A man's fight against HIV-AIDS stigma and misinformation
Don shares his experience to the member of the
media during a press conference on the 24th AIDS
Candlelight Memorial last Saturday.
In 1998, Don would panic every time he would see a reporter or cameras.
It took him more than five years to recover from the trauma of being hounded by the media and being talked about publicly.
Nearly nine years later, Don has become a regular speaker in forums and trainings and is already comfortable facing cameras and talking to reporters as a person with the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS).
"I am not alone. Others have also come out," said Don in an interview during a forum to mark the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial today.
Don, who lost his wife to AIDS in 1998, said more persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) have come out especially in Western Visayas because of a more sensitive media and community that have slowly reduced the stigma associated with the pandemic.
"The media has responded positively with our education and information dissemination efforts and the public has become more receptive," said Don.
Don came out in 2003 and became one of few PLWHAs who have openly talked about their condition and to encourage others to come out.
There are 2,742 reported HIV/AIDS cases nationwide since monitoring started in 1984. But it is estimated that there are around 11,644 cases because many PLWHAs are still afraid to come out and seek assistance because of the remaining stigma even from their own families.
In Western Visayas, 47 cases have been monitored since 1994. Seventeen PLWHAs have already died.
Charity Perea, coordinator for Sexually Transmitted Infections at the Center for Health and Development in Western Visayas, said they want more to come out especially in the earlier stage of infection so that it would not be too late to administer medical and other assistance.
But Perea said they are not forcing any of the PLWHAs they have contacted to come out.
"It’s easier for them to come out if they see and feel the support and acceptance," said Perea.
Don has formed and leads the Empowered-Western Visayas, the only organization of PLWHAs in the country.
It was formally registered with Securities and Exchange Commission in March this year and has now 11 members. Two of its original members have already died.
While many are still hesitant to face the media, Perea said more PLWHAs have appeared and spoke in public "to show that they are like the rest of us and that can live normal lives."
During the World AIDS Day commemoration last December 1, nine other PLWHAs aside from Don spoke during the program.
Perea said the coming out of more PLWHAs can be attributed to the continued advocacy of various groups to decrease the stigma and discrimination and increase community support.
This includes continuous education campaigns in schools and offices and the annual observance of World AIDS Day and the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial every third Sunday of May.
The free access to of the antiretroviral (ARV) medications has also encouraged PLWHAs to seek assistance.
While there is still no cure for the HIV-AIDS, the ARV medications can inhibit the reproduction of HIV in the body. If ARV treatment is effective, the deterioration of the immune system and the onset of AIDS can be delayed for years.
Don hopes that the remaining stigma and misinformation about HIV-AIDS will be eliminated in the hope that more lives will be spared and the emotional and social trauma lessened.
Don will be among those joining the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial today.
The activity is held yearly to honor the memory of those PLWHAs who have died and to show support for those living.