My experience as a person living with HIV - Mrs Simiat Ogunlowo, Nigeria
I took ill in May 2002. I did not take it serious until the same illness repeated itself in quick succession within the same year. This made me visit a nearby clinic. The doctor in charge treated me many times without any improvement.
When my husband and other people around started to notice that I was losing weight, they started asking questions and getting worried. At this juncture, a nurse encouraged me to go to OPSON Medical Laboratories to get my blood tested. In the laboratory, I was counselled and tested for HIV. When I went back for the result, alas, I was positive. I felt bad, embittered and hopeless because of the ‘death sentence’ view that I used to have about HIV and AIDS.
The laboratory people got me calmed down and assured me that an organisation named The Repairers International will take care of me. Honestly, I did not believe this because of my previous shallow knowledge about HIV.
I reluctantly went to The Repairers International, an NGO working on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support at Sabo Ikire, where they talked to me and reassured me again that I will get better, if only I can cooperate. The Repairers International, which works hand-in-hand with OPSON Medical Laboratories, later introduced me to the Network on Ethics, Human Rights, Law, HIV/AIDS Prevention, Support and Care (NELA) through a hand-written letter.
During this period, my weight loss was already noticeable and I was being stigmatised and discriminated against. My hairdressing customers were no more coming as usual, while I was feeling ashamed of myself. My husband who could not see reasons insisted that we must separate. This made me relocate to another place within the community. I was devastated, as I could not take care of myself and my three children. The Repairers International again located my new place of abode through my sister. They arranged and carried me to NELA in Ibadan.
NELA offered its helping hand, gave me intensive care and support that got me stabilized, and referred me to a local hospital for ARV treatment. I use my ARV drugs regularly and talk to people about HIV and AIDS. Whenever I see or hear about anybody with HIV-related illnesses, I direct them to The Repairers International.
I am hale and hearty today. The same people who could not move closer are coming around to ask about how I regained my strength. I tell them correct information and quick intervention did it. This is an experience I love to share with people again and again.
My thanks go to The Repairers International Ikire, NELA Ibadan and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance.
Repairers International is an implementing partner of NELA, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance’s linking organisation in Nigeria.
