Ma Swe Swe Myint’s life was a tale of two halves – one before and one after discovering her HIV status.
“In December 2002, my world was filled with joy as I was carrying my second pregnancy, fresh out of university. However, that joy abruptly turned to darkness in 2003, eight months into my pregnancy.
“The pivotal moment arrived during a routine blood test at the hospital. A nurse led my husband and me into a separate room, closing the door behind her. My heart raced as I feared the worst – AIDS. The nurse's words left me speechless, and all I could do was fight back tears as she explained the grim blood test results. The only thing I remember was her saying ‘When you're about to give birth, you'll need to take a pill that may protect the child’.
“Returning home with a heavy heart, I told my worried mother that nothing was wrong, even as tears welled in my eyes. I anxiously awaited the day of childbirth, pondering how to face the impending challenges.
“When labour pains struck, I rushed to the hospital, took the prescribed pill and hid under a blanket, ashamed of my condition. At 5am, I gave birth to a baby boy, and to my astonishment, the delivering doctor was an old high school friend, adding to my embarrassment.
“Financial difficulties piled up as my baby needed formula feeding. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when my son's blood test, taken at one and a half years old, showed promise. With a sigh of relief, I started working as a tailor to provide for my child.
“Tragedy struck in 2005 when my husband passed away. I felt my time was running out, but I summoned the strength to fight on. I believed that if there were drugs for TB, there must be hope for HIV too. In 2006, the good news finally arrived – the drugs had reached the National AIDS Programme. With thanks in my heart, I began taking Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) on 1 December 2006.
“This opportunity to live again filled me with immense gratitude. For the past 14 years, I've been a counsellor at The Union, offering support to people who have faced similar challenges. When I counsel individuals in situations akin to mine, I can speak openly and connect with them on a profound level.
From clinical consultations to laboratory testing, tracking those who falter and a highly effective TB-HIV collaborative effort, The Union’s HIV programme extends a hand to all who seek its support like Ma Swe Swe Myint.
The true heart of this programme lies in its people. The volunteer network, a tapestry woven from individuals living with HIV/AIDS, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
These volunteers, who have traversed their own challenging journeys, now stand as guides and companions to those who have recently embarked upon the path.
“To all my dear friends facing health challenges, remember that you can overcome life's ups and downs. I wish you all the strength, resilience, and a bright future ahead. Your journey, like mine, can transition from darkness to light.”