Bulus Yohanna, a person living with HIV, has transformed his personal experience into a mission to fight stigma and encourage more people to seek HIV testing and treatment.

Mr Yohanna is an HIV-positive peer educator in Pigba-Kasa, a hard-to-reach community in the Apo area of the Federal Capital Territory.

Instead of concealing his diagnosis for fear of discrimination, Mr Yohanna chose to speak openly about living with HIV, using his story to educate community members and reassure others that the virus is no longer a death sentence when properly managed.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja, he said his decision to disclose his status was driven by a desire to prevent others from experiencing the fear and isolation that often accompany an HIV diagnosis.

“When I discovered that I was HIV positive, I had two choices. I could hide because of stigma or use my experience to help others. I chose the second option because I realised many people were suffering in silence.

“People need to know that HIV is not the end of life. With early diagnosis, treatment and support, anyone living with the virus can live a healthy and productive life,” he said.

He said he now serves as a peer educator, counselling individuals and families on HIV prevention, treatment adherence and the importance of knowing their status.

According to him, one of his key responsibilities is supporting pregnant women by educating them on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

He said the sessions encourage expectant mothers to register early for antenatal care, undergo HIV testing and, where necessary, begin treatment to protect both their health and that of their babies.

“I always tell pregnant women that seeking care early can save their babies from HIV. Today, we have medicines that can drastically reduce the risk of transmission when taken correctly,” he said.

Beyond counselling, he established a support group for people living with HIV in the community, creating a safe space where members share experiences, encourage one another and discuss the challenges of living with the virus.

He said the group had helped many members overcome depression, remain committed to treatment and regain confidence to participate fully in community life.

According to him, openly sharing his story has gradually changed attitudes in Pigba-Kasa, with more residents now willing to get tested and seek medical care without fear.

He, however, noted that stigma remained a major barrier to ending the HIV epidemic, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities where misinformation and discrimination persist.

He called for sustained community engagement, increased awareness campaigns and stronger investment in peer education programmes, saying people living with HIV should be seen as partners in the response rather than victims.

He also urged the government, healthcare workers, traditional leaders and development partners to strengthen efforts to ensure that HIV testing, counselling and treatment services remain accessible to underserved communities.

“Every time someone gets tested because they heard my story, I feel encouraged. If my experience can help another person live without fear, then sharing it is worthwhile,” he said.

(NAN)