Care is linked to prevention

[M.L. Prabakar]

S Devi*, a female sex worker from Rajahmundry, India shared her story during a SALT visit which illustrates the practice that Care is linked to prevention.

She shared a relationship with a man and continues till date. During the initial phase of their relationship she had to negotiate condom use with him. The first day when she requested him to use condoms he was not convinced. He thought why the need to use condoms when they are in a relationship. S Devi explained to him that she values his relationship a lot and has great love and concern for him. She also added that he lives with his wife and children and he needs to be safe and in good health. She also explained that she is concerned about her health and wants to live a healthy life for the sake of her children. By using condoms both she and her partner can be safe and can be in good health so that they continue to offer support which they are providing to their families especially children.

The partner understood S Devi’s concern and acknowledged how much she valued their relationship. He was also touched by the concern she had towards his wife and children. Till now S Devi and her long term partner have been consistently using condoms. Thus, an expression of care and value for human relationships has convinced a person to use condoms and resulted in prevention of transmission of STIs and HIV whereby enhancing health and well being of two individuals and their families.


* Name changed

[maya]

Thanks Prabakar for taking the time to post this. Devi has shown in a very simple manner how condom negotiation is made possible. What I really appreciate here is that she was able to voice her need to be safe and healthy besides motivating him to think of his family. This is really a step forward in health-seeking behaviour too.......even an acknowledgement of that is worthy of praise. Kudos to her!

[CHIKKALA PADMA RANI]

Thanks Prabhakar for sharing a story which shows care,concern and prevention not only for her partner but also for his family.

The link between care and prevention is very clear to me.

[YERUVA ANTHONY REDDY]

Thanks Prabhakar I too understood better about the link between care and prevention. If we care for people they take preventive measures to keep us safe.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Dear Prabakar,

Thanks for sharing this story. The practice Care linked to prevention is sometimes not easily understood. Your story illustrates this well and has helped me understand better. Pramadam!

Also at times women find it difficult to negotiate condom use and highlighting the link to care can encourage the partner for it.

Thanks and regards,

Rituu