30-Year Peace Corps Nigeria Reunion

An incredible time I had reconnecting with my dearest friend Safiya with whom I stayed when returning to Awe, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, in Spring 2024 after 30 years!

Peter took me to meet and talk with his village leaders, and to share my statement of living with HIV since ‘93 when I contracted it in Nigeria, still living because of amazing medication. Peter wanted them to hear it from me.

The beautiful elderly woman recalled ‘Jamila’ (my Nigerian name back then) and was grateful for no more guinea worm!

We learned there are people who believe a corn cob around a dog’s neck will prevent rabies if bit.

Peter Zaki had invited my dear friend Safiya and I to help with health education efforts at the Gidan Ihuman clinic where he works. Peter specifically wanted me to share about living healthily with HIV for 30 years because I take my antiretroviral medications daily. The health education event was for pregnant and parenting women to learn about HIV and more as there was information provided about UTIs, hepatitis, ulcers, etc. 

Even on the day we were there, a pregnant mother tested positive for HIV. I was able to speak with her and husband to try to encourage them to follow through on going to Awe to seek confirmation plus the onset of medication. I gave them the necessary naira so that transportation cost would not be an issue for them.

Up till when I left, they had not pursued any follow up and I learned instead they decided on traditional medicine via the maternal father-in-law. This makes me want to cry because HIV can only be managed by antiretroviral medication. The traditional medicine will not work. There’s a high likelihood their baby will be born with HIV and a high likelihood the whole family will die in a matter of time. I hold hope for them and others affected by HIV in the community as people like my friend Peter Zaki continue their efforts to educate. Peter and his colleagues are trying to increase acceptance of and compliance with HIV medication.

Nigeria has HIV antiretroviral medication available for free since 2006, but there’s still education needed to dismantle beliefs not based on science. Fear and stigma play their roles too which Peter and his colleagues try to help people overcome with education and support. Lastly, there’s the obstacle for those in rural and remote areas to get to the larger towns and cities where the medication is accessed.  

 

My dear Aminiyata Safiya wrote, “On behalf of my humbled self, my Husband, Amarya, Kubra, Juwairiyya, Rukayya, Safiyya, Idrees and Jibril sincerely wish to appreciate the one month you have spent with us eating together and sleeping together. You are an exceptionally good person with the heart of gold, the family is missing you dearly. May Allah replenish all you spent for the purpose of this reunion in folds.”