Today, Sunday, 1 December is World Aids Day.
According to the official website, https://www.worldaidsday.org/, “It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day.”
However, Sister Lydia Nkutha-Radebe, manager of the Medical Unit at Lenmed Private Hospital said contracting HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence.
She said those living with the disease can still lead a normal life and defeat the stigma.
“When a person is diagnosed, he or she should get counselling to prepare them mentally for the road ahead,” she said.
She added that patients will go through various stages before they accept their HIV/AIDS status.
“But eventually a person has to accept the facts and live with them. Once you do that, you will realise that this is not a death sentence; you will lead a normal life. Do not hide it, because that is conforming to the stigma that will end up killing you,” Lydia advised.
One can contract the virus by having unprotected sex, from blood transfusions, by sharing needles, during pregnancy/ delivery or through breastfeeding.
