HIV/AIDS victim calls for leaders’ support

 By LEAH OMAE

MAURA Elaripe has struggled with HIV for 18 years and urged national leaders to seriously look at people living with HIV and addressing issues facing them.

 The 38-year-old from Ihu district in Gulf,  was diagnosed with HIV in 1997 when she was 18. She had graduated as a nurse and was into her first year working when she contracted the disease. It was made known to her when she went for ante-natal clinic during her pregnancy.

“When I contracted it, there was no orgnisation, no policy or drugs to cater for that disease. There was nothing in place for HIV,” she said.

“I picked up the virus from my partner. I was left alone to deal with it. I couldn’t deal being with him so I walked away. I lost my two children. I struggled for three years. 

“There was no counseling and follow up.  I couldn’t accept the fact that I got HIV. I was familiar with the disease back in medical school but it was not discussed broadly. “We were just introduced to the new disease called HIV. Just the basics. There is no cure and once you get it, you will die.

“With that knowledge I know that it was a death sentence for me.”

She said people who knew about it started staring at her.

“So for three years, I was in hiding. In 1999, I was very sick because it affected me mentally. I was going through a depression and was admitted at the hospital,” she said.

“My family came and visited me and supported me when they heard about the virus. With my family support, I felt better and went home.

“My brother helped me and I got a job but I could not deal with it too so I went and worked at the rural hospital because I was dealing with patients face to face.

“I also picked up TB. After being treated for six months, I decided not to go back to work.” She said that in 2001, the first World AIDS Day was celebrated. “That’s when I came out public and disclosed my status.I saw that telling my story will make a difference,” she said.

She is the founder and president of the Igat Hope Organisation for people living with HIV.