LUSAKA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Had it not been for the support she received from her peers, Catherine Chanda would not have recovered from the deep depression that resulted from learning about her HIV status.
"I had gone for a check-up at a hospital where I was advised to among other things undergo an HIV test. The results of that test left me shattered to a point where I contemplated taking my life," recounts 44-year-old Chanda.
It has been six years since she tested positive for HIV, and Chanda has lived to become one of the most sought-after HIV counselors in the Makeni area of Lusaka, Zambia's capital.
"It is all because I was encouraged to join a support group under Circle of Hope where I underwent extensive counseling. I later received training in psychosocial counseling, so I could help others," she revealed.
Support groups have continued to play an important role in the lives of individuals living with HIV in Zambia, particularly those from low-income settings.
Through education and sensitization programs, these groups have contributed immensely to reducing stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV in many Zambian communities.
According to Mphaso Phiri, a member of a support group at Sekelela Project, an initiative that aims to empower HIV positive individuals in Lusaka's Ng'ombe compound, support groups have been instrumental in ensuring that HIV-positive persons are not discriminated against by their families or the wider community.
"It is because of these groups that communities have come to appreciate the fact that individuals living with HIV are normal human beings capable of contributing to society greatly," said Mphaso, 21, who is HIV positive.
And Bertha Gamela, programs manager at Sekelela project, explained that the emotional support that support groups provided to members also ensures that they adhere to medication, thereby enabling them live longer.
"It is good to note that many more individuals are seeking help from HIV support groups. What we need to work on now is to encourage more HIV positive individuals to openly talk about their status so that others that test positive can freely seek help," Gamela said. Enditem
