I Overcame HIV Stigma- Amanda 21

“It was a half-truth.”

I was born with HIV, but I didn't know it until I joined form one. I used to take medication and my grandparents would tell me that it was vitamins for my weak immune system. To be fair, they were not lying about my immune system, so, it was a half-truth. Besides taking medication, they would subject me to strictly healthy diets and encourage me to participate in school exercises. Sometimes I was tired of taking the medication and my grandparents reprimanded me.

“Finding out”

I carried out my routine diligently until the revelation about the type of medication that I was taking happened. Apparently, Mimi, an older student, saw me taking them and broke the news that it wasn't vitamins and that I was actually taking Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs), the drugs used to fight the HIV virus. She went on to reveal to me that her mum takes them too and that was how she recognized them. She reassured me that it was okay and that my grandparents probably lied to me to protect me. I soon realized why.

“Alienation broke me.”

Things were not the same when word spread out to the whole school that I was HIV positive. I later came to realize that someone heard Mimi and I speaking and that is how information leaked. I was not prepared for the alienation and exclusion that I faced from other students. The teachers' attempts to educate them on the myths and misconceptions were futile. I cried all the time and was angry at myself for being born that way. Mimi was the only person by my side. I ended up having a mental breakdown and had to stay at home for a whole term.

“Dealing with the reality.”

During that period, I went to see a therapist who helped me to come to terms with the reality. They educated me more on HIV/AIDS and positive living and I eventually returned to school with hope and determination. I was not going to let my HIV status weigh me down or dictate what I wanted to be. I took it upon myself to educate and destigmatize the other students with the help of Mimi. I became open about my HIV status without fear.

“Finding Support”

I would like to encourage anyone going through stigma due to their HIV status to reach out to a professional counsellor. They will get help on how to deal with it and the steps to take going forward because HIV is not a death sentence and is a disease that many people have lived long and healthy lives even with it. It is important also to have a support system because you feel very alone and those people make all the difference.