How to Fight Aids - Together
A letter to CES Kenya Alumna Mwanarabu Otswang
Dear Mwanarabu
On this World Aids Day, we take the time to think of those modern day warriors who continue their daily challenge and fight to stay alive. And those like yourself, Mwanarabu, who also campaign for justice and equal access for all to access the testing and medical support they need - we say Kudos and Thanks! You are indeed a 'front-line worker' who has dedicated her time, skills and knowledge through her own life experience, to educate and encourage others. And yes Mwanarabu - you are part of the CES family of friends. You are an inspiration to us all. The CES Kenya alumni recognize and thank you for your contributions as Treasurer of the organization. Together we can accomplish much in life.
In these challenging days of Covid19 and the ongoing HIV/Aids pandemics, we need to support each other in creative and helpful ways. We also need to demonstrate that all are loved and that all belong. I am grateful to hear from you today. You are nearing the end of your studies and there will be opportunities for you to continue your work in community health with a focus on helping others to understand the realities of the Aids pandemic. Keep us in the loop as we cheer you on!
You will see above, the photo of you and your friend and colleague, Sharon Walekhwa. It describes two people enjoying each other's company, with no barriers or discrimination due to life circumstance. It reminds me Mwanarabu, of how we fight HIV. It's together and not apart, in a spirit of cooperation and friendship. By supporting each other we say to the world, "together we are better."
In the face of COVID-19, with everyone hurting, feeling pain and loss, somehow it is people like you that continue to inspire us and give us joy. With two pandemics the struggle for recovery and survival is overwhelming. There are huge concerns over the rise of HIV Aids in Kenya, especially for newborns and children under 15 years of age, and even worse for university students age 18-25. There is so much misinformation, lack of education and funding for all those requiring prevention, treatment and care. Yet, hope lies in the hearts of all who on this World AIDS day stand for decency and humanity and are willing to engage in an all out war against this pandemic.
I appreciate very much your personal message (see below) on World Aids Day 2020. The theme of walking the journey of life together is an important theme for us to live our lives by.
"Hello CES Family, it's with great honour I am writing this letter to you. It is with much courage and energy, that I celebrate this 1st Dec World's Aids Day. It is now 26 years, since the day I was born, that I have been living with HIV. I recognize and appreciate your efforts towards making me who I am. You treat me like your own and help me to live a normal life. Even while HIV positive, when I was being stigmatized and discriminated against, you lent a shoulder to lean on; and, you still today walk the way with me. Thank you for all your encouraging words. Your support has a great impact in my life, of which I can never forget throughout my lifetime. I am humbled by your support. THANK YOU SO MUCH CES FAMILY for walking with me. I look forward to becoming a health care provider to help bring more change in the society. May God bless you all. Mwanarabu."
