My wife works in a hospital, and she narrated a story to me today that deeply touched my heart.
Honestly speaking, It’s a story that left me thinking deeply about life, choices, and the power of love and ignorance
According to her, there was this girl in our street. Her mom was a close friend of my mom, which made our families very close. This girl felt like a little sister to me. We grew up together, attended the same church, sang in the same choir, and shared so many memories. She and my sister even went to the same primary school.
She was smart, bold, and full of life. But as time went on, I began to notice something about her that worried me. She loved being around boys a lot and started making choices that didn’t seem right for someone her age. I tried to talk to her, to warn her, because I cared about her deeply. At just 15, 16, or 17 years old, she was already dating multiple guys
Her Secret
One day, the staff in charge of the HIV section was unavailable, so my wife had to step in to dispense the medications. While attending to patients, she was informed that someone was waiting for her at the HIV department. Upon getting there, she saw Joy, a young woman who lives just a few blocks from our house. When Joy saw her, she almost collapsed and burst into tears, pleading, "Auntie, please, please." My wife calmed her down, saying, "Joy, this is not the first time I’ve seen someone I know here. This is what we do, and it’s our job."
Joy explained that she had intentionally chosen a faraway hospital to avoid being recognized by people she knew, as she feared the stigma that could come from her condition. My wife asked her how long she had been living with HIV, and Joy revealed it had been six years. She started treatment only a year ago and admitted to having unprotected relationships with several men before beginning her medication. At just 25 years old, Joy’s situation brought tears to my wife’s eyes. She advised Joy to take her treatment seriously, avoid relationships that could worsen her condition, and focus on her health.
As a medical practitioner, i encountered such cases frequently. Many young people, often out of ignorance or carelessness, find themselves infected with HIV. Casual sex, unprotected encounters, and a lack of awareness contribute significantly to the spread of the virus. Some people unknowingly carry HIV, while others, like Joy, are aware but still engage in risky behavior.
If you are reading this, whether married or single, let this be a warning. Be extremely careful. Stick to one partner and avoid casual or unprotected sex. Also, be cautious with sharp objects like needles or items used for ear piercing or nail cutting. Ignorance is not an excuse. Take time to educate yourself about preventable diseases and how to protect your family.
Please share this message with your friends and loved ones. Awareness is key to preventing the spread of HIV. God bless you for taking the time to read this. Thank you.
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