HIV-Positive Individuals Urge Patients to Stay Adherent to Medications

By Laudia Sawer

On May 27, GNA reported – Peer educators working at the Tema General Hospital have encouraged individuals affected by HIV to consistently adhere to their medication regimen. This adherence will help reduce their viral load to an undetectable level, thereby safeguarding their partners and children against infection.

They observed that, compared to earlier days when HIV was regarded as a death sentence, things have evolved; now, with accessible medications, patients can lead long lives without transmitting the virus to others.

Maame Esi and Nii Nai, who use pseudonyms, serve as a Mentor Mother and a Beacon of Hope, respectively; they are both individuals living with HIV. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), they emphasized that upon receiving a positive diagnosis, it is crucial for people to acknowledge their condition and permit healthcare professionals to initiate them into antiretroviral therapy (ART).

They observed that this would allow Ghana to meet the target of having at least 95 percent of HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy, which would further assist in achieving viral suppression.

Nii Nai disclosed that he has been living with the condition for the last 22 years without experiencing any illness, suggesting that adhering strictly to the medication strengthens the immunity of those affected.

He mentioned that he knows many individuals, such as traditional leaders, clergymen, and various professionals, who have tested positive yet appear healthy and show no symptoms of the disease due to consistently taking their medication.

He mentioned that achieving viral suppression is attainable, noting that his medication occasionally leads to negative HIV test results, enabling him to reach an undetectable status.

When you embrace who you are and adhere to your medication regimen, acceptance follows. Since beginning my treatment with these medications, I haven’t fallen ill; my life now revolves around the ARTs.

Maame Esi emphasized the crucial role of antiretroviral therapies for individuals living with HIV, mentioning that she has been taking these medications since 2004 following her positive test result during her initial pregnancy.

She revealed that since she started taking medication right after being diagnosed, she didn’t transmit the illness to her kids and went on to have another four children who are all virus-free.

I strongly urge all patients, particularly those who are HIV-positive and pregnant, to continue taking their medication," she stated. "I've been living with HIV for 21 years without ever getting ill, all due to these life-saving drugs.

She went on to say that "HIV isn't really a disease for me; I view it as a companion living alongside me. Therefore, all I need to do is follow what’s required, and everything will work out."

She motivated individuals living with HIV to continue taking their medication despite societal stigmas, sharing her perspective: "I've moved past the stigma; nowadays, I take my meds right here on public transport. The bottle still shows all the labels, yet I'm unfazed as long as I am aware of my condition, and these medicines have been crucial for my survival."

They urged people to get tested and be aware of their status since this is the sole method to understand where they stand and safeguard both themselves and those close to them.

GNA

Edited by Ken Adadevoh

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