Dipak Paneru

New Life Center Alumnus

Dipak Paneru was born with HIV, and by the time he was 10, both parents had succumbed to AIDS.

When 10-year-old Dipak arrived at the New Life Center (NLC) in 2012, he was extremely sick. He was also deeply angry. “Since childhood, I had suffered from very poor health, intense discrimination, isolation, hatred, and emotional distress,” he explains. This immense pain led him to act out with aggression, impulsivity, and distrust.

Dipak spent over a year between 2012 and 2014 receiving treatment at the NLC. The primary goal was to help him manage his HIV, with a combination of medical support and personalized nutritional care. He also received regular, affirming therapy through Ankur Counseling Center.

Dipak maintained his connection with the NLC as he moved into adulthood. As the years passed, the troubled boy transformed into a responsible, determined, compassionate adult.

“Once I grew up, I founded an organization focusing on the care and support of children and people with HIV/AIDS.”

Today, Dipak’s work is empowering hundreds of Nepalis living with HIV. He is especially proud of his work to shelter and safeguard children living with HIV in his home district.