The Integrated Track, Test, Treat and Retain (i3TR) service is one of CIHP’s strategies for finding people living with HIV in her HIV treatment and care program. The i3TR conduct index testing which involves testing sexual partners and biological children of people living with HIV also known as indices. The test is done strategically because the index and the people in his/her immediate surrounding are tested to avoid raising suspicion/defense by the index. The tests are presented as small scale door-to-door
36-year-old Khadijat, a single mother, is a beneficiary of the (i3TR) project. When Khadijat began to fall ill incessantly in early 2021 she thought it was because she wasn’t feeding well but the illness only got worse despite her dietary modifications. Khadijat took several tests except a HIV test but none of the results explained the incessant diarrhea and her drastic and continuous weight loss.
Though she suspected that she may be living with HIV, Khadijat’ s phobia for HIV made her to avoid the HIV test.
“I believed that HIV is the worst thing that could happen to anyone. I made up my mind that I would rather die than find out that I am living with HIV. I didn’t want to be labelled” she said.
She stayed indoors in her home in Opopocho Oboroke-Ihima community of Okehi LGA of Kogi state for several months until she was too ill to work or go anywhere.
In August 2021, an i3TR service provider, Mariam Oiza was conducting index testing in Opopocho Oboroke-Ihima when she found Khadijat. Mariam offered Khadijat HIV testing Services but she vehemently refused to be tested.
I counseled her about her health and the need to know her HIV status. I assured her that her test will be treated in a confidential manner and that she can live a long and healthy life with HIV through the use of the life-saving antiretroviral medicines,”
Mariam Oiza- i3TR service provider
After her fears were allayed, Khadijat eventually agreed to take the test. The test result was HIV positive and she immediately started taking HIV medications.
Khadijat’ s fear and hopelessness were converted to a determination to stay alive to take care of her only daughter. With constant encouragement, she is finding the courage to live positively with HIV. She has returned to her provision selling business with passion and vitality.
“I stayed away from knowing my HIV status for fear of being HIV positive, I made up my mind to remain indoors and die, but my encounter with Mariam marked the turning point,” she said.
