I was diagnosed HIV positive at the age of 26. It was a terrible experience for me coupled with the fact that I was jobless. I informed some close friends who later on became a great source of motivation as they encouraged me to accept my status and do follow up for treatment. I also mounted courage to seek advice from my cousin who is a medical doctor. He responded to most of my worries and clarified my doubts before referring me to the Health District (HD) of Cite Verte where I was counseled again properly and placed on treatment.

I never took my treatment for granted. I always take my treatment with me wherever I go. Accepting my status was not a problem. Instead what kept me at the thinking-spot regularly was the fear of never getting married. Would a woman ever accept me with my status? Would I be able to have healthy and uninfected children? Would I live long enough to take care of my family? These rhetorical questions kept bothering me.

I later got a job and joined a Support Group of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV). During one of my Support Group meetings in 2017, I confided my worries to the group members and they promised to assist me get a wife. It’s been 14 months today since I got married and I am enjoying the company of my companion to the fullest.

From all these experiences, we don’t have to be discouraged because we have a virus called HIV. Taking your treatment is the utmost thing to be done because since 2010, I haven’t been ill. Am strong and healthy so I believe with treatment, we can all stay healthy.