Ma Hla (not her real name), a peer educator from Pathein HIV/AIDS Project would like to tell her story. "I live with my family of five in Pathein Township. From morning to night, I try to make ends meet, earning my living as a street vendor selling Mohingar and Khauk Swe Thout (noodle salad).
"Although I did not have enough strength to move my body at the end of the day, I started to have frequent night sweats, loss of appetite and fever. I went to a nearby clinic to seek help. The doctor advised me to get tested for TB and I was diagnosed with TB. My condition improved after taking anti-TB medicine for six months. One of my neighbours heard about my situation and persuaded me to get a blood test at Pyi Gyi Khin.
"I can still remember that day when I had the appointment for my blood test result. My whole world seemed to fall apart when I knew my test result. I was struck with fear and I trembled all over when I learnt that I had tested positive for HIV. In an instant, fearful thoughts of dying soon and leaving my young children behind crept into my mind. I would have collapsed completely if it was not for my counsellor who sat by me and kindly extended helping hands with so much warmth and reassurance to support me to overcome this critical moment in my life.
"My counsellor waited patiently until I could pull myself together and listen. Then she explained that it was not true that everyone with HIV must die. Although in the past there were no medications, nowadays there were drugs called ART that could prolong and improve the life of people living with HIV.
"As the time passed, I could cope better with my existing reality, regularly going to the counselling session at Pyi Gyi Khin. I could focus more clearly and I decided to make the best out of my life and support my children and my family to the best of my ability.
"A nurse from Pyi Gyi Khin visited our home and explained about a medicine called Septrin, which I needed to take every day. She also advised me on various ways of preventing myself from being infected with germs and to maintain my health. My children were connected to a peer group and I was also introduced to a PLHIV (people living with HIV) self-help group and invited to participate in the monthly PLHIV meeting, of which I gradually became a member. I also worked as a paid volunteer and a peer educator in the Pyi Gyi Khin HIV/AIDS Project supported by the Global Fund. Whenever I got the chance, I disseminated knowledge about living with HIV, preventing spread of HIV to others and how to protect oneself from HIV.
"Gradually, I too started to have weight loss, oral thrush and generalized skin lesions appeared. I felt lethargic and became easily fatigued just by doing my daily work. As I was being regularly checked and counselled, my failing health got immediate attention. When my CD4 was tested, it was found to be very low — only forty — and the doctor started me on ART treatment. Although I felt slightly dizzy at the beginning of treatment, I got used to it, gradually gained weight and regained my strength to carry out my daily routine.
"As is clear from the experience of my friends, ART has significantly improved our lives. We can work, earn our living and take care of our family as before. Now with even better meaning in our lives, eager to benefit our community and the society in which we live through networking, sharing our own experiences of living with HIV, referring patients for blood tests, spreading news of the benefits of taking ART and disseminating knowledge on HIV prevention in my free time.
"If I could be granted my wish, I sincerely wish from my heart that all those who need ART could get it and thus the number of deaths from AIDS would be reduced. There are not enough words to express our thanks to staff from Pyi Gyi Khin HIV/AIDS Project and to the Global Fund for the life saving support."
Pyi Gyi Khin has been implementing its HIV/AIDS Project to enhance the quality of life of people living with HIV since January 2011 with the support of the Global Fund. It has been implementing HIV/AIDS activities in Aung Ban Township in Southern Shan State, Myingyan Township in Mandalay Division and Pathein Township in Ayeyarwady Division.
