Community Volunteer [CoV], from People Of Hope Association Torit, EES
The testimony of Onen Denis is a powerful reflection of resilience, overcoming stigma, and finding acceptance and support within the community. Despite facing significant challenges and mistreatment due to his HIV status, Onen Denis's story highlights the transformative impact of education, counseling, and community outreach in changing perceptions and fostering understanding.
From a young age, Onen Denis experienced loss, mistreatment, and rejection from family members who were illiterate about HIV/AIDS and feared transmission. However, through the intervention of the SSNeP+ community outreach team and the People of Hope PLHIV Association, Onen Denis received counseling and education on HIV transmission, leading to a shift in attitudes and acceptance within his community.
The basic HIV messages provided by the outreach team not only dispelled myths and misconceptions about HIV transmission but also helped Onen Denis's family understand and support him. This newfound acceptance allowed Onen Denis to reconnect with his uncle's family, receive apologies for past mistreatment, and ultimately lead a happier and more fulfilling life.
Onen Denis's journey from facing stigma and mistreatment to becoming a community counselor and actively serving SSNeP+ is a testament to his resilience and the positive impact of community support and education. His story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and solidarity in addressing the challenges faced by individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Client from Nimule-Magwi County, EES
Mrs. Agnes, a 24-year-old HIV-positive individual, has been receiving treatment at the ICAP-SSNeP+ supported facility in Nimule Hospital. She shared that her husband, who is also HIV-positive, had kept his status hidden from her for two years, leading to the loss of one child. However, Agnes was tested positive by SSNeP+ Counselors Team during a community outreach visit in Malakia East - Nimule. Upon learning her status, she immediately informed her husband and encouraged him to get tested. The next day, her husband also tested positive for HIV.
Agnes and her husband have been diligently receiving antiretroviral treatment at the ICAP-SSNeP+ supported hospital, and their tests indicate that the virus is well under control. Following the revelation of his status, Agnes's husband expressed relief and explained that he had delayed disclosure out of fear of rejection.
Agnes expressed gratitude to the SSNEP Counselors for their support and adherence counseling, which helped them overcome stigma and adhere to treatment guidelines. She encourages others to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of ARV adherence for maintaining health and preventing illness.
Community Volunteer[COV] with El-Sabreen Association-WBG State
She narrated that in January 2021, she had a neighbour Anthonate Rimondo who was diagnosed with HIV.
Challenges:
It was a very difficult moment for her and every member of her family tried to advise her to enrol on treatment but she declined. For two weeks, she’s not eating just crying because of the new status.
Response:
When Mama Kavai learned of this, she decided to go very early in the morning to the home of this lady because when she was young like her, she experiences the same situation and lucky enough she got the lady at home. She started counselling her from her own experience to how she got connected to one of SSNeP+ Counselors to meet Karmela Arkangelo the SSNeP+ State chairperson who also happened to be positive.
Results:
Thank God she heard the message and was enrolled and today she’s healthy, viral load suppressed and married to a positive partner. She thanked God for showing her Pasquina Kavai otherwise she would have been dead because she almost wanted to commit suicide.
Community Volunteer with Amafu-Olu PLHIV association under SSNeP+
Mr. Oryem Bosco's journey towards acceptance and adherence to antiretroviral treatment, as facilitated by the support and counseling provided by SSNEP+ Nimule Community Counselors team, is a powerful example of the impact of comprehensive care and education in managing HIV/AIDS.
Initially resistant to starting treatment due to fear of the size of the tablets, Mr. Bosco's health deteriorated as he went without medication for several weeks. However, through the dedicated efforts of the SSNEP+ Nimule Community Counselors team, who provided intensive adherence counseling and monitoring, Mr. Bosco eventually overcame his concerns and agreed to enroll in treatment.
By joining the SSNEP Support Group and becoming an advocate for adherence to ARV medication, Mr. Bosco has not only taken control of his own health but also become a source of inspiration and encouragement for others living with HIV.