Nomalunga's Story
“I became pregnant and was diagnosed as HIV+. I didn’t believe it. I was fat and healthy – there was nothing wrong with me. I gave birth and everything was OK, but a week later I became sick. I went to the hospital and was referred to another hospital.
“I heard about Wola Nani from a neighbour. I went to the support group. They helped me a lot. I thought I was the only one who was positive but there are many like me. The talking helped me. I was not alone.
“But I became very sick and weak. It was difficult for me to even hold my baby. My boyfriend was out everyday looking for work. I did not have anyone to help me. I could not even wash the nappies. Daisy visited me. It was good to see someone. One day I was so sick I took a taxi to Wola Nani. Nomawethu was there and took me to the hospital where I was diagnosed with TB. I stayed in that hospital for about 6 months. I was so sick. I could not even walk. I told my boyfriend that he would need to take my baby to my mother to look after her. I think at this point, I felt very low. I had lost all hope.
“Then, after the TB treatment I felt much better. I returned to the Wola Nani support group and Daisy referred me to MSF at the day hospital to start treatment. Noma would take me there for day visits. I don’t take antiretrovirals but have other drugs. I have been healthy ever since.
“I heard about a support group at the Red Cross Society and about the courses held there. I trained in home care, first aid, HIV awareness, prevention and education. I am now doing home care visits the Red Cross Society. I like to work this way, as I can give people hope. Life is good. I don’t think about this thing and I’m working with people like me. I tell people about my story but, mostly, they don’t believe me because now I am so well.
“I feel frustrated sometimes as most of the people that die quickly, die because they do not disclose their status. I know how they must feel because I too was in denial at first. I try to tell them but they don’t believe me. One lady, I knew she was HIV as she was using milk formula, but she denied it and said it was because she had poison in her breasts.
“I think I must have a copy
of the picture when I was sick. Then maybe people will believe me. It would
give them hope for the future.”