I Would Hide Behind the Crowd

“I remember taking the medications since I was a child and I never understood why,” says 21-year-old David Kerio, living in northern Kenya. “My mother also died when I was young, so my grandmother raised me. I never knew my father.

“Growing up, I questioned my existence and often would default on my antiretroviral medication. No one explained to him what the drugs he was taking were for, so I figured that they were hiding something from me, and I would refuse to take them.”

David realized the consequence of not taking his medication in high school when an opportunistic infection took hold.

“When I went to the hospital, they found I had TB and was defaulted on ART [antiretroviral therapy]. At that time, I was introduced to health officers working with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation who disclosed my HIV-positive status. They helped me accept it, and adhere to ART. They have been valuable mentors on this journey,” says David. “I have never fallen back since.”

David pictured with EGPAF colleagues. (Photo taken before COVID-19 and related social distancing protocols)

David has attended several trainings through the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF); he uses those skills to help other adolescents living with HIV as a peer educator at the Lodwar County Referral Hospital in .

“As a peer educator, I give them advice and counsel them on the importance of adhering to their medication. For those that default on their medication, I follow-up with them personally at their homes. Most times, those clients who miss appointments are still not comfortable opening up about their status, so I usually find a way of making them my friends so they can be free enough to open up about their challenges,” says David.

“Early in my HIV journey, I would hide behind the crowd. Today, I am able to speak about the issues adolescents and young people face at meetings. I have felt empowered. EGPAF has also allowed me to do some work at the hospital, which keeps me busy when I am not in college. At this job, I am always learning new things,” explains David.

After school, David hopes he can continue working in the HIV space and particularly with young people in vulnerable situations, because he knows what it is like growing up with HIV in a vulnerable household.

“I am better off than so many others who, due to their vulnerability, have dropped out of school because their caregivers cannot afford the fees. These people need motivation from those in this community who have faced and overcome similar hurdles in life. They also need assistance with school fees so they can achieve their dreams. The doctors, pilots of tomorrow, can come from us if given the chance,” explains David.

Tomorrow begins today. A bright tomorrow begins with you adhering to your medications; with adherence, you can accomplish your goals.

David’s advice to other young people living with HIV: “Tomorrow begins today. A bright tomorrow begins with you adhering to your medications; with adherence, you can accomplish your goals.”