In May 2019, 53-year-old Olusiji received a life-altering HIV positive diagnosis at Ondo State General Hospital, Akure. This news plunged him into despair, leading to declining health, a significantly low CD4 count, and severe depression that ultimately cost him his job. The mental toll was so profound that he neglected his vital antiretroviral (ARV) medications, further jeopardizing his health.
The stigma surrounding his HIV status proved to be an equally devastating blow. Friends and even close family members recoiled, their judgment driving him to seek solace and solitude in his village, believing it would be his final retreat. Non-adherence to medication led to the progression of his condition to Advanced HIV Disease (AHD).
A turning point arrived with the unwavering support of a compassionate friend. This individual’s encouragement was the lifeline that guided Olusiji back to care and consistent medication adherence. However, the persistent sting of stigmatization in Ondo State remained a significant challenge. In 2021, seeking a fresh start and continued access to care, Olusiji transferred his clinic from Akure, Ondo State, to General Hospital in Emure, Ekiti State, initially receiving support from APIN.
Late in 2022, the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), through the Sustainable Programs for HIV Epidemic Control and Equitable Service Delivery (SPEED) Project, became Olusiji’s steadfast ally. Under ECEWS’s comprehensive care, with consistent access to ARV drugs and unwavering support from friends and other partners, a remarkable transformation unfolded. Olusiji’s health rebounded dramatically, and the once-insidious virus retreated, ultimately becoming undetectable. Today, Olusiji radiates vitality, proclaiming, “I’m even healthier than I was before I was diagnosed.”
Olusiji’s inspiring story extends far beyond his personal triumph. Following his relocation, he seamlessly transferred his treatment to Osun State, continuing his wellness journey with ECEWS’s unwavering support. Having bravely overcome his initial challenges, Olusiji now shares his powerful narrative.
Both ECEWS and the Osun State Ministry of Health have provided crucial platforms to amplify his voice. Further support from networks such as the Network of People Living with HIV (NEPWHAN), the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), the Adolescents and Youth in Nigeria (AYPIN), and the Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CiSHAN) have offered additional avenues for him to share his experiences.
Actively collaborating with organizations like the Garnet Youth Development Foundation, Olusiji lends his voice to vital advocacy efforts. He is dedicated to dismantling the pervasive stigma surrounding HIV and inspiring countless individuals towards testing, consistent treatment adherence, and a future unburdened by their HIV status. His legacy is not merely one of survival, but a powerful and spreading wave of hope and understanding, transforming lives and perceptions within Osun State, Nigeria, and beyond.
ECEWS remains committed to providing comprehensive support to vulnerable populations across Nigeria, ensuring access to essential healthcare services, promoting overall well-being, and fostering resilient communities where individuals can thrive, regardless of their health status.
