12/07/2025
In the heart of Bamenda, stories of resilience and courage unfold every day. But behind these stories, a shadow looms—HIV . It manifests in the subtle actions of our community, often without a word being spoken. Imagine a friend, once warm and welcoming, now averting their gaze when they see you. They refuse to hug, to share a meal, or even to share a cup. These small acts speak volumes, reflecting a deep-seated and about HIV.
Our dedicated team is working tirelessly to break down these barriers. We partner with groups like Dialogue Structures, who engage directly with communities, spreading the message of informed choices related to HIV and stigma. We provide training for health workers to institutional stigma, ensuring that everyone receives care without .
We have a particular focus on key persons living with HIV, especially internally displaced individuals, helping them navigate their own feelings of self-stigma. Together, we create safe spaces where dialogue can flourish and understanding can grow. We’re also collaborating with the Regional Delegation of Public Health and the Regional Technical Group for HIV to amplify our reach and impact.
It's crucial to that there are worse diseases than HIV. Today, we celebrate the advances in treatment like U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), which empowers individuals living with HIV to lead healthy lives without fear of transmission. However, this is a topic for another day.
To those who stigmatize, we urge you to reflect: What if it were your loved one? Would you turn away? Would you treat them differently? It’s time to challenge our perceptions and embrace compassion over fear.
And to those grappling with self-stigma, remember that you are not . Your life has immense , and seeking support is a brave step toward healing.
