English
FrançaisICASA Young Writers Series - Winners
Bero Phiona Patricia, Uganda
1st Runner up - HIV (PREVENTION & PREP)
My Story
"Recent reports say, more adolescent girls, and young women under 15 years are at risk of contracting HIV and the percentage of HIV infections amongst them is 7.6% in Uganda, and I am one of them.
I am Phiona Bero and I was diagnosed with HIV in 2016. When I graduated from high school, I got interested in a boy because I didn't have much to do at home during the long holiday before start of college. It became more of an intimate sexual relationship. Since we were in a committed relationship, I simply suggested that we get ourselves tested for HIV out of curiosity and responsibility.
We both agreed to take our initial tests separately. My results were negative, while his were positive, but he withdrew from telling me. I didn't demand his outcome because I was in love with him. Not long after, I started experiencing strange, recurring illnesses, which my mother soon noticed and suggested I get tested for HIV because she knew about my boyfriend. I was tested three months ago, I replied, and she advised me to get tested again in a loving and concerned tone.
When I found out that I was positive, I was too afraid to begin treatment because I struggled with self-stigma and constantly worried about how others would perceive me taking such medications. To relieve all the trauma, I engaged in alcohol and drug abuse to help me cope with my circumstances. Even though I knew in the back of my mind that none of this would change my situation, at this point all I was thinking about was killing myself. Living in denial only made my situation worse.
In 2019, I experienced a turning point when I attended the Y+(Young Positives) Beauty Pageant. I learned that the only time I could compete in this pageant was if my viral load was undetectable. This pushed me to start following through on my treatment plan. I made certain that I never missed a single dose, and I made every effort to be on time for my appointments. I began equipping myself with HIV-related general knowledge. Despite the stigma I experienced at home, I used the same information to begin my awareness and sensitization campaigns there before going public with my HIV status./p>
In 2021, I competed in the Y+ beauty pageant, which aims to eliminate stigma and discrimination among people living with HIV. This initiative provides a platform for young people to become leaders and change-makers in their communities by raising awareness and sensitizing people about HIV prevention and treatment through various channels.
As Miss Y+ Central 2021–2022, I have used my position to educate others, particularly about HIV/AIDS-related myths and misconceptions. I've taken part in discussions to emphasize the importance of PREP and PEP. I hope to use my story, both nationally and internationally, to touch and change the lives of all young people, regardless of HIV status."