LIVING ABOVE THE NOISE || MYRA TRUDEA OKUMU
Finding out that one is HIV positive should be one of the most feared experiences. Downright terrifying and emotional. frustrating and just confusing. the emotional turmoil of being found can be a mixture of sadness, anger and rage.
Here is the story of a girl who struggled at first but later embraced and came to terms with her status. Here is a beautiful brave girl who marches forward with enthusiasm and hope. Here is the story of a girl LIVING ABOVE THE NOISE.
Born in a family of five, Chikondi stands as the first born and lives
with her father and her stepmother. Two years after losing her mother, she was
diagnosed with HIV in 2013 and struggled with acceptance. Hearing those words:
"you have HIV", shook her world and her school life came crumbling
down. Due to fear of stigma, Chikondi became withdrawn and battled depression,
and more often times than not, skipped her medication. Losing friends in the
process of denial, she sought help from herbalists that claimed to be able to
cure her of the virus that seemed to threaten her livelihood.
Her viraemia increased and she was soon hospitalised with TB. It was
during this time that she reached out to people on the internet that had come
out about being HIV positive and were no longer living in fear like she was.
And she was told:
"ONLY ACCEPTANCE GIVES ONE THE COURAGE TO BE FREE AND LOVING OF ONESELF"
Gaining courage in her struggle and finding within herself the strength
to fight, Chikondi educated herself on her status and how she could live a
happy and fulfilling life despite. That was her turning point. Today, Chikondi
is a student at LUANAR, pursuing animal health and production. She spends her
time encouraging her fellow youth to be more accepting of themselves and
others, watching funny videos, listening to music and watching football.
SNIPPETS FROM THE INTERVIEW
Myra: Do you think people are doing enough to end the
stigma? Are they supportive enough?
Chikondi: No, I don't think so because up to now, people still think if you are a person living with HIV then everything about you is doomed but its not. We are still dwelling in the past where HIV is a killer disease and this is fuelling the stigma.
Myra: What advice would you give other people or your fellow
youth?
Chikondi: If you are HIV negative, abstàin and condomise. Know your status. If you are HIV positive, take your medication.
Myth #1: HIV IS ONLY TRANSMITTED THROUGH SEXUAL CONTACT
Fact: HIV is shared not only through sexual intercourse but
also sharing of body fluids such as semen, breast milk, blood and vaginal
fluids.
Myth#2: ONE CAN GET HIV THROUGH CONTACT WITH A PERSON LIVING
WITH HIV
Fact: One does not get the virus by shaking hands, hugging
or coming in contact with a person living with HIV. The virus is shared through
contact with body fluids not through sharing food or utensils.
Myth #3: HIV IS CONFINED TO HOMOSEXUAL INDIVIDUALS.
Fact: HIV does not see race, gender, age, religion or sexual
orientation. It only sees that you are human. Anyone can contract the virus.
Myth #4: ART IS A CURE
Fact: Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ARTs) do not cure one of
the virus but rather reduce the number of virus particles. Consistent taking of
medication can make one's viral load undetectable but this does not mean one is
cured or that they should stop taking their medication. It only means they
cannot transmit the virus but the virus is still present just undetectable.
Myth #5: HAVING HIV
IS THE END OF THE WORLD
Fact: It is not. With medication and a proper diet, one can
live a happy and fulfilling life. HIV does not define a person or tell us who
they are.
For more information about the misconceptions about the virus, visit the websites below:
https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/top-10-myths-misconceptions-about-hiv-aids
https://www.avert.org/hiv-transmission-prevention/myths
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