December 1st the world marks World AIDS day. The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is “Getting to Zero”. After almost three decades of numerous programs and strategies to deal with HIV/AIDS pandemic, this year the global Community has committed to focusing on achieving three main targets; Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS-related Deaths.”
World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take on the challenge of getting to zero. In reflecting on the three targets there is so much we can do as individuals to enable the goal of Getting to Zero.
Mother Teresa once said, “we cannot all do great things,but we can do small things but with great love”. It’s my belief that as we Mark World AIDS day, we can all begin to reflect on what things we can do to contribute towards making our country and this world achieve its milestones in strategies towards Prevention, Treatment and management of HIV/AIDS.
In no particular order, here are 5 things you can do;
TALK/COMMUNICATE; when I was young, there was a song by Salt N Pepper, “Lets talk about Sex”. Yeah.... you tube it if you weren’t born by then. Anyway, In the spirit of that song, we have to talk about sex if we are to achieve Zero New HIV infections. Lets talk to our friends, our neighbors, anyone in need of information, anyone in need of help. Lets talk about HIV. What it is, how it is transmitted, how to prevent it, what treatment options are available and where we can get it. Lets talk and make people informed about HIV/AIDS. On a more personal level, lets communicate to the people we live with and care about. The people we call family. Talk to your spouse’s/partners, Really, stop talking to the women in your chama or the men in your drinking group or the radio for pits sake and communicate to your spouse’s/partners. At the end of the day, they are the ones you go home to and expect to fix your little problems sexual or otherwise.
Talk about seeking HIV and other STI prevention strategies, Talk about the responsibilities in your relationships and commitment to each other. If We get good at talking to our spouses, then maybe we won’t seek short term solutions to our problems and maybe…just maybe, Jimmy Gathu and his calculator will vacate our TV’s and let us be.
Talk to your children. In this age and time, it is very detrimental to avoid talking to your children however young they may be. The world tells your children a lot of nasty things, you need to communicate your values, your thoughts and give direction on what is wrong and what’s right. Granted they may not always think you are right but believe me, they will use some of the thoughts and advice shared a lot when they are all grown up. Talk to your children in honesty and as consistently as you can. Talk to them about their body parts, what should be touched at what time and by whom. Statistics the world over show that majority of children are sexually molested by people they know and care about; relatives, teacher’s et al. I couldn’t stress this enough; Talk to your children.
GET TESTED; the only way to know if one is not infected is to get tested. The only way to know you are not transmitting the virus to your spouse/sexual partner/child/complicated relationship/one night stand or whatever it is you prefer to call them is if you are sure of your HIV status. Anyone who is sexually active needs to test for HIV at least twice a year…make it a habit and this is not one of those habits you regret making. Making it a part of your life rubs off on the people around you and before you know it, they are getting tested too. It’s free in this country so no excuses. Get tested.
'CONDOMISE'; Okay seriously I’m trying not to be judgmental here but you would think this is rocket science by now? Well it isn’t. judging by the number of unwanted pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Incidences, Many of us are singing in this choir but very few are actually using protection. Use a condom if you are getting in the sack with anyone whose HIV or STI status you are unaware of. Use a condom if you are not ready to be a mum or dad and do not want the children’s department summoning you for child support. One of the key ways to prevent new infections is correct and consistent use of condoms. Which are provided free in government clinics or which are sold at a very subsidized price. It’s a small cost to pay if we are to achieve some aspect of Zero New infection.
CHANGE; attitude and behavior; both yours and the people around you. Change your attitude about HIV/AIDS, your attitude about people living with HIV, Your attitude about your life with HIV, and hopefully change your friends/neighbors/peers attitude in whatever way you can. Change your risk accelerating behaviors if any, change your friends if need be, Get support systems that will enable you to make good changes in your life. This rubs off on people and before you know it, they are changing too…or leaving you alone. Change is inevitable; you just need to ensure yours is positive.
LOVE; Yourself and your neighbors. If you love yourself, you will take care of yourself, you will instill values on you that show and exude self love. Those who love themselves do not judge or discriminate other people; they show love and direction to those who need it. Those who love themselves are assured of their potential and that of their support system to constantly seek what is right for them and their family. Love yourself; love yourself enough to know your HIV status. If you are HIV negative, love yourself enough to stay that way. If you are HIV positive, love yourself enough to want to live a positive productive life. Seek help if you need it, take your 'meds' as the doctor instructs, use a condom to protect your partners and treat any ailment as soon as it comes up. Live and let live.
Feel free to add your own ideas of what one can do to this list. Go out there and make a choice or choices that will enable this country, and indeed the world achieve it’s goal of Getting to Zero, one individual at a time.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Happy birthday to me!!
Sunday 20th November, is that time of the year again when; thanks to Facebook birthday alerts, the world shall know I’m turning a year older and I shall have lots of birthday wishes from my friends…even virtual ones and I get to marvel at how many birthday wishes I get lately. It’s like everyone is cheering you on to finish the Life race Damn!!
A couple of days before my birthday, I sit in reflection and think about life…my life, taking stock of things to be grateful for…the people who I owe lots of gratitude to and I say a little prayer. 5 years ago, I didn’t think I will be here happy and jovial and without sob stories or drama. So I will break the tradition of silent gratitude and prayer and write this little tribute to myself and to the people who in one way or another influence my life every day.
There is a time in everyone’s life when something happens and you are faced with a life and death reality and the choice to survive is solely placed in your hands. I got one or two of those, scary stuff at the time; real scary stuff judging from the number of people in my life I saw running for the hills. The aftermath of it, the confusion and trauma was immense. Then just like a bad dream I saw myself sink into a hole dug so deep with my falling esteem, allowed doctors, friends, boys, men, society, and everyone who thought I had a right to listen to them give me opinions, mostly about things I couldn’t or shouldn’t do or wouldn’t achieve no matter how much i tried because it would just be a waste of time. I believed them, it was the easiest thing to do that at the time.
At the bottom of that big hole, I found ‘peace’, safety, it was quiet, there were no judgmental people in there with their prejudices and judgmental remarks, down there, there were just people like me…looking to hide, dealing with sometimes far much bigger issues. Then there was family and friends who were resilient enough to come find me in there. In the midst of that silence, I was able to listen to myself, to find out who I really am, what I really want.
I found myself, with things so clear to me; I climbed out of the hole and soaked in the sunshine once again…illuminating the sun’s rays to touch people’s lives every day. It’s a blessing being ME, I love every moment of it. I know me, I know what I want, I don’t let people define that for me, I love me, it’s ridiculous how much I love me lately, Its reflected in how people love me, I have faith and belief for good everywhere. It’s a beautiful feeling.
Someone once said; “whatever you think about and thank about, you bring about” so since I want more of these people I must acknowledge that I didn’t get here on solitary efforts. so I want to show my gratitude to;…
To God; For being patient with me even as I walked around with so much hatred for you and many others; but mostly for making it all clear to me now ‘why it had to be me’. I asked you that question a lot and now, I have utmost gratitude that I was able to go through what I went through to be who I am in service to people who need your manifestations in the simplest of ways, even if its just a smile or a hug.
To my oldest friends: If we have been friends for 10 years and above, you fall in this category, To Doris, for always being there with laughter and advice that nudges me on and demands that I do not belittle myself, for knowing I need that doze of powerpuff and supplying it every day whether I ask for it or not. To Kantai, for being around and available; throughout the confusion, the drama and for celebrating little milestones with me consistently. To my sister Deby,….your list is long! Thanks so much for your wise counsel and being my best friend. sometimes i wonder if i actually changed your diapers or that was a clone!, To Faith; Kafei, this journey started with a blog you made me write…I wouldn’t have gotten this far if you weren’t there giving me the ropes back then. To Ruth Olum, hmmm, for always showing up in times when I need you, to Joyce Musimbi, for holding my hands right from the first day and walking with me to my first appointment and making jokes to break the ice. To Rose Adem, for being my longest true friend. To Hill and Ham;for accepting me as i am, Thank you. To Brenda Ngwala, for giving me your family and home when I needed one, and showing me the value of true friendship. To Rose Jalang'o and Hellen my cousins, for the many occasions you have shared my laughter and tears.There are some friends that reached out and at the time I wasn’t too sure of who I was to even let them in, Nyasaka, Terry Obadha, Alice Nyange, Phoebe…and anyone else whose names I may have forgotten, thank you.
To my new friends; Those who have been friends with me in less than 10 years. This is the longest list. Majority of you came into my life and have assisted me a lot in finding who I am. Have listened to me talk too much, have influenced my life just by being you and have and continue to occasionally, bring the greatest of advices from which I have enriched my life. I am grateful for the parts of your life you share with me, the faith you have in me and my opinions in matters so personal to your life. To my ‘special’ buddies,(sisemi majina yenu) you know how much impact you have in my life as much as I have in yours and I am grateful everyday that your stories and your lives give me hope, life’s lessons and build me up. I won’t mention all of my new friends but to Mary for being there during my internship and afterwards, for always giving me a home when I am in Kisumu, and for your friendship, To Lenin, Lucyline and Linda, hehehe for many many memories both at work and afterwards however short the duration of this friendship, to Elizabeth, for holding my hand a lot in 08!, To Jacky wangui...long list.To M. Murenga, Margaret, Anne Wacuka, J.Wamboi,carol Mwangi, for your support both for work and beyond, To Catherine, for being an inspiration every day even as you make me your sounding board. To the Late Caro, For praying with me, and bringing me back to God, Vincent, for all the help with the car and all my silly ‘kurutu’ drama, Asante. To Moses, for being my accountability friend, for the dates and udaku at the Mutura place :-D, Mwamachi, for being resilient enough to break down all my 'barriers' to communication and being one of my best friends in 2011thanks so much for not giving up on me, S.Lagoh, for your counsel and biblical outlook to everything in life, thanks... To you Kevin, for sitting with me during the L sign days, for calling/emailing/talking to me every time about going forth and reaching my potential. Its always a blessing talking to you. To my counselor, Nancy,for being my mum and seeing through me. To Silas Njoroge, for being the first 'date' away from the bar in like forever and later being a good friend. Thank you for sharing your life, your storms and your recovery and joy for all the new beginnings..im glad I was a part of it all. To the ‘special’ guy taking me to the mountains on my birthday…….for being the certain proof that the Universe does hand down what anyone asks for. Thank you.
Obviously, this list is long, so to all of you; thanks so much for ensuring I have a big smile on my face. I turn a year older grateful and happy in the knowledge and wisdom that I have the best people in my corner.
Happy birthday to me!!
A couple of days before my birthday, I sit in reflection and think about life…my life, taking stock of things to be grateful for…the people who I owe lots of gratitude to and I say a little prayer. 5 years ago, I didn’t think I will be here happy and jovial and without sob stories or drama. So I will break the tradition of silent gratitude and prayer and write this little tribute to myself and to the people who in one way or another influence my life every day.
There is a time in everyone’s life when something happens and you are faced with a life and death reality and the choice to survive is solely placed in your hands. I got one or two of those, scary stuff at the time; real scary stuff judging from the number of people in my life I saw running for the hills. The aftermath of it, the confusion and trauma was immense. Then just like a bad dream I saw myself sink into a hole dug so deep with my falling esteem, allowed doctors, friends, boys, men, society, and everyone who thought I had a right to listen to them give me opinions, mostly about things I couldn’t or shouldn’t do or wouldn’t achieve no matter how much i tried because it would just be a waste of time. I believed them, it was the easiest thing to do that at the time.
At the bottom of that big hole, I found ‘peace’, safety, it was quiet, there were no judgmental people in there with their prejudices and judgmental remarks, down there, there were just people like me…looking to hide, dealing with sometimes far much bigger issues. Then there was family and friends who were resilient enough to come find me in there. In the midst of that silence, I was able to listen to myself, to find out who I really am, what I really want.
I found myself, with things so clear to me; I climbed out of the hole and soaked in the sunshine once again…illuminating the sun’s rays to touch people’s lives every day. It’s a blessing being ME, I love every moment of it. I know me, I know what I want, I don’t let people define that for me, I love me, it’s ridiculous how much I love me lately, Its reflected in how people love me, I have faith and belief for good everywhere. It’s a beautiful feeling.
Someone once said; “whatever you think about and thank about, you bring about” so since I want more of these people I must acknowledge that I didn’t get here on solitary efforts. so I want to show my gratitude to;…
To God; For being patient with me even as I walked around with so much hatred for you and many others; but mostly for making it all clear to me now ‘why it had to be me’. I asked you that question a lot and now, I have utmost gratitude that I was able to go through what I went through to be who I am in service to people who need your manifestations in the simplest of ways, even if its just a smile or a hug.
To my oldest friends: If we have been friends for 10 years and above, you fall in this category, To Doris, for always being there with laughter and advice that nudges me on and demands that I do not belittle myself, for knowing I need that doze of powerpuff and supplying it every day whether I ask for it or not. To Kantai, for being around and available; throughout the confusion, the drama and for celebrating little milestones with me consistently. To my sister Deby,….your list is long! Thanks so much for your wise counsel and being my best friend. sometimes i wonder if i actually changed your diapers or that was a clone!, To Faith; Kafei, this journey started with a blog you made me write…I wouldn’t have gotten this far if you weren’t there giving me the ropes back then. To Ruth Olum, hmmm, for always showing up in times when I need you, to Joyce Musimbi, for holding my hands right from the first day and walking with me to my first appointment and making jokes to break the ice. To Rose Adem, for being my longest true friend. To Hill and Ham;for accepting me as i am, Thank you. To Brenda Ngwala, for giving me your family and home when I needed one, and showing me the value of true friendship. To Rose Jalang'o and Hellen my cousins, for the many occasions you have shared my laughter and tears.There are some friends that reached out and at the time I wasn’t too sure of who I was to even let them in, Nyasaka, Terry Obadha, Alice Nyange, Phoebe…and anyone else whose names I may have forgotten, thank you.
To my new friends; Those who have been friends with me in less than 10 years. This is the longest list. Majority of you came into my life and have assisted me a lot in finding who I am. Have listened to me talk too much, have influenced my life just by being you and have and continue to occasionally, bring the greatest of advices from which I have enriched my life. I am grateful for the parts of your life you share with me, the faith you have in me and my opinions in matters so personal to your life. To my ‘special’ buddies,(sisemi majina yenu) you know how much impact you have in my life as much as I have in yours and I am grateful everyday that your stories and your lives give me hope, life’s lessons and build me up. I won’t mention all of my new friends but to Mary for being there during my internship and afterwards, for always giving me a home when I am in Kisumu, and for your friendship, To Lenin, Lucyline and Linda, hehehe for many many memories both at work and afterwards however short the duration of this friendship, to Elizabeth, for holding my hand a lot in 08!, To Jacky wangui...long list.To M. Murenga, Margaret, Anne Wacuka, J.Wamboi,carol Mwangi, for your support both for work and beyond, To Catherine, for being an inspiration every day even as you make me your sounding board. To the Late Caro, For praying with me, and bringing me back to God, Vincent, for all the help with the car and all my silly ‘kurutu’ drama, Asante. To Moses, for being my accountability friend, for the dates and udaku at the Mutura place :-D, Mwamachi, for being resilient enough to break down all my 'barriers' to communication and being one of my best friends in 2011thanks so much for not giving up on me, S.Lagoh, for your counsel and biblical outlook to everything in life, thanks... To you Kevin, for sitting with me during the L sign days, for calling/emailing/talking to me every time about going forth and reaching my potential. Its always a blessing talking to you. To my counselor, Nancy,for being my mum and seeing through me. To Silas Njoroge, for being the first 'date' away from the bar in like forever and later being a good friend. Thank you for sharing your life, your storms and your recovery and joy for all the new beginnings..im glad I was a part of it all. To the ‘special’ guy taking me to the mountains on my birthday…….for being the certain proof that the Universe does hand down what anyone asks for. Thank you.
Obviously, this list is long, so to all of you; thanks so much for ensuring I have a big smile on my face. I turn a year older grateful and happy in the knowledge and wisdom that I have the best people in my corner.
Happy birthday to me!!
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