Most young people my age worry about grades, jobs, or love.

MP3 DOWNLOAD SONG

I worry about whether I’ll be able to afford the medication that keeps me alive.

The number one fear of most AYPLHIV (Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV) is a future where we have to pay for all the daily medications and regular tests that we need to stay alive.

This fear is valid because there is real uncertainty around the future funding of HIV programmes in Nigeria. I’ve been fortunate enough to get higher education that gave me tech skills: the kind of skills that will guarantee me a steady source of income in the future. But the reality?

Most AYPLHIV don’t have the means to acquire such skills or access higher education. And even when some finally get a job, it’s often far from where they can access their medication forcing them to reject the offer entirely.

If there were more funding for HIV programmes, there could be more centers. That would mean AYPLHIV wouldn’t have to choose between a career and their health.

There’s a beauty and peace in being “normal” that AYPLHIV may never get to experience. But life can be made much easier if support structures are put in place.

That’s why I am committed to advocating for this for the rest of my life.

What about you?

If this was your life, what’s the very first change you’d want to see in Nigeria’s health system? I’m listening.