Chris was HIV positive from birth; his Mom and Dad were both carriers and both died when Chris was 2; the mum first, followed by his father within a space of one month.
I met Chris in 2015, at a seminar organized by a friend. The seminar aimed to create an awareness of the killer virus and the disease it causes: AIDS. Nothing prepared me to the discovery of Chris’ grand secret. The event was open to everybody and so there was no way I could suspect he was a patient. During the interactive session, I observed an ominous calmness in the way he sat, transfixed to his seat. He seemed lost to his thoughts. He was sitting beside me, and I was unexplainably connected to his trance. “Is everything alright?” I managed to ask. He broke into a wild smile which disappeared almost immediately. I could see drops of sweat gathering in his palm which soon began to shake. “I am HIV positive”, he whispered. The confession seemed to have a therapeutic effect on him as I observed him suddenly invigorated and became chatty. He just does not look it; so full of life.
In most part of Africa today, there is a kind of sad and gloomy stigma attached with this virus that whenever the issue is discussed many tend to recoil and fret.
This is mostly because of the stigma attached to sexual activities which many still erroneously think are the only means of contracting HIV/AIDS. But then, unsafe use of clipper or syringe could as well pose a danger of transmission. Nevertheless, the good news is that thanks to scientific progress, HIV/AIDS patients can live normal healthy lives like Chris. It all depends on their readiness to keep living their lives which demands a lot of sacrifices and change in lifestyle. Chris doesn’t take alcohol or junk; rather he prefers fresh fruit juice to aid his natural immunity. He is very careful not only to prolong his life but also to avoid infecting others. He is compliant with his antiretroviral treatment.
As HIV/AIDS continues to pose as a burden to our society, it would be needful to remind ourselves that it is not a death sentence. Those infected should be helped to live a normal life, while they see it as a responsibility to limit the spread of the unwanted virus.
Know your status! Get yourself tested.
©Anthony Egbuonu
BMS, Enugu.
E-mail- sumy.calypso@yahoo.com
1 comment
Thank you for this awareness. It’s unfortunate this is still a problem till date. We’d continue the fight: avoid, treat and play safe.
It is well.