lot of financial hardships. ...