Unfortunately, many countries still maintain entry restrictions for people living with HIV, whether for studies or work.
I no longer have the hatred I used to have for my friend, but I still have that trauma from before, and when I think back to that time, I cry.
Last year I had the pleasure of being part of Dandelions Movement writing workshop that brought more healing than I anticipated. Once upon a time I did enjoy writing - in my youth, when I had time.
It was from the second class that I really understood that I am HIV-positive. Since then, nothing was the same as before.
HIV was transmitted to me by my mother at birth. I cannot explain to you how my transmission took place because I myself have no idea.
The stigma is real, but over time I've learned to love myself, I've started to seek out communities of people living with HIV and I've been relieved to know that I'm no longer alone.
In my home country Burundi there are 13.24 million people of which 2.9% are living with HIV. This means 383,000 people! Many of them still do not have reliable access to HIV treatment and HIV stigma and prejudices are still widespread throughout Burundi.
I believe that by being open about my experience, I can help dismantle the myths and misconceptions about living with HIV. Every life has those pivotal moments, the ones that change everything.
Having navigated the challenges of living with HIV, I've experienced firsthand the stigma and misconceptions surrounding this virus.
Living with HIV, my biggest fear isn't the virus itself; it's the fear of losing control over my own narrative.