From Biblical wisdom to resilience: A tale of overcoming HIV stigma with ProActif Global Story

Story by: Baatube Emmanuel Cosmas


In the quiet solitude of his room, the weight of unanswered questions hung heavily in the air. The echoes of biblical verses, Luke 6:37 and Matthew 7:1, resonated in his mind: "Judge not, and you shall not be judged; condemn not, and you shall not be condemned; forgive, and you shall be forgiven."
Yet, the actions of family and friends, who identified as Christians, seemed to defy these sacred teachings.

The uncertainty within him grew more, and he began to question the meaning of life without the love of family and friends. The passionate pursuit of eternal rest and mental serenity became a haunting chant. The prospect of ending it all loomed in moments of despair, a call for relief from the overpowering complexity.
Positive thoughts emerged from the religious texts amid these gloomy thinking. "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone" (John 8:7). Likewise, “He who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion" (Ecclesiastes 9:4), among other things.

These verses offered a ray of optimism, a reminder of humanity's shared flaws.
A deep story of resilience and redemption evolved in the middle of this emotional conflict. This is a story about a young couple overcoming the hardships of living with HIV in the peaceful suburb of Suntreso, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

A young couple who were both HIV positive kept their important secret while living in Suntreso's serene and quiet neighborhood in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Their world fell apart when betrayal occurred in spite of their meticulous efforts to control their condition and lower the chance of transfer.
One tragic day, the young man's seemingly routine existence with his partner was devastated. He discovered his lover in the arms of another man, which was heartbreaking. When he ordered she leaves the house they had shared, the pain of betrayal and loss was exacerbated. Seeking to save face in the midst of her own remorse, the girlfriend decided on a spiteful act—she publicly publicized his HIV status to all of the building's inhabitants, casting a gloomy shadow over his life.

The repercussions of this revelation were quick and disastrous. When the landlord learned of the young man's HIV diagnosis, he refused to extend his tenancy contract. He was forced to migrate to his family's house, where the weight of shame took on an even more barbaric shape.
Routine tasks became humiliating ordeals in his new setting. He was forced to properly clean the bathroom after each bath for the next occupant. The same rigorous controls applied to the restroom, and even visits from his own kid were strictly monitored. One cup, a bowl, a spoon, a sponge, and a towel were the only necessary home items for him. Before anyone else could use a bucket in the house, it had to be thoroughly cleaned with detergent and sometimes ‘parazone' (power zone).

Under the constant strain of this increased stigma, the young guy took the terrible decision to discontinue his HIV treatment. This was the beginning of what doctors call "internalized stigma," in which an HIV-positive person begins to absorb the harsh words and acts of others, resulting in a decline in both mental and physical health.

However, amidst this bleak narrative, a ray of hope emerged in the form of ProActif Global, a registered civil society organization based in Ghana. Operating in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, the organization leverages digital communications to increase health literacy on HIV and sexual health.

ProActif Global's mission is as noble as it is clear: to leverage digital communications in order to increase health literacy on HIV and sexual health, particularly among those most affected in areas of greatest need. The vision is ambitious yet crucial—to reduce new infections and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals by providing accurate, accessible, useful, and actionable digital content and resources.

When he contacted ProActif, he discovered more than just medical assistance. He received counseling as well as, most importantly, a revitalized feeling of purpose.

ProActif provided a source of optimism for him, counteracting the internalized stigma that had led him to discontinue his medicine. Through its determined attitude, the group supplied not only practical support but also the invisible force of resilience.

This story highlights the critical role that groups like ProActif Global play in combating HIV-related stigma.

They assist individuals to overcome internalized stereotypes by providing holistic support, education, and developing a sense of community.

The outfit offers a road to health, optimism, and a brighter future in the face of society criticism and stereotype.