Relaxed about her status
By, Gontse Gareebine, The Voice (Francistown), April 10, 2007
Botswana: Martha Tsebentlha Baloi is a 49 year-old resident of Sekobowane ward in Rasesa village. She is a single mother of three. Nothing odd about that. But then Baloi is a brave woman, ready and willing to speak openly about her HIV status in a country still faced with issues of stigmatisation.
"I learnt of my positive status last year November when I was admitted at Princess Marina Hospital with heart problems. The doctors attending to me must have seen something was out of place when they suggested I have an HIV test," said Baloi, speaking in a relaxed manner.
She explained how she lost a daughter to what was an AIDS-related illness five years ago.
"I didn't know much about HIV/AIDS then as I do now. I did not use gloves or any other protection whilst caring for my daughter. I suspect that is how I got the virus because I haven't been sexually active for a long time now," she said.
Then, Baloi thought AIDS was a disease caused either by high blood pressure, tuberculosis or pneumonia. Baloi who has fully accepted her HIV positive status has emphasised that HIV/AIDS is no different from any other disease. She understands that she does not have AIDS but the HI virus that can eventually cause AIDS. Having started Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment in December last year with a CD count below 200, Baloi says she cannot complain, as she feels more energetic than ever before. Her three children, she says, have been very supportive.
She has concerns though. The monthly trips that she takes to Gaborone for collection or refills of her medication worry her.
"I have asked to be transferred to the Mochudi clinic since last year as it is the nearest village to Rasesa that distributes ARV treatment. This has not happened due to reasons unknown to me. The transfer will be more sensible as it will definitely cut down transport costs that I struggle to meet. I am not a rich woman and worry about my nutrition too. I am still to register with the government to at least supply me with a food ration. It's been difficult," she said.
Baloi informed the Voice that gossipmongers are the least of her worries concerning the disclosure of her status in public.
"You never know who will be next so my advice is for people to stop wasting time talking about other people's HIV when they don't know where they stand. Go out there, get tested and know your status. The sooner the better," she quipped.
Botswana: Martha Tsebentlha Baloi is a 49 year-old resident of Sekobowane ward in Rasesa village. She is a single mother of three. Nothing odd about that. But then Baloi is a brave woman, ready and willing to speak openly about her HIV status in a country still faced with issues of stigmatisation.
"I learnt of my positive status last year November when I was admitted at Princess Marina Hospital with heart problems. The doctors attending to me must have seen something was out of place when they suggested I have an HIV test," said Baloi, speaking in a relaxed manner.
She explained how she lost a daughter to what was an AIDS-related illness five years ago.
"I didn't know much about HIV/AIDS then as I do now. I did not use gloves or any other protection whilst caring for my daughter. I suspect that is how I got the virus because I haven't been sexually active for a long time now," she said.
Then, Baloi thought AIDS was a disease caused either by high blood pressure, tuberculosis or pneumonia. Baloi who has fully accepted her HIV positive status has emphasised that HIV/AIDS is no different from any other disease. She understands that she does not have AIDS but the HI virus that can eventually cause AIDS. Having started Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment in December last year with a CD count below 200, Baloi says she cannot complain, as she feels more energetic than ever before. Her three children, she says, have been very supportive.
She has concerns though. The monthly trips that she takes to Gaborone for collection or refills of her medication worry her.
"I have asked to be transferred to the Mochudi clinic since last year as it is the nearest village to Rasesa that distributes ARV treatment. This has not happened due to reasons unknown to me. The transfer will be more sensible as it will definitely cut down transport costs that I struggle to meet. I am not a rich woman and worry about my nutrition too. I am still to register with the government to at least supply me with a food ration. It's been difficult," she said.
Baloi informed the Voice that gossipmongers are the least of her worries concerning the disclosure of her status in public.
"You never know who will be next so my advice is for people to stop wasting time talking about other people's HIV when they don't know where they stand. Go out there, get tested and know your status. The sooner the better," she quipped.
posted by AIDS-Care-Watch at 10:04 am
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