“No one should have to walk this path alone.”
I come from Cameroon. A few years ago, I left my country and fled across the desert to Libya, where I lived for several years. Four years ago, I arrived in Switzerland. Today, I work in the healthcare sector, hold a B residence permit, and live with my daughter, who recently turned 18. Overall, we feel comfortable here, even though financial difficulties sometimes weigh on our daily lives.
I received my HIV diagnosis under extremely difficult circumstances. In Libya, I was in a relationship and became pregnant. My daughter was born by caesarean section, and during that procedure I received a blood transfusion. When the war broke out, I fled with her by sea. We were on a boat carrying more than a thousand people. Many did not survive the crossing. After three days, we reached Lampedusa, both of us seriously ill. In the hospital, I learned that my daughter and I were living with HIV. The virus had also been transmitted to my daughter through breastfeeding.
This diagnosis marked another deep rupture in my life. I saw no way out and attempted suicide. Only through psychological support did I slowly regain strength and hope—it gave me my smile back.
In Switzerland, I have had very good access to medical care. Since I was already receiving treatment in Italy, the transition was smooth. The doctors here take very good care of me. I did not encounter any language barriers, as I speak French and Italian.
In my community, I do not talk about my HIV status. In the African community, there are many misconceptions about HIV, and I am afraid of being excluded. That is why I withdrew strongly into myself. The support I receive comes mainly from my doctor, AIDS Help Bern, and my daughter. She is the only person with whom I can speak openly about HIV—and it is not easy for her either.
HIV strongly shapes my daily life. I live with many worries and with loneliness. Relationships have broken down after I spoke openly about my status. Living with this secret is heavy, and often I do not know whom I can confide in.
My wish is that newly arrived migrants receive early medical examinations so that infections can be detected and treated more quickly. And my message to other people living with HIV is clear: do not wait to start treatment. Today, it is possible to live well with HIV. If needed, seek psychological support—it is just as important as medication. And try to find people you can trust. No one should have to walk this path alone.
“Living with this secret is heavy, and often I do not know whom I can confide in.”
* Name changed.
Interview conducted by Regula Rabbat (AIDS Help Bern). Portrait written by Marlon Gattiker (Swiss AIDS Federation).