Tema: Some HIV peer educators at the Tema General Hospital have urged persons living with HIV to religiously take their drugs to ensure their viral load becomes undetectable to protect their partners and children from being infected.
According to Ghana News Agency, Maame Esi and Nii Nai (pseudonyms), a Mentor Mother and a Model of Hope, respectively, both HIV-reactive persons, emphasized the importance of accepting one's status and adhering to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) upon diagnosis. They highlighted that such measures are crucial for Ghana to achieve its goal of putting at least 95 percent of positive patients on ART, which aids in viral suppression.
Nii Nai shared his personal experience of living with HIV for 22 years without illness, attributing his healthy state to the consistent use of medication. He mentioned knowing various individuals, including traditional leaders and professionals, who are living well because they adhere to their treatment regimen. He noted that achieving viral suppression is possible, as evidenced by occasional negative HIV test results due to reaching an undetectable stage.
Maame Esi, on the other hand, spoke about her journey since testing positive in 2004 during her first pregnancy. She credited immediate treatment for preventing transmission to her children, all of whom are HIV-negative. She stressed the significance of ARTs for HIV-reactive individuals and encouraged others to follow suit, particularly highlighting the importance for pregnant women.
Both peer educators addressed the issue of stigma, urging individuals not to let it deter them from taking their medications. Maame Esi shared her evolution beyond stigma, revealing her openness about medication intake, even in public settings, and underscored the life-saving role of her treatment.
They concluded by encouraging the public to get tested and know their HIV status, as this awareness is essential for protecting themselves and their loved ones.
