Last week a friend of mine tested positive for HIV/AIDS. She was first reluctant to tell her family out of concern for their reaction. But when she finally plucked up the confidence to do it, the family did not take well to it. They started criticizing her, and on top of that she was segregated.

In addition to the stigma from society and those close to them, it is frequently already difficult psychologically for someone who tests positive for HIV/AIDS.

This may lead to suicidal thoughts, more so failing to go for treatment for fear of the public eye leading to other irreversible health complications.

The best course of action for a victim is always to declare their “positive” status. This is a daring act of acceptance that brings people relief, strengthens their bonds with loved ones, and gives them a sense of empowerment. That person can then rely on friends, partners, and family for moral and material assistance. However, they frequently treat them unfairly.

Edwin Katamba, alias MC Kats, a well-known TV host, revealed in 2019 that he was HIV positive. This revelation drew outrage from the public, with many accusing him of having had sex with multiple slay queens despite knowing he was HIV positive.

“I have been sick and taking my ARVs for 9 years. When I revealed my status, I was simply tired of hiding the truth, I wanted people to know my story” MC Kats said.

He then started the Mc Kats Foundation in order to empower people living with HIV/AIDS and sensitize those who lack knowledge about living a positive life.

It takes a lot of courage to reveal one’s status to the world, thus patients who do so shouldn’t be condemned for doing so.

Stigmatization can lead to one feeling ashamed of disclosure, isolation, and misery. It can also lead to patients fearing getting tested and treated for HIV.

According to PS Eng. Irene Bateebe, from the Ministry of Energy, the world we need to live in is one free of stigma, such that every single person is respected, accepted, and valued, and every single person believes that they are loved, included in society, and feel worthy.

It’s very important for one to go for an HIV test in order to know their status early enough. In the event that you find out that you are positive, it’s very wise to immediately start taking medication.