Affected turned advocate

While living in Manila, Roberto, nicknamed Rob, got hospitalized in May 2013 due to numerous health complications. As advised by the doctor, he took the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) test and was diagnosed as HIV-positive.

“It wasn’t a voluntary decision when I underwent an HIV test. I was pushed against the wall. I was suffering from pneumonia, chronic diarrhea, fungal infections and other illnesses before I was finally hospitalized and got tested,” he recalls. “My immune system was weak. I was close to death.”

HIV, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), targets the immune system and weakens people’s defense against infections and certain diseases. Infected individuals gradually become immune-deficient as the virus destroys immune cells. 

Rob was fortunate to survive his 5 CD4 count immune system condition – less than a hundred count is already considered destructive.

“When I discovered that I have HIV, a sudden realization hit me. I need to inform others that HIV is a real, serious threat. I was determined to share my story to raise awareness to people,” Rob continues.

The 36-year-old Ilonggo returned to his hometown to recuperate. While resting, he reached out to other HIV/AIDS awareness groups. 

He finally found his niche in United Western Visayas, Inc., a support group for people living with HIV in Western Visayas. He started by supporting activities online. After five months of rest and stabilizing his health condition, he played a more active role in the organization.

Today, Rob is wearing several hats as an advocate. He is an HIV counselor, a coordinator under FPOP Iloilo and the vice president of United Western Visayas, Inc. 

“This advocacy taught me to live a life of purpose. It gave me a chance to be selfless, to give back to others.” He adds, “Though it is a challenging and enormous task to end HIV/AIDS in our country, I am willing to support the cause.”

Other champions

Like Rob, Grace also experienced a life-threatening health condition. She endured an Arteriovenous (AV) malformation that was healed through surgery

Her motivation as an HIV-awareness advocate is deeply rooted in her compassion to families especially women and the young population.

She learned about the urgency to alleviate the spread of the disease after attending a workshop conducted by World Vision earlier that year. She attended the activity with Rob and other representatives from different organizations. 

 Grace is an active church member and the president of a women’s organization in their community. She is now more intentional in integrating HIV awareness topics in her activities. Even to random strangers who are willing to listen, Grace grabs any chance that she could get to educate.

World Vision’s Channels of Hope (COH) for HIV and AIDS

World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. is a child-focused and community-based development and advocacy organization, operating for about 60 years in the Philippines. Through its Channels of Hope program, individuals and groups are trained, equipped and empowered to be effective HIV and AIDS advocates in their communities and churches.

In the COH workshops, participants are challenged to dispel the ignorance and myths about HIV and AIDS, to reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding the topic, and to genuinely care more for  the people affected by the virus. 

Stigma: The true cause of HIV casualties 

According to recent studies, there is still a low rate of HIV testing among key population that has a high chance of getting the disease.

“Stigma kills!” Rob emphasizes. “Despite existing medication and treatment, the discrimination against people living with HIV continues to prevent people from sharing their condition and from undergoing HIV test.” 

Some communities and groups still associate the disease to commercial sex trade and homosexuality. It is important that people change their perception about this issue by having health-seeking behavior and an open mindset willing to learn about sexual and reproductive health. 

“We can fight stigma through education, information and implementing the right communication strategy to key audiences,” Rob adds. “We must not stop by just sharing awareness, we must make sure that there is behavioral change.”

A global issue in our backyard

• According to the World Health Organization, 70 million people have been infected with HIV since the beginning of the epidemic and about 35 million have died because of it.
• At the end of 2015, 36.7 million people are living with HIV. 
• Vast majority of people living with HIV are in low- and middle-income countries.
• A report from the Department of Health states that in the Philippines there are 3,802 new cases recorded from January to May 2016, which bring the total number since January 1984 to 34,158. The people getting infected are also younger. Out of the 739 new cases in May 2016, 202 cases were recorded among 15 to 24-year-olds.

How to support the advocacy on HIV and AIDS

Rob shares that there are ways one can help in preventing the spread of HIV. “You can support by participating in activities that promote HIV awareness like fun runs and other outreach programs. This World AIDS Day 2016, you can help educate others and break the stigma that surrounds this issue. Be a champion and volunteer to organizations or start advocating in your own home,” he reveals. “HIV is everybody’s concern so we must take part of stopping it.” 

“It is important to start the change in one’s self,” Grace adds. “You must be responsible with your actions especially with your sexual life.”

To people living with HIV

“It is okay to be sad. That is normal as a reaction. What is important is that you talk about your condition so help will come. You are not alone in this battle. If you feel like no one is listening to you, we are here, people with the same condition that you have, who are willing to listen and help you,” shares Rob.

Sources:

www.who.int | www.aids.gov | COH Transforming Lives Positively | Department of Health, Philippines