THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DIAGNOSIS IS A REAL SHOCK

“When I received the result, my life stopped. My whole body was shaking.” A mother of four, Sylvie immediately informed her partner, who also agreed to be tested. His result was negative. She then had to learn to live with a disease that, at the time, was still widely perceived as a death sentence. “A member of my family had already started organizing my funeral,” she recounts. “But I knew I was going to survive. It took time, but I accepted the disease and understood that with a little discipline, I could continue to live.”

At that time, people living with HIV were heavily stigmatized. Out of fear of rejection, Sylvie kept her HIV status a secret for many years. "In the end, the illness hurts less than the rejection and mistrust," she confides. "Many people still associate HIV with prostitution, which is completely false."

Over time, she decided to turn her experience into a strength. She began advocating for the rights of people living with HIV, before becoming a counselor at a support center for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Today, as a community mediator within an NGO supported by a grant from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Sylvie assists patients in accessing healthcare services and provides them with psychosocial support.

Community mediators also play a vital role in preventing treatment interruptions, which can lead to treatment failure or the development of resistance to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. "I use my own story to show people that you can live with HIV and lead a normal life," she explains.

In February of that year, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Republic of Congo received more than 27 million euros, or about 18 billion CFA francs, from the Global Fund as part of the project to strengthen the national response against HIV and tuberculosis.

This funding aims to improve access to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria prevention, testing, and treatment services, while sustainably strengthening the health system. Particular attention is being paid to pregnant women to increase their access to antiretroviral treatment.

During the lockdown implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching people living with HIV became particularly difficult.“We organized ourselves to ensure continuity of treatment,” explains Sylvie. “With travel restricted, we went directly to patients’ homes. We wanted to avoid any interruption of treatment at all costs, as the consequences can be fatal. My testimony during counseling sessions is very important. My experience gives hope to others.”

THE PANDEMIC HAS ALSO WORSENED THE PRECARIOUS SITUATION OF MANY FAMILIES.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the precarious situation of people living with HIV and their families. Deprived of income after losing their jobs, many found themselves in a highly vulnerable position. “The food kits distributed by UNDP were invaluable support for people who could no longer afford to feed themselves,” explains Sylvie. “The pandemic has intensified the difficulties faced by many families. Some children were even abandoned after the death of their parents, victims of the prejudices and misconceptions that still surround HIV.”

DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES, SYLVIE REMAINS OPTIMISTIC.

“I am convinced that considerable progress has been made over the last decade. We are still alive because the efforts of the State, partners and community actors continue. We must avoid self-stigmatization.”

No one should exclude themselves. Feeling supported by healthcare services and public authorities is essential psychologically. Today, the fight against HIV continues with new challenges, but the stigma is gradually diminishing. As for me, I no longer want to hide.

The national response to HIV and Tuberculosis benefits from the new 2024-2027 funding cycle of the Global Fund (GC7).

Signed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this €32,659,607 grant aims to halve new HIV infections by 2027, reduce AIDS-related mortality, improve access to prevention and treatment services, remove human rights and gender-related barriers, and strengthen tuberculosis care. The program also includes enhanced social support for people living with HIV and the most vulnerable populations.