More than three decades of living with HIV has taught me many lessons about antiretroviral therapy (ART).
While doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals prescribe these medicines based on medical evidence, those of us taking them every day also gain valuable lived experience.
My reflections are not medical advice but personal observations from someone who understands what it means to live positively with HIV.
One important lesson I have learnt is that people respond differently to an HIV diagnosis.
How someone processes the news often influences how they approach treatment.
That is why pre-test and post-test counselling are so important. They help prepare people emotionally and mentally, regardless of the outcome of the test.
In the early years of the HIV epidemic, many people viewed an HIV-positive diagnosis as a death sentence.
Fear, stigma and hopelessness overwhelmed some individuals.
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Today, thanks to advances in treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy and productive lives if they adhere to their medication and access appropriate medical care.
Maintaining a positive outlook is equally important. As Proverbs teaches, a joyful heart contributes to well-being.
People living with HIV should never allow shame or self-blame to define them.
Instead, they should focus on protecting their health and living fulfilling lives.
In my experience, some of the common reasons people fail to take their medication consistently include alcohol abuse, forgetting to carry their tablets when travelling, fear of taking medication in public because of stigma, and stopping treatment after they begin to feel better.
Others discontinue ART after getting married or entering long-term relationships because they fear rejection.
Poor adherence to ART can have serious health consequences.
People who interrupt treatment are at greater risk of illness and HIV drug resistance.
Some individuals also experience side effects from ART, particularly when starting treatment or when medication needs to be adjusted.
These may include skin rashes, joint pain, weakness, dizziness and other symptoms.
Anyone experiencing severe or unusual side effects should seek medical attention promptly rather than stop taking medication on their own.
My own experience also taught me that some health complications may be linked to other illnesses. At one point, while suffering from tuberculosis (TB), I developed swelling on my neck that resembled a goitre.
The swelling disappeared after I began TB treatment, reminding me of the importance of proper medical assessment and treatment.
My message to everyone living with HIV is simple: adhere to your ART exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Your treatment is one of the most powerful tools for maintaining your health and protecting your future.
Avoid negative thinking, take care of your physical and mental well-being, and continue pursuing your dreams.
As I write this article, my family and I are happily preparing to celebrate my wife, Mai Simba’s, birthday on July 15.
She has lived with HIV for more than 32 years and has never been hospitalised because of HIV-related illness.
Her story is a testament to the life-saving benefits of consistent treatment, a positive attitude and healthy living.
Let us continue encouraging one another to stay on treatment, fight stigma and embrace hope.
With adherence to ART, regular medical care and a positive outlook, it is possible to live a long, healthy and meaningful life.
