Nicole

My name is Nicole and I am 18 years old. I am born as the second child in a family of four. I am the eldest daughter so I get a lot of love from my mother. I join primary school which I complete successfully. I am happy that I have good grades but sadly I cannot proceed to the secondary school of my choice because mum cannot afford it. I join a simple village school and in this first year in school I develop rashes all over my body. The matron gives me medication for the rash but one week later it only gets worse.

The school head then releases me to go seek treatment from home. I go home safely and I am taken to hospital. It is here that I am examined and tested for HIV. I test HIV positive. The doctor gives me drugs but I am scared of carrying them to school because my friends may see and I will lose them. I go back to school and realize how much stigma there is. Those who are not HIV positive do not associate freely with those with HIV. I get counseling from my teacher and my parents but the stigma I face from fellow students makes me feel very lonely. I join a support group and get to meet others who are of the same status with me. I look healthy now and I can stand and talk freely about my HIV status.

Something should be done about stigma and lack of information both with teachers and pupils in schools.