COLUMNISTS
BUILDING SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
BY: EKENE ODIGWE
Support systems are relied on when things aren’t going well or when one is not feeling too great. Havens knows we all need support and encouragement every now and then, for it is such a tough road to walk alone. Take Emeka for instance when the doctor told him that he has HIV. He was dumbfounded and dead inside. Throughout that week he was unable to sleep and eat, depression, gruesome fear and anxiety gripped him, for weeks he was torn between confusion of what happens next and whether or not he’s going to tell anyone, not to mention what their reaction would be.
Emeka’s story is one of the many other stories of how lonely people living with HIV could get when the news broke. Like Emeka many of them they are more worried of how the world will treat or accept them once they know of their status than how to a live healthy life. It is a fact that getting support from family, friends, partners and colleagues can make a huge difference for persons living with HIV (PLWHIV) The society needs to understand that we can be the support system they need. So when someone tells them of their status they are not asking for pity, rather support. Research has shown that Non communicable diseases are becoming a growing problem in people with HIV as they live longer on successful antiretroviral treatment. It is also documented that some antiretroviral drugs may increase the risk of heart diseases and diabetes while HIV itself increases the risk of some cancers.
Toyyib Oladimeji Abdulkareem a health advocates and the convener of The Wellbeing Initiative explains that these things happen because of the alterations that the infection causes to the body. He opines that for specific diseases, the pathological pathway to disease onset would be follow through research works bearing in mind the infection affects the immune system and other body organs.
Getting help from others has been proven to be the first step towards getting through a crisis. It is liberating, fulfilling and helps us all heal or conquer what beats us down faster. Question is how do people living with HIV go about getting this help when all they get in return is stigma from others and resentment from themselves?
Hart Kingsley Akabuike, the Head, HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) unit 82 division military hospital Enugu Nigeria agrees that stigma can emanate from self or people, according to him in recent years the struggle of people living with HIV coming to the public with their status has reduced but not as much as United Nations project 90 90 90 is hoping for, there’s still this rejection that comes if one discloses their HIV status when applying for work, the employer tend to withdraw the offer or quickly come up with an excuse that the position is already filled then there’s the Learning environment such a place for information unfortunately it is another breeding ground for stigma and discrimination. At top of the cherry is the name calling and verbal abuse by healthcare professionals right inside working spaces typical in local parlance “wether na me say make you go get HIV” now imagine if clinics, hospital environment that ought to be safe spaces is crawling with judgemental eyes and mouths how does one foul People living with HIV for not asking for help.
Support comes in many forms and places, example is motivating a friend or a family who is living with HIV by way of encouraging them to stay on treatment, practice safe sex and positively reminding them that they can still live a healthy life and achieve their dreams. It is on record that 1.1 million persons living with HIV are currently on treatment in Nigeria, now families of these persons could be their major support system because there’s no substitute for family and good friends to support and encourage someone, having someone listen to your concerns helps everyone feel supported and understood, which in turn encourages one to look at things (life inclusive) differently.
Psychotherapists believe that helping someone with HIV can be stressful but very rewarding too, because aside the emotional support, one might be helping them figure out how to work through the medical system. Truth is around 1 in 3 persons living with HIV have symptoms of depression at some point in their lives. Like Emeka, it could take weeks, months even years to survive the shock of learning that one is HIV- positive. When the reality sets in we begin healing and acceptance process which is also another journey that no one should walk alone. Fatimah a mother of 2 was in shock for 2 years within which her husband passed on. It wasn’t until years later that she was able to tell her tales. She recounted how everything seems bleak and unsafe, how she would be wishing for death. It is not surprising as many go through shock, grief, anger, sadness and fear when diagnosed with HIV just as in the case of Emeka and Fatimah even though there’s now Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART) which can help one live long but the knowledge of the virus in one’s system is just uncanny. Psychologists believe that this feeling do go away with time which is why they advocate for information and support, enhanced support, HIV specialists and psychotherapies and specialized psychological and mental health intervention. Social and mental support is such an important factor in developing and maintaining healthy lifestyle and mental wellbeing behaviours.
It is important that we consciously lend our support to love ones as it is a scary thing not being able to confide in anyone of your deepest fears or worries for the fear of been judged or discriminated against. If we remember everyday that we could lose someone at any moment, we would love them more fiercely and without fear- not because there is nothing to lose, but everything to gain.
Introduction
@Ekeneodigwe is an OAP @coalcity929fm, Human Rights Ambassador @projects_human,
SDGs Champion & Social media campaigner
#Activista with 7 Major honors & 3 Fellowship awards
COLUMNISTS
This madness must stop …….. Otunba Segun Showunmi
COLUMNISTS
Sunday Igboho: Free Nnamdi Kanu Now, Group Tells FG
The Movement for the Advancement of National Transformation, MANTRA, has called on the federal government to set Mazi Nnamdi Kanu free as a major step towards addressing the agitations in the southeast.
The group made the call as a fallout of the release of Mr Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba nation activist, by the Beninese government.
Recall the DSS reported that Sunday Igboho and his lieutenants engaged officers of the secret police in a fierce gun battle on July 1, 2021 at his residence in Soka, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State after which he was arrested in Benin Republic while attempting to flee to Germany and had since remained in detention until Monday when he was set free.
In a statement signed by the Convener of MANTRA, Chief Jude Ndukwe and made available to the media on Wednesday in Abuja, the group described the release of Sunday Igboho as a welcome development and an indication that the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency is not that of vendetta or vindictiveness and is not interested in persecuting its citizens.
“It is based on this that we urge President Tinubu to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the custody of the DSS and free him to return home to his loved ones.
“Anything short of this will strengthen the suspicion of Nigerians that this is a sectional government with a sectional agenda.
“What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. We believe very strongly that there was no way Sunday Igboho would have been released without any intervention from the Nigerian government. We hereby request strongly that the same principles applied to Mr Sunday Igboho be applied to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu whose release will no doubt assuage the frayed nerves of youths of the southeast and help restore peace and security in the region.
“May we remind President Bola Tinubu that he shares a similar sociopolitical trajectory with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as an agitator.
“As a one-time activist, agitator and a leader of NADECO that was once proscribed by the federal government, Tinubu went on exile with several other NADECO members and were not only persecuted but also brutally hounded by the State over trumped up charges.
“Today, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being made to unjustly pass through the same horrendous process the only difference being that Tinubu and his NADECO comrades passed through that tortuous road under a military regime while Kanu is experiencing his not just under a civilian administration but under an administration led by a veteran of agitation and activism.
“No other person in government today understands the experiences of Nnamdi Kanu better than the president himself who has passed through that route before. He knows better and we believe that he will do the right thing.
“We therefore reiterate our urgent call for Nnamdi Kanu to be released now,” the statement concluded.
COLUMNISTS
Shedding Light on Unspoken Hardships: The Resilience Amidst Hostility
In the vibrant city of Lagos, Olaleye Ademola Surajudeen leads a seemingly ordinary life, but beneath his warm smile and compassionate nature lies a hidden truth. He grapples with the fear of persecution due to his sexual orientation in a country where same-sex relationships are criminalized.
Ademola’s life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Rafael, a supportive friend who encourages him to embrace his authentic self. With Rafael’s unwavering support, Ademola summons the courage to come out to his family and close friends.
However, this courageous decision comes at a cost. Ademola faces discrimination and prejudice from some members of his community, while others stand by his side.
As Ademola navigates the turbulent waters of being open about his identity, the story zooms out to explore the broader issue of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in a society where acceptance remains an uphill battle.
The ordeals of fear and understanding his rejections, embodies bravery and hope as Ademola, alongside those who support him, confronts their own biases and learns to celebrate diversity and love in all its forms.
Ademola coming out as gay in Nigeria, a country where same-sex relationships can lead to 14 years of imprisonment, exposes him to significant risks. News of his revelation spreads throughout his community, yielding a mixed bag of reactions.
While Rafael and a handful of close friends steadfastly support him, others distance themselves, and some openly express disapproval. Ademola grapples with the stark realities of stigmatization and discrimination that accompany his newfound honesty.
One fateful evening, Ademola faces a confrontation with a group of hostile individuals who subject him to verbal abuse and threats. Within a memoir of his escapade was when he narrowly escaped police raids during a gay community marriage in Delta state, the encounter leaves him deeply shaken and fearful for his safety.
However, despite the daunting challenges and the looming shadow of Nigeria’s severe laws, Ademola stands unwavering in his commitment to live authentically.
As Ademola journey unfolds, he forges unexpected alliances with dedicated activists tirelessly working to challenge the discriminatory laws.
Nevertheless, the path to change remains laden with obstacles. Some political leaders and conservative religious groups staunchly oppose any reforms. Ademola faces renewed threats and hostility, but he remains steadfast, recognizing that his journey has transcended personal struggle and has become a beacon of hope for many. As the story concludes, Nigeria’s legal landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals remains challenging.
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