Empower Your Future: The Vital Role of HIV Prevention and a Healthy Lifestyle

HIV prevention is often ignored, but with more young people getting HIV in our country, it's a reminder that we should focus more on prevention. According to the 2023 Uganda Aids Commission factsheet, Uganda currently has an estimated 1.4 million People living with HIV. 1.2 million are currently in treatment (Ministry of Health – (MOH) Annual Estimates 2022). This means we should give young people accurate information about sexual and reproductive health. But what happens if you find out you have HIV, whether you were born with it or got it later in life? It can be scary, especially since some young people with HIV say that the way we talk about it makes it seem like life is over. This kind of talk, fueled by stigma, can be very hurtful to those who already have the virus.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks white blood cells, which help the body fight infections. When these cells are damaged, a person is more likely to get other infections and diseases. HIV is usually spread through contact with certain bodily fluids from someone who has the virus, most often during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine). Because of this, HIV often comes with stigma, as people wrongly link it to unfaithfulness or early sex, leading to discrimination, especially in the past.

So What happens if I have HIV?

So, what happens if you’re born with HIV or get it later in life? First of all, you’re NOT going to die! If you test positive for HIV, your doctor will check your health and medical history, do a physical exam, and run some lab tests. They’ll also talk to you about the benefits of HIV treatment and how to lower the risk of passing the virus to others. All this information helps your doctor decide the best treatment plan for you.

In 2021, a story was published via Daily Monitor about a woman who almost committed suicide after acquiring HIV. This is what she confessed: “My name is Prossie Natongo, 40 years old; it was late 2003 when a doctor suggested an HIV/Aids test. The results were positive.? I was confused and depressed; I even thought of committing suicide because I saw no future ahead. What helped me was that the counselor kept in touch with me. As time went by, I changed my mind. I imagined leaving my children suffering without me. I gathered courage and accepted it. I joined the Masa choir which sensitizes people about disease. Through that, my fear went, and I took it as normal.”

When you start treatment, it's important to take your medicine exactly as your health worker prescribes. This is for your well-being! There's no downside, so please take your medicine regularly, just like you would with a meal. Think of your antiretrovirals (ARVs) like food they keep you healthy and alive especially if taken consistently and the right way. you can live a normal life with the same lifespan as someone without the virus. More and more people with HIV are living well into their 50s and beyond.

Myths about ARVs

We shouldn't just ignore the false rumors about HIV/AIDS treatment; everyone needs access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information. At Reach A Hand Uganda, we're your trusted friend, here to help you understand everything you need to know about your health and well-being in the simplest way possible. For example, some people might say you’ll have to take many large tablets. But with advances in science and technology, HIV treatment has become much easier. If you stay consistent, you might switch to just one small tablet a day or even get monthly injections. Just make sure to stick to your treatment, and you can live and enjoy life like a rockstar!

"As someone who has lived with HIV and taken ARVs for the last 20 years, I can say it's been a journey with its challenges. But if you've just tested positive, please don't think it's the end of the world. Many of us have lived long, happy lives with the virus. The key is to accept your status and stay positive. For those who are HIV-negative, take care of your health and remember the ABCs (Abstinence, Being faithful, and Condom use). If you're unsure about your partner, please visit the nearest health facility for testing and counseling. My positive status is permanent, but my negative status is something precious. Protect it, and together, we can work towards ending this virus." - Nairah Zawedde, a young person living with HIV