Mzansi’s festive season is filled with joy – weddings, imigidi, umembeso, and family celebrations light up this time of year. For those living with HIV, though, the busy schedules, constant travelling, and fear of disclosing their status can make sticking to treatment a challenge. But staying on medication is vital to keep the virus under control.
The real win is finding a way to soak in the festive fun, travel far and wide, and still prioritise your health.
HIV activist and wellness coach, Thulani Totyi from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, says when she was diagnosed with HIV, she was five months pregnant. She asked if it was possible to deliver an HIV-negative baby, and when she was told it was, she started treatment immediately.
Making health a priority
“It was that decision that allowed me to deliver an HIV-negative baby, by adhering to treatment,” she says.
She adds that the best time for her to take her medication is in the evening, around 20:00 when she knows she will be home, relaxing.
“For me hiding them was never an issue because I got to disclose to my sister same day, and for the kids, they knew them as muscle pills until they were 13 and 8 to understand when I told them about my HIV status.”
“When I receive a 30-day supply of tablets, I make sure to visit the healthcare facility for a refill when I’m halfway through, not just a few days before they finish.”
Thulani Totyi
Totyi says this also helps her have extra medication when she travels, without feeling pressured about how she will cope on the road.
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ARVs and life’s demands
Azola Sulelo, the HIV ambassador and founder of Men Panel Beating Institute from Mfuleni, Cape Town, says there are bottles available at clinics with the days of the week marked on them which help keep track of medication, especially during the busy times of the year.
He explains that although disclosing one’s status is not easy, having at least one person who knows can serve as a reminder to take treatment.
“When I was on the streets, I used to take three doses for the road, because I knew I’d be out for the whole weekend. That helped me over the years,” he says.
Sulelo adds that before coming out, he would keep his medication separate from the main house while living at the back of the property, so he wouldn’t struggle to access it.
“There were times when I would wrap them in foil for travel. It wasn’t the best choice, taking them out of their container, but those were my desperate times.”
Azola Sulelo
Overcoming barriers to HIV treatment
According to community service medical officer Dr Sisanda Mchunu from Umphumulo Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, patients can use empty containers marked with the days of the week to prevent other relatives from noticing the tablets they are taking, although this may be deceptive.
“It is imperative to ensure that patients know that they are inclined to reveal their status to their respective sexual partners.”
Mchunu explains that patients who are known to have HIV and are on treatment can be given a two-month supply of medication in November.
This ensures that patients have enough medication to prevent them from missing their visit to the healthcare facility in December, a time when many patients fail to adhere to their treatment, she says.
“Barrier contraceptives are also vital, especially at a time where there is intoxication when most risky behaviour takes place,” Mchunu notes.
No room for default
Latie Mtana, a nurse with In-School and HIV Services at Amandla Development in Samora Machel, Cape Town, says sometimes removing the branding from treatment is a choice for those not ready to disclose their status.
“Disclosing is the best choice, though, as it gives you the freedom to adhere to your treatment without fear,” he says.
Mtana explains that for some, sticking to a consistent time for taking medication can be challenging, especially when they are still new to it. Therefore, when they remember, it’s important to take the medication right away to avoid missing a dose, as this can lead to defaulting on the treatment.
“Some people default because of their lifestyle choices or social norms. In such cases, we offer support services with counsellors to understand the reasons behind these choices.”
Latie Mtana
When someone defaults on ARVs, their immune system is compromised, and their strength is significantly reduced.
“This means you might lose weight, appetite, energy, and the body’s full functionality,” Mtana explains.
Sometimes patients lose their balance when walking and become more vulnerable to other viruses due to a weakened immune system, including bacterial infections.
“When this happens, the body becomes exposed to secondary illnesses because the white blood cells and CD4 count lack the strength and ability to fight off the virus,” he says.
He adds that psychosocial and clinical support is crucial to helping individuals comply with and adhere to their medication.
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