By Pasquine Ogunsanya | Dr
“My name is Norrine, I am 46years old. I came to Alive Medical services in 2008 after having fallen sick for about six months, feeling extremely weak and the sudden death of the father of my three children who had died due to an AIDS-related illness. We were not together anymore but I had my suspicions before his death which were just confirmed with my health continuously deteriorating thereafter.
When I came to AMS, I was counselled in preparation for the HIV test. The hardest part was the counselling session after the results where returned. I remember zoning out and seeing my life flash before me. I started thinking about my death and having to leave my kids orphaned, alone without an education, anyone to take them in or even feed them. I got the news and went home to my misery and didn’t even bother to eat for two days because of the worry on my mind.
It took me a while to accept my HIV status, I was in denial and the times I would try to accept it, I would end up wishing for my own death instead. But one thing that I am grateful for during that trying time is AMS because they never gave up on. The counsellor who had talked to me earlier called after a few weeks to follow up on whether I was taking my antiretroviral medication and to know how I was generally getting along. That alone gave me hope to open up more about the depression I was experiencing, and she invited me for a one-on-one session. I remember uncontrollably pouring my heart out and after that, I felt a little closer to accepting my status, how I know that is because I started to take my medication.
Three months after religiously taking my ARVs, I was feeling better, energized and even looked healthier. Back then, I was provided with food for myself and my children until I was strong enough to get back to work as a Police Officer. I am now able to work without falling suddenly ill or feeling stressed out. I am not in denial anymore even though I haven’t managed to share my status with other people. Although, I have disclosed to my children and I continue to provide them with health education on sexual reproductive health and HIV. I wouldn’t want them to live in a bubble and yet I know this life-changing information as given to me by AMS.
To people out there especially mothers and fathers, protect your partner by being faithful to them. Additionally, endeavor to get tested for HIV to know your stand. For those that test HIV positive, it is not a death sentence and the sooner you come to terms with it, the better you can take care of yourself to live a long and happy life.”
*Disclaimer – in order to protect the identity of the client, names and images in this report have been changed
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