InterPress News Service (IPS) - July 9, 1998
Nhial Bol

The couple, whose names have been withheld for security reasons, were married this week in a ceremony organised by a group of AIDS workers, according to the independent daily Arabic newspaper 'Ray Al Anam'.

The paper said the bridegroom divorced his first wife when he discovered that he was HIV-positive to avoid infecting her. "When I was told by the doctor that I was HIV-positive, I immediately divorced my wife for her safety," he was quoted as saying by Sudan's secular newspaper.

It said the couple were encouraged by a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Sudanese Women AIDs Society, which offers counselling to AIDs patients, to marry and lead a normal life.

"The couple had lost hope. But after going through a series of psychological counselling, the two began to witness a dramatic change in their lives," the paper said.

"What I want is to enjoy the rest of my life," said the bride, who said she had been advised by a doctor not to have a child.

"I have chosen her as my wife. We want to support each other and stop worrying about the fear of death and community attitudes," said the husband. He said his wife lost her first husband three years ago as a result of AIDs-related complications.

He said he met the woman during a counselling meeting at Khartoum teaching Hospital. "She won my heart by the way she related her story about AIDS and how she benefitted from her experiences, which she subsequently utilised to orient people on the importance of preventive measures," the paper said.

According to a commentary in the newspaper that broke the story, the two had set an example for "thousands" of people living with AIDS in the Sudan. "We want to tell people, our colleagues, as well as health workers that HIV-positive persons can also lead a normal life. Being infected by AIDS does not mean the end of life," commented the paper.

This view was echoed by a medical doctor who said that the Sudanese society must begin to erase the stigma placed on people suffering from HIV/AIDS.

"We would like the society, AIDS sufferers and counselling agencies to change their views about the way they see AIDs victims. There is no reason why we should isolate them," said the doctor who declined to be named.

But some Muslim leaders and followers interviewed here said the couple should be punished, and not praised for their action.

Journalist Majoub Ajok said he feared the country is inching towards western culture. "We must protect our society from such attitudes..." He said if he were in the government he would have demanded the arrest of those who attended the wedding. "They should be punished to discourage another ceremony from taking place in a religious society like the Sudan". (end/ips/nb/mn/98)

980709
IP980709

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1998. 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, 1998. 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. .