Peer educators in a mountainous district of Nghe An
(Baonghean.vn) - Addicted to drugs and HIV, when life reached a dead end, they thought of death. With the desire to reintegrate into the community, they became counselors participating in peer groups, accompanying the health sector in helping those who have made mistakes to rebuild their lives.
Find a chance to be normal again
Lo Thi L. – one of the new members joining the grouppeerSao Va, Que Phong district came to see us in a very happy state. The woman born in 1995, although not yet 30 years old, has a mature and experienced face. Those are also the remaining traces of her after many years of being addicted to drugs and HIV/AIDS.
"I lost my mother at the age of 19 and then went downhill" - Lo Thi L. began her story like that. L. also said that her situation at that time was not so tragic because even though she lost her mother, her sister still had her uncle and grandparents, but due to the whirlwind of drugs that swept through the village, and she herself was a person who loved to play and compete, she was caught up in this addiction without knowing it.
After more than 4 years of being “friends with the brown fairy”, including more than 3 years of struggling with severe addiction, L. understands the suffering of those who accidentally get addicted to this dangerous addictive substance. It is a poison that every time he has an attack, no matter the scorching sun or the pouring rain, L. still has to rush out to the street to find drugs to satisfy his addiction.
L.'s life only started to return in 2018, when L. was counseled and instructed by members of the Sao Va peer group to use Methadone. Thanks to taking the medication consistently, L. gradually stopped her addiction and distanced herself from drugs. L. also said she was lucky because when her life became extreme, she became addicted and was infected with HIV from her partner, but then L. still found a lover to build a family. Now, although both are still sick, taking Methadone and ARV treatment, both are completely healthy and live in harmony with everyone.
On her journey back to reintegration into the community, L. also said that she thanked her grandparents, her family and especially her mother-in-law who always loved her and was willing to forgive all her mistakes. More specifically, L.'s mother-in-law was also the one who encouraged L. to become a member of the Sao Va peer group to advise and help addicts or people with HIV in the area.
Talking about this, Lo Thi L. added: "I received a suggestion to join the peer group from the Sao Va group leader at the end of September 2022 and officially started working from October 2022. During the time of making the decision, I was worried because I was afraid that I could not take on the responsibility. But my mother-in-law encouraged me and told me to be bold because if I did well, I could help many people. My current task is to be in charge of addicts or infected people in Tien Phong commune."
In addition to counseling, I also guide them to register for Methadone to improve their health, life and reduce HIV infection in the community. For me, this is very important, because I think that if I am healthy, I have the opportunity to return to life, can do many other jobs to support myself and my family.
Stand up with meaningful work
“I am Lo Van Nh., a member of the Sao Va peer group. This is the first time I have stood in front of such a large crowd, as a community outreach worker, to tell my story, to express my thoughts – as an HIV-infected person” - More than a year ago, at a launching ceremony on HIV/AIDS prevention and control, Lo Van Nh., one of the first members of the Sao Va peer group, was not afraid to talk about his dark times.
Lo Van Nh. shared: "I have known drugs since I was 16 years old, a pump was passed around in a group of 7-8 people, when it was my turn, the drug-mixing water in it had turned red because it was mixed with other people's blood. I think I was exposed to HIV from playing like that. When I knew my test results, I was very calm, not because I was strong or sober, but because I had no knowledge about HIV, I was reckless and defiant. I did not go for treatment until I discovered my health was deteriorating. My parents could hardly stand when they heard this news."
Nh. also said that when he knew he was sick, HIV was still a pain that had to be hidden. Nh. himself never thought he would be discriminated against until one time he went to his relative's house, a person who knew he was HIV positive. After sitting down to drink water and talk, he accidentally saw his family members using a plastic bag to wrap the cup he had drunk from and throw it in the trash. That scene made him collapse because he felt discriminated against.
"At that time, I decided to hang myself, to end my life. When my mother discovered my actions, she cried and said that life was hers. "I have to live well. I have to make amends for my mistakes. Why would I seek death?" At that moment, I suddenly woke up, wanting to live a normal life like everyone else, without being scrutinized or discriminated against because I was HIV positive."Mr. Lo Van Nh. shared.
Life returned to Nh. when he started using Methadone, taking ARV regularly to maintain his health. Then, seeing his desire to reintegrate, he was introduced by medical staff in the district and joined the Sao Va group, a group that received financial and technical support from the Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI).
During its operation, the group received favorable conditions from the local government and was coordinated and collaborated with by medical facilities. After more than 3 years of working with the group, Mr. Lo Van Nh. has now become a key member in charge of the 3 most difficult and hottest areas of Que Phong district: Dong Van, Que Phong town and Chau Thon.
The regular tasks of Nh. and his group members are to distribute supplies, communicate, and provide advice on the harmful effects of drugs and HIV prevention. In addition, he also supports people at risk of HIV testing, refers them to health services, and helps people infected with HIV adhere to treatment to prevent HIV transmission and end the AIDS epidemic.
The number of drug addicts and HIV-infected people in Que Phong district continues to increase and is quite complicated. There are cases where people who have had unsafe sex with HIV-infected people call for help, we have to go immediately, even in the rain and wind. At this time, we will quickly test, advise and give them medicine to avoid exposure.
- Mr. Lo Van Nh., member of Sao Va peer group, Que Phong district
Mr. Lang Chung Hien - an officer of the Population Department (Que Phong District Health Center), Head of Sao Va Peer Group said: "Although the group was newly established, it has helped hundreds of people infected with HIV in the area access treatment drugs. This work is really hard and dangerous, but they always try because more than anyone else, they are people in the same situation, understand the feelings of people infected with HIV and their desire to return to normal life."
As for Ms. Lo Thi L. and Mr. Lo Van Nh., they also confided that they are grateful for the work that Sao Va group brings. That not only creates opportunities to help people in the same situation but also helps them see that they are still useful, have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Moreover, they are making efforts to spread messages about HIV prevention and transmission, at the same time, speaking out to reduce stigma against AIDS in the community.