Bisi Alimi Marks Fifteen Years Of Living With HIV Virus

Courtesy: Bisi Alimi - IG Tv

In an emotional tribute, popular gay and HIV rights activist, Bisi Alimi, marks fifteen years of living with the HIV virus.

He says he was medically diagnosed with the virus at the age of twenty-nine on 4 May 2004, in Abuja whilst attending the 'National Aids Conference.'

He says he was encouraged by friends and colleagues to take the test. Prior to that time, he says, many of his friends and previous partners had died from the disease; which made him curious of the probability that he might be a carrier, but shame and stigma did not allow him confirm his instincts. The same shame and stigma that hastened his friends' death as they weren't comfortable enough to go for treatments, in an attempt not to reveal their health status and exposing them to stigma.

He summoned courage and took the test. It was revealed that his health had been compromised with the virus. He explained the depressing feelings that ran through his mind, one would feel nothing short of empathy.

He never stayed down but channeled that energy into HIV activism, campaigns and providing protective materials such as condoms, because he wanted to save someonelse from similar situation.

Five years on, he had a re-diagnosis in London, England and commenced treatment over there; currently ten years ago as of today.

One of the many things he said that was spot on is that, we should not act nonchalant when it comes to sexual health, but see everyone as a potential carrier. That way, one will uphold every precautionary methods.

He urges with a rounding word of advice, that everyone gets tested and have a positive outlook no matter the outcome.