Our mission to continue educating community members on reducing HIV/AIDS stigma took the Mike Yanou Foundation team to the Limbe Camp, where we engaged members on this issue. In small communities like this where intermarriages, promiscuity, and carelessness can lead to the unknowing spread of the virus, education and awareness is crucial.
With quiet attention and gentle devotion, the members of the Limbe camp gave the Mike Yanou Foundation their eyes as we enlightened them on reducing HIV/AIDS stigma within communities and promoting social cohesion.
Our lengthy discussion covered; an understanding of HIV/AIDS, dismantling myths surrounding the virus and how we can work together to ensure HIV reduction and a stigma-free environment.
The community members were engaged and curious, asking thoughtful questions that sparked meaningful conversations.
Some of the questions included;
“If someone takes their drugs for HIV, are they healed completely?”
“Is it possible for my wife for example with HIV who is pregnant to give birth the child and the child is also affected?”
“Why do they ask you who is suffering from hepatitis B to take HIV test?”
“How long can one take the Antiretroviral drug?”
“For the stage for menopause can they still get HIV?”
As we concluded the session, we received valuable suggestions from the community members. One emphasized the importance of educating healthcare practitioners about the sensitivity of the topic and the need for confidentiality.
Another suggested that we conduct HIV testing in the community. We are committed to continuing this important work, educating communities, and promoting a stigma-free environment.
