Spread the knowledge, not the virus
Murad*, 40, first tested positive for HIV more than three years ago. “The analysis in jail was taken simply by one syringe from five infected [inmates],” he explains, noting that the results were often confused and that healthy people were often transmitted the disease in the process of the testing. “I question whether I was HIV positive or it was a medical error," says Murad. Regardless of whether he was HIV positive at the time, he is now as he was immediately transferred to a cell for HIV positive prisoners.
In Azerbaijan, many people still refer to HIV as “the dying disease” in part because those who are diagnosed and start the treatment rarely see it through and end up dying within a short period of time. "Almost all of my relatives mentally buried me as soon as heard about my diagnosis,” says HIV activist.
In Azerbaijan, many people still refer to HIV as “the dying disease” in part because those who are diagnosed and start the treatment rarely see it through and end up dying within a short period of time. "Almost all of my relatives mentally buried me as soon as heard about my diagnosis,” says HIV activist.
“The world is crumbling instantly [especially] when everyone turns away from you,” says Murad, noting that even his family members keep their distance. “My mom still keeps bath accessories and nail files away from me. Even through I have explained to her that HIV is not transmitted in this way," he says.
Murad is one of the nearly 4,500 confirmed cases of people living with HIV in Azerbaijan. He knows firsthand how hard it is to live with the virus, the stigma and stick with the medical recommendations.
"Over the last five years, the lives of HIV positive people have been dramatically changed,” says Murad. “[When I was first diagnosed], the cure consisted of a pile of drugs with terrible side effects: dystrophy, nausea, sleep problems. I turned yellow, lost weight, sometimes [I even] suffered from hallucinations. Later, I learned that if the medicine does not fit, you can pick a different course. But no one told me that before I asked about this possibility," remembers Murad, thanking World Vision for passion to diffuse proper and non-mythical information about HIV and its treatment.
Today, Murad is employed; but he has to hide his status. He is afraid of being fired. “It is illegal to discharge for ailment, but there is always a chance to be fired for another trivial cause,” complains Murad, explaining one of the times he was rejected outside of work. “When I told my barber that I am HIV positive and asked him to change the razor after shaving, he started shivering and refused to serve me,” he says with a laugh, pointing to his beard.
Murad first learned of World Vision and the organization’s “Struggle against AIDS” programme two years ago from a friend. His friend told them that there was a centre where he could share his experience with other infected peers and get more information about the virus. People come to the centre to learn about the diagnosis and how to live with the virus.
World Vision Azerbaijan provided local partners and organizations focused on preventing spread of HIV in Azerbaijan, informative publications, manuals and equipment. To prevent the spread of HIV among the young population, World Vision is also working with UNAIDS, the Global Fund and the Ministry of Health to develop a National Strategy Plan (NSP) on HIV prevention for 2014-2018. World Vision contributed largely due to the organization’s comprehensive experience and international expertise of protecting people from HIV and AIDS. World Vision has shared it’s experience and the gaps it has identified in coverage facing Azerbaijani migrants due in part to some of the weaknesses of HIV policies and practices.
World Vision Azerbaijan provided local partners and organizations focused on preventing spread of HIV in Azerbaijan, informative publications, manuals and equipment. To prevent the spread of HIV among the young population, World Vision is also working with UNAIDS, the Global Fund and the Ministry of Health to develop a National Strategy Plan (NSP) on HIV prevention for 2014-2018.
Today, Murad helps other people living with HIV and AIDS and invites them to World Vision’s trainings on how to tackle the problem and live with the virus. “It is believed that conversation with a man who suffers the same diagnosis might be useful and effective,” says Murad. “I strive to engage more people around this centre. It is vital to wish and believe. Sometimes, I even organize information sessions in HIV centres, not related with World Vision’s project. I act as a peer educator, a symbol of hope. Last year I contacted a HIV-positive [person I knew from jail] and involved them in the trainings,” he says.
Thanks to the trainings and improved treatment, Murad knows his life is far from over. “I do want to get married and realise that the virus is not obstacle if you have clear vision and knowledge. [Having a] family will change my life for the better and grant me more strength. I can not rest until I know that knowledge and familiarity about HIV (even among HIV carriers) has changed for the better,” affirms Murad.