Learning that you are HIV-positive can be one of the most difficult experiences you go through in life.
You often feel scared, sad or even frustrated.
These were the words of Maria Shikunde from Okasheshete village. She shared how she has overcome the shock, accepted reality and is now living with HIV during the commemoration of World AIDS Day held on Wednesday in the Okatyali constituency of the Oshana region.
World AIDS Day was this year observed under the theme ‘End Inequalities, End AIDS, end Epidemics’.
“I was diagnosed with advanced HIV last year. I was on leave at the time, which spared me having to face my colleagues,” she narrated.
She was hospitalised for 10 days while the hospital staff were doing all the necessary tests.
“I didn’t know what to expect. My mind went blank and though I tried to be strong, inside I was dealing with very deep emotions,” said Shikunde.
She stated that she was not ready to check out of life, although she was isolated and alone and did not know how to deal with her situation.
“I was ashamed to be open about my condition due to a fear of embarrassment and humiliation. I was also repelled by my own past actions,” she added.
Shikunde said she was hurt, kept the truth from her family and close friends, and often lied about her condition.
“I also had to deal with the medication that was giving me mood swings, lightheadedness, body rashes and insomnia. It’s depressing, but on the bright side the anti-retrovirals suppressed the virus inside me from multiplying,” she explained.
She also had skin lesions, and hoped they would decrease in size and fade away with time.
“For now, I was told my CD4 count is fine. I am so glad. Advances in modern medicine help as they give me hope that I will live a full life and not go back to asking ‘am I going to die soon?”, she said with a smile.
She has thus learned that she wants to live without regret and thanked the support group, Actions for AIDS.
“I have learned that I can’t run away from the reality of my condition, though I am still behind that closed door,” said Shikunde.
She, therefore, encouraged everyone fighting the disease that self-acceptance is key. However, social acceptance requires a huge effort, especially in the fight against stigma, “which we often have to cope with daily”.
Shikunde stated that HIV and AIDS is a disease, just like cancer.
“Let’s work together to stop the stigma and discrimination so that those who are living with HIV behind closed doors like me will be able to move on,” she continued.
vkaapnda@nepc.com.na