Pratima, 15 years old
Pratima's mother entered into an inter-caste love marriage in 2009. While her family supported the union, her husband’s family did not accept her. The couple moved to Kathmandu, where Pratima's mother worked as a labourer and her father worked as a contractor for two years.
When she became pregnant with Pratima, however, her husband left her and disappeared. Pratima's mother then began to suffer from chills, fever and headaches. Concerned about her pregnancy, she avoided taking medication.
Pratima was born at Thapathali Hospital. She did not cry immediately after birth and had to be kept in the ICU for three days. Even after Pratima's birth, her mother continued to suffer from recurring sores on her legs and feet. When Pratima was only one year old, she and her mother tested positive for HIV/AIDS. Sadly, her mother passed away soon afterwards due to the illness.
Pratima was taken care of by her grandmother, but due to severe financial hardship and her uncle refusing to let them stay in the house for fear that Pratima would transmit HIV to his children, she was referred to SETU Nepal at the age of four.
Pratima is currently studying in grade 7 at a government school. Her health has improved significantly, and she has become an energetic, curious girl. She is often called the 'class clown' by the other children as she makes great efforts to make them laugh. Her cheerfulness and sense of humour are her defining traits.