Eswatini Woman Uses Social Media to Challenge HIV Stigma

Njabulo Ngcamphalala, a young woman from Eswatini, is openly speaking about her HIV-positive status and sharing videos of herself taking her medication on social media platforms. Her goal is to challenge the stigma and misconceptions associated with HIV/AIDS. Ngcamphalala's decision to share her story was motivated by a personal experience of rejection after disclosing her status to a partner. She hopes to create awareness and encourage others to accept their status and adhere to treatment.

Ngcamphalala's journey as an HIV advocate began after she received her diagnosis and attempted to enter a relationship, disclosing her status to her partner. However, her partner reacted negatively, and the experience was particularly difficult for Ngcamphalala. She turned to social media, where she found videos of people sharing their experiences of living with HIV, which gave her strength and encouraged her to share her own story. Ngcamphalala realized that many young people in Eswatini living with HIV had no one to turn to for support, and she decided to become a voice for them.

Ngcamphalala has experienced stigma on social media, with some people suggesting that her positive comments were influenced by her physical appearance. Some also accused her of being paid to produce social media videos advertising antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite this, Ngcamphalala continues to share her story, highlighting the need for accurate information about HIV/AIDS. She notes that some communities still believe that people living with HIV should have a particular physical appearance.

Ngcamphalala's partner at the time of her diagnosis had tested HIV-positive earlier but had not disclosed his status to her. He was already taking ART but was defaulting on his treatment. Ngcamphalala only learned about his status after she fell ill. She had expected her partner to support her when she received her positive results, but the lack of support was painful, especially since he ended their relationship.

To cope with her diagnosis, Ngcamphalala shared her story with her friends, who frequently visited her while she was studying at the University of Eswatini. She also turned to social media, where she found a community of people living with HIV who shared their experiences and offered support. Ngcamphalala's courage in sharing her story has been recognized by the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA).

Sibusiso Ngubane, Information Centre Manager at NERCHA, notes that people like Ngcamphalala play a critical role in encouraging others to accept their status and adhere to treatment. He emphasizes that accepting oneself after testing HIV-positive is essential before expecting others to offer acceptance. Ngubane also highlights the importance of addressing self-stigma, which remains prevalent among people living with HIV.

As World AIDS Day approaches, Ngcamphalala's story is a testament to the power of social media in promoting awareness and acceptance. The theme of this year's commemoration, "Ending AIDS Starts with Access," highlights the need for people living with HIV to access medication and adhere to treatment. Ngcamphalala's advocacy work is an inspiration to young people living with HIV in Eswatini, showing them that they are not alone and that there is life after diagnosis.

Key points

• Njabulo Ngcamphalala uses social media to challenge HIV stigma and promote acceptance.
• Ngcamphalala's experience of rejection motivated her to become an HIV advocate.
• NERCHA recognizes the importance of people like Ngcamphalala in promoting treatment adherence and healthy living.