I Am HIV Positive And Okay
(This article was first published in Toto Magazine on November 16, 2022)
By Ritah Mukasa
My name is Linda. I am. 13 years old. I sat for my Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) last week. I would love to share my HIV story with you.
I was born with HIV. I got to know my status when I was seven years old. By then, I was living with my parents and seven siblings in Buyende district in eastern Uganda.
I currently live with my auntie who heads Uphold the Girl Child organisation in Kamuli district. I work with her to help the needy children.
My mother broke the news
My mother fell sick for a long time. My father took her to different clinics, but she was not improving.
She lost weight, became so slim and died.
However, while on her sick bed, she told me that she had HIV/AIDS and that I had it too. I was also sickly at that time.
After her funeral, my auntie adopted me. She took me to a big hospital and they treated me. My father is still alive.
I have been taking antiretroviral drugs (ARVS) since I was in Primary Four. I am very healthy and a happy child.
I can spend a whole year without falling sick. However, this is because I take my drugs religiously twice every day at 7:00am in the morning and 7:00pm in the evening.
I have been in boarding school, but if that time finds me at the borehole lining up for water, I leave the bucket or jerrycan behind and run so fast to swallow my tablets.
Doctors told me that if I miss or swallow the drugs at the wrong time, my health will deteriorate. I will then start falling sick, yet I want to study hard and become a doctor who treats children living with HIV/AIDS.
I told some of my teachers and close friends about my status. They love me and treat me well. They do not discriminate against me.
Advice To Children
If you are living with HIV/AIDS, take your drugs religiously and love yourself. Living with HIV is not a death sentence. You can live long and achieve your dreams.
Those who are negative, stay away from acquiring HIV. Avoid engaging in sexual activities and sharing sharp objects.
