'When people with HIV taught me about determination and compassion...'

SKĐS - Pham Van Dung (officer of the Department of Health Education and Communication, CDC Phu Tho) has been involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and control for more than 10 years. Through each story and each meeting with HIV-infected people, he realized that they were the ones who taught him about determination, compassion and how to live a meaningful life amidst challenges...

In the early years of working in HIV/AIDS prevention and control, Pham Van Dung (born in 1987, currently working at the Department of Health Education and Communication, CDC Phu Tho) simply thought that his job was to propagate, support, and help HIV-infected people stabilize their mental health and lives. But after many years of contacting, listening to, and accompanying them, he realized that it was HIV-infected people who taught him many things about determination, sympathy, and humanity.

"Many people with HIV do not surrender to fate, still live positively, work, help each other and spread the spirit of overcoming difficulties, making me understand that my job is not just a profession, but a journey to learn how to listen, understand and appreciate the strength of people who have been prejudiced by society," said Mr. Dung.

Mr. Pham Van Dung has been involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and control for more than 10 years, directly consulting, supporting and accompanying people infected with HIV on their journey to overcome inferiority complex, live healthy and integrate into the community.

Talking about the first time he came into contact with an HIV-infected person, Mr. Dung still remembers that it was a young woman who came for treatment when the disease had progressed to AIDS. Thin, confused and constantly crying, she almost collapsed because she did not understand why she had the disease. "Her husband died a few years ago, no one knew the cause. When I met her, I saw that she not only had the disease but also carried a heavy burden of fear and loneliness," Mr. Dung recalled. It was that moment that made him realize that behind HIV/AIDS were very vulnerable people who needed sympathy and sharing.

During his career, he met and counseled hundreds of HIV-infected people in various circumstances. One of his most memorable experiences was visiting Vinh Quang Prison (formerly Vinh Phuc Province) to periodically examine and treat HIV-infected prisoners.

"I met a very special woman, carrying the HIV virus but still full of energy, confidence and always thinking of others. She said that even though she was in prison, she still wanted to share knowledge and encourage people in the same situation so that they would not give up," he said. It was that optimistic spirit that moved him and made him believe that human willpower can overcome all limits. Dung then made an appointment with the woman, when she returned, to join the peer group and continue spreading positive messages to the community.

Mr. Pham Van Dung discussed with Ms. Nguyen Thuy Hang (Head of the Last Sunshine Club) about the communication plan on HIV prevention for club members.

Looking back over the past ten years, Mr. Dung has seen a big change in social awareness of HIV/AIDS. "In the 2010s, when the HIV epidemic was still complicated, people infected with the disease were discriminated against a lot. But now, thanks to the media, humane policies and medical advances, the community understands better and is more willing to accompany," he said. According to Mr. Pham Van Dung, that change is not only in knowledge, but also in attitude: People are ready to support testing and treatment, not avoiding it like before.

However, the most difficult thing, according to him, is the psychological barrier within HIV-infected people: "Many people are self-conscious, hide their illness, and are afraid of being discovered. At that time, we have to be patient, respectful, and share sincerely so that they feel safe. Only when they trust, will the counseling and treatment be effective."

Mr. Pham Van Dung in a propaganda session on HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

Mr. Dung shared that what made him more attached to the job of consulting and supporting people with HIV was the strong, determined and optimistic life examples of the people he accompanied and came into contact with. He told about a woman who used to be a prostitute, but after discovering the disease, she overcame her inferiority complex, studied, and then became an active collaborator in a peer group, helping many others. Or a man who used to be a drug addict, now becomes the leader of a propaganda group, every day distributing condoms, clean needles and encouraging people to get ARV treatment. "They devote all their time and energy to helping the community - something that many healthy people may not be able to do," he said.

According to Mr. Dung, it was these people who had made mistakes and were forgotten by society that helped him understand more deeply about compassion and tenacious vitality. They gave back through their own life stories and real experiences, proving that HIV cannot take away one’s dignity and will to live.

To those living with HIV, Mr. Dung just wants to send a simple message: HIV is not the end. If they adhere to ARV treatment, they can absolutely live healthy, work, build a family and contribute to society. The most important thing, according to him, is to believe in yourself and not discriminate against yourself.

He also hopes that the community will be more open to people with HIV, seeing them as people living with a chronic disease that can be controlled. "When society eliminates stigma, gives them opportunities and respect, that is also the way we help them truly live and help the community be more compassionate," Mr. Dung shared.

See more videos of interest:

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/khi-nguoi-nhiem-hiv-day-toi-ve-nghi-luc-va-long-nhan-ai-169251108095420157.htm