₦airaland Forum

Most nights, I wait for everyone to sleep before I take my pills.

I do it quietly, sometimes with the light from my phone because I can’t bear the questions, the looks, or the whispers that might come if anyone knew.

It’s exhausting, pretending everything is fine when the truth is, it’s lonely.

Many young people like me live this way. We hide our medication. We skip doses when people are around. We carry the fear of being found out more than the fear of the virus itself.

But every missed pill makes us more prone to danger, and the virus grows even stronger, and our treatment begins to weaken.

That's why access alone isn't enough. We also need spaces where we can feel safe, supported, empathetic, and understanding that allow people living with HIV to take their medication without fear.

I dream of a Nigeria where taking ARVs doesn’t have to feel like a secret act. Instead, I dream of a Nigeria where every young person living with HIV (PLHIV) can live boldly, not in hiding.

That’s what organizations like Retroviral Solutions (RVS) stand for—delivering medications safely, privately, and on time so no one has to choose between stigma and treatment.

None of us deserve to fight this battle in silence.

So let's talk. If you had the power to change one thing about how Nigeria treats people living with HIV, what would it be?

I’m listening.

A ship sinks because of the water in it, not because the water around it.

You can't control how people react to issues but you can control your feelings towards the reactions.

immortalcrown:
Ship sinks because of the water in it, not because the water around it.

You can't control how people react to issues but you can control your feelings towards the reactions.

you are blessed bro. If he like make he no learn.

All these fake stories. Mscheew.

RetroviralS:
Most nights, I wait for everyone to sleep before I take my pills.

I do it quietly, sometimes with the light from my phone because I can’t bear the questions, the looks, or the whispers that might come if anyone knew.

It’s exhausting, pretending everything is fine when the truth is, it’s lonely.

Many young people like me live this way. We hide our medication. We skip doses when people are around. We carry the fear of being found out more than the fear of the virus itself.

But every missed pill makes us more prone to danger, and the virus grows even stronger, and our treatment begins to weaken.

That's why access alone isn't enough. We also need spaces where we can feel safe, supported, empathetic, and understanding that allow people living with HIV to take their medication without fear.

I dream of a Nigeria where taking ARVs doesn’t have to feel like a secret act. Instead, I dream of a Nigeria where every young person living with HIV (PLHIV) can live boldly, not in hiding.

That’s what organizations like Retroviral Solutions (RVS) stand for—delivering medications safely, privately, and on time so no one has to choose between stigma and treatment.

None of us deserve to fight this battle in silence.

So let's talk. If you had the power to change one thing about how Nigeria treats people living with HIV, what would it be?

I’m listening.

immortalcrown:
Ship sinks because of the water in it, not because the water around it.

You can't control how people react to issues but you can control your feelings towards the reactions.

I couldn’t agree more. It’s such a powerful reminder that protecting our peace truly takes precedence, no matter what’s happening around us. Thank you.

I don't know you and I can't judge you, just try to take your drugs in time and free your mind from issue that will disturb you.

Pwaco:
I don't know you and I can't judge you, just try to take your drugs in time and free your mind from issue that will disturb you.

Thank you for your advice. It is very much appreciated.

Saving your life first matter most than what people think or say . Don't add to your pain.. Liberate yourself

What a beautiful and vulnerable post. My heart goes out to you. HIV is a terrible 'concept' to have happened to humanity in the last 50-80 years depending on what evidence one bases one's opinion on, causing divide and stigma that has transcended culture, tradition, love and family (politics, music and media).

Any of us could contract HIV in this world we share in the course our lives so essentially it is something that shouldn't be stigmatised. There are many reasons why it shouldn't be but anyone who understands the situation agrees, once informed.

Medically, however, it is simply another virus that requires managing. It can be managed, it can be monitored and viral loads can be totally brought down. We work with specialist HIV units with public health efforts to try to dispel the many myths about this virus. Let's also remember the common cold is a virus, as are flu, and covid as well as the many other coronaviruses. We, humans, live with viruses in our lives and actually humans would not exist without the coexistence of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It's just another one and it can be managed.

Support organisations should be protected and our trust in them looked after. You're doing great.

Dr TPC @ Koyo • Download Koyo today to chat directly to a doctor for personalised medical advice

Exceed15:
Saving your life first matter most than what people think or say . Don't add to your pain.. Liberate yourself

It really hasn’t been easy, but thank you for your kind words.

DrTPC:
What a beautiful and vulnerable post. My heart goes out to you. HIV is a terrible 'concept' to have happened to humanity in the last 50-80 years depending on what evidence one bases one's opinion on, causing divide and stigma that has transcended culture, tradition, love and family (politics, music and media).

Any of us could contract HIV in this world we share in the course our lives so essentially it is something that shouldn't be stigmatised. There are many reasons why it shouldn't be but anyone who understands the situation agrees, once informed.

Medically, however, it is simply another virus that requires managing. It can be managed, it can be monitored and viral loads can be totally brought down. We work with specialist HIV units with public health efforts to try to dispel the many myths about this virus. Let's also remember the common cold is a virus, as are flu, and covid as well as the many other coronaviruses. We, humans, live with viruses in our lives and actually humans would not exist without the coexistence of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It's just another one and it can be managed.

Support organisations should be protected and our trust in them looked after. You're doing great.

Dr TPC @ Koyo • Download Koyo today to chat directly to a doctor for personalised medical advice

Thank you, Dr. TPC. You’ve said it perfectly. HIV isn’t just a moral issue but a medical one that can be managed with the right care and understanding. At RVS, we’re working tirelessly to break the stigma and ensure people living with HIV get the care, respect, and dignity they deserve. It’s conversations like this that really help spread awareness and make a difference.

RetroviralS:
It really hasn’t been easy, but thank you for your kind words.

I know bro however no one can encourage u more than yourself. Stand tall. Nothing do u I swear.

there are small pill containers you can share your daily doses into, keep the main bottles at home.

Bro,please make it paramount to always take your drugs irrespective of who is around.A bro l know too well died of it and l shed lots of tears.The other time a beautiful woman with a wide hole wanted us to have unprotected sex but l rebuked her.Am very cautious about it and want everyone to follow suits.God will help you.