Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies - 29 October 2003
Pekka Reinikainen in Munyonyo, Uganda
But the tears are not sad. They are tears of gratitude as he reflects on his experiences since he learned he was HIV positive in 1996.
"My mother, my cousins, my childhood and university friends all supported me and extended their continuous friendship and love to me even after hearing that I was HIV positive," he says.
"I remember one of my friends deliberately sharing a glass with me just to show that nothing had changed to how we were before. The symbolism of this single act was very powerful for me," Ramon explains. And, very importantly, Ramon's partner also chose to continue to stay with him.
Despite this support, the shock of the news led him to stay at home for more than a year. He tried working after that but soon returned to the shelter of home when his employers, like most employers in the Dominican Republic, got him to take a blood test. The only job he could get was as an accounting assistant because his employers didn't require a blood test. But it was very poorly paid.
"I did it for three months, but then I had to surrender. I was used to having good jobs. That was, maybe, the low tide of my life. What I had on my horizon was basically a series of dismal jobs like this. Little did I know that change was already knocking on my door," he says.
Ramon is wearing a Dominican Red Cross shirt. Since 2000, he has been working for the Red Cross in the Dominican Republic as a national youth project coordinator at its headquarters.
He began working there after gaining experience in HIV/AIDS support work through a national network of people living with HIV/AIDS - REDOVIH+ (Red Dominicana de Personas Viviendo con VIH/SIDA) and GIPA (Greater Involvement with People Living with AIDS). All of this had come about through a friend who had told him about such organizations.
There are about 160,000 HIV positive people in the Dominican Republic. In a country of eight million, this gives the country a national prevalence rate of 2 per cent. Although prevalence rates are supposed to have leveled off in the country, Ramon believes the numbers of people with HIV are rising.
"Through my work I see new, young positive faces every day. I suspect that the epidemic is still spreading. In my country, people are very happy to have sex. They are more aware of how to use condoms, how to protect themselves. I just fear that the hot blood of youth may lead into passionate situations where rubber is not on top of the agenda. Sorry, but that's how it is," he smiles almost apologetically.
In his efforts to make sure HIV doesn't take a firmer grip in the country, Ramon visits schools and youth groups across the country to speak to them about the disease. The youngsters usually have a hard time believing that he is HIV positive. He just looks too "healthy".
"It is so good that they have these doubts. I do not produce a doctor's certificate, but they do believe me to be positive. Through this belief, they understand that there is no way to distinguish between HIV positive and negative people just based on how they look," he says.
Ramon's greatest information challenge is his own 12 year old daughter. "I am explaining things to her stage by stage in the hope of letting her have enough information in time. It will not be too long before she will be interested in someone who will become dear to her..." he trails off.
He has already contributed much to the HIV/AIDS efforts in his country. But attending the conference in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, has given Ramon much more to take back home with him.
"Next month we will train a total of 100 peer educators in five different provinces. Next year we will have 100 more. Thanks to all the information, new skills and sharing of experience that I have been part of during this conference, I will go back with much more knowledge and much more power to make things happen for the Dominican youth," Ramon concludes.
031029
IF031007
Copyright © 2003 - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IFRC Contact.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .