English
FrançaisICASA Young Writers Series - Winners
Jayson Yiga Edgar, Uganda
Winner - HIV (PREVENTION & PREP)
My Story
"I will never let HIV stop me"
I suppose it was the best day of my mother's life to have me in her arms on December 25, 2001..The day I was born After all, it was Christmas day. My grandmother recently told me that I made my parents happy, and hearing that makes me want to live every day because I know how important I am. As far as I can recall, everything seemed to be going well until my mother started suffering from repeated illnesses and needed to visit the hospital. She was informed that she had contracted HIV, which was not the best news she could have received from the hospital results.
At the time, HIV infection was at its peak, but treatment was limited, and it was considered a curse. My parents argued, accusing each other of adultery, and separated when I was just three years old.
My mother and I were not on any HIV medication, and this resulted in a variety of infections and illnesses. Life got so bad that we were made homeless and could not afford even one meal a day. My mother abruptly left me with a note reading: “if Jayson comes back tell him to find his way, for he has become a burden to my life, and he shouldn’t look for me,†I went crazy and had no idea where to go or who to talk to. I tried to ask some of our neighbors for assistance, but they turned me down because I was filthy and ill. They knew I had HIV because it was evident all over my body. Some people claimed I had AIDS. I was forced to sleep on the street because I had no other choice but to sleep outside.
I met a few kids who made sleeping on the street a little more comfortable and acceptable; I joined them in collecting scrap, to earn something to eat. They didn't treat me well because of my skin, and sometimes after I collected the scrap, I didn't get a fair share. They were the only family I had, so it didn't bother me as much.
My life started over be saved thanks to Ray of Hope, an orphanage that rescues street kids. HIV testing was required, so I was taken to Alive Medical Services and started medication. I’ve been in care since 2010. I've told my story to other young people in order to inspire them. This has given me hope, self-assurance, a sense of direction in life, and motivation to take my medication consistently. HIV became a part of me, I am now at ease in my own body and skin. In 2019, I even participated in a beauty pageant for young people living with HIV and was named an HIV ambassador. I want to inspire other young people living with HIV and work to end the stigma. My past experiences on the streets do not have to define my future."