18 TAHUN HIDUP DENGAN HIV, BANYAK SAHABAT MENINGGAL DULUAN

Summary

In this powerful and emotional video, Vito, a 36-year-old man living with HIV, shares his journey of self-acceptance and advocacy. After receiving an HIV-positive diagnosis, Vito faced both personal struggles and societal stigma, experiencing discrimination from his family and peers. Despite these challenges, he became an outspoken advocate for HIV awareness, emphasizing the importance of proper treatment and prevention. Vito now works at an HIV-focused foundation, inspiring others with his resilience and commitment to spreading knowledge about the disease. His story highlights the power of support, education, and self-care in overcoming adversity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vito is a 36-year-old man living with HIV and works at a foundation in Jakarta focused on HIV and AIDS prevention.
• 😀 Vito discovered his HIV status after participating in a free HIV screening at a university, which led to his positive diagnosis.
• 😀 Initially, Vito struggled emotionally with his diagnosis, believing HIV meant a certain death, but he later chose to embrace and share his status openly.
• 😀 He made the decision to 'open up' about his HIV status in 2010 to inspire others and show that living with HIV doesn't mean being limited.
• 😀 Vito worked in the entertainment industry and a restaurant, and during this time, he occasionally engaged in high-risk behaviors that ultimately led to his HIV diagnosis.
• 😀 His family learned about his HIV status when he was hospitalized due to Steven Johnson Syndrome, a serious side effect from his HIV medication.
• 😀 Despite family support during his illness, Vito experienced discrimination, particularly from his relatives who had limited knowledge of HIV transmission.
• 😀 Vito's health deteriorated significantly at one point, with his weight dropping from 68 kg to 43 kg, and his CD4 count falling to 30 (normal range is 500-1500).
• 😀 After opening up, Vito received messages from others newly diagnosed with HIV, seeking advice and encouragement to stay strong and hopeful.
• 😀 Vito faced significant emotional pain due to the rejection from friends and family, but over time, he became a source of inspiration for others living with HIV.
• 😀 Vito now works as an advocacy officer for an NGO focused on HIV prevention, and he encourages others living with HIV to consistently take their medication to prolong their lives.

Q & A

Why did Vito decide to open up about his HIV status?

Vito decided to open up about his HIV status not to boast but to show others that they are not alone in their struggles. He wanted to prove that people with HIV can still live active, fulfilling lives and inspire others to stay strong and seek help if needed.

What challenges did Vito face when he was first diagnosed with HIV?

When Vito was first diagnosed with HIV, he faced intense emotional turmoil, including sadness and fear of death, as HIV was seen as a death sentence at that time. He also struggled with discrimination and the pressure to keep his HIV status hidden from others.

How did Vito's family react when they learned about his HIV status?

Vito's family had mixed reactions. While they supported him during his medical treatments, there was still some discrimination due to their limited understanding of HIV. For example, Vito's family was overly cautious about him being around children and even separated his food from theirs due to concerns about transmission, despite knowing HIV can't be spread that way.

What was Vito's experience with discrimination after being diagnosed with HIV?

Vito experienced significant discrimination, both from family and society. He was rejected by some friends and colleagues, and even some family members treated him as if he was dangerous, avoiding physical contact and not allowing him to interact with children.

How did Vito deal with the stigma and isolation associated with HIV?

Vito fought the stigma by becoming an advocate for HIV awareness and opening up about his own experiences. He chose to show others that, despite being HIV positive, he could still engage in physical activities, work, and live a meaningful life.

What significant event led to Vito's HIV status becoming public knowledge?

Vito's HIV status became known when he suffered from Steven Johnson Syndrome, a severe reaction to medication, during a hospital stay. His doctors had to inform his family about his condition and HIV status due to the critical nature of his treatment.

What was Vito's physical condition when he contracted Steven Johnson Syndrome?

Vito's physical condition deteriorated significantly due to Steven Johnson Syndrome. His weight dropped from 68kg to 43kg, and his CD4 count fell to 30, well below the normal range of 500 to 1500. His skin became severely damaged, and he required special care to prevent further harm.

How did Vito's lifestyle and previous work contribute to his HIV infection?

Vito's previous work as a performer in restaurants and as an entertainer exposed him to high-risk behavior. He engaged in unprotected sex with clients, which led to his HIV infection, a choice he later regretted due to the consequences of his actions.

What message does Vito share with others who are newly diagnosed with HIV?

Vito advises those who are newly diagnosed with HIV to remain consistent with their medication. He emphasizes that HIV treatment is crucial for living a longer, healthier life and encourages those with HIV to continue participating in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.

What impact has Vito's story had on others who are living with HIV?

Vito's story has inspired many people living with HIV. He receives messages from individuals newly diagnosed with HIV who reach out for support and advice. His openness about his experiences has shown others that it is possible to live a full, active life with HIV and has helped reduce feelings of isolation among people in similar situations.