Stories of Change

I am among PLWHIV who are benefiting from the HIV stigma and discrimination reduction program. First I noticed the errors we had done before the introduction of the stigma project compared to the current time. We used to treat PLWHIV as sinners and as cursed by God and thought they were under God’s punishment. People feared stigma and discrimination so much that no one became willing to get tested.

When the stigma project started it was an eye opener to the church. Stigma and discrimination was reduced and people started to disclose and to get tested. The awareness campaigns which were done by the ARDeZ team were so helpful that is where I got tested and found I was positive. I started to adhere to treatment up to now I am no longer getting sick always. I have also joined a support group. In the support group we are doing community banking each member contribute 50usd per month. I also have a poultry project which is doing well. Farming is also improving as we were engaged to AGRITEX supervision. Our farming is now monitored and we are getting professional assistance which is improving are farm production.

Food security is now guaranteed in my family. The reduction of stigma have facilitated a healthy church and community and reduced HIV related deaths. I was helped to manage a good diet and to adhere to treatment. I am now able to plan my future without fear of death, church members are now learning and seeking advice from me instead of stigmatising me and other PLWHIV.

I thank ARDeZ for coming to our area with the HIV stigma and discrimination reduction project it is so helpful. We are now adhering to positive living due to the knowledge that we get from your program.