Santiago, a 15-year-old boy, visits the hospital to book a voluntary male circumcision. According to the rules, everyone who requests circumcision must undergo voluntary counseling and testing.
As a teenager who had never been in a relationship, Santiago entered the testing room believing he was HIV negative. Joking with the tester, he gave consent for the testing.
After a 15-minute wait, the tester received the results and realized that Santiago tested HIV positive. The tester then had the difficult task of delivering this news to Santiago.
Shocked and devastated, Santiago looked at the tester and insisted that the results could not be his.
What is the way forward?
Because your life is still yours — full-colour, loud music, big dreams, and now HIV as a new character in the story.
First, allow yourself to experience every emotion—shock, anger, relief, and confusion. Remember, none of these feelings are permanent, and they do not define who you are.
Consider expressing your emotions through writing, recording your thoughts, crying in the shower, or talking to a trusted friend. These outlets can help you move forward.
Secondly, it’s important to understand the basics of HIV
Learn the difference between HIV and AIDS; with today’s medical advancements, most individuals with HIV never progress to AIDS.
Familiarize yourself with the concept of “Undetectable = Untransmittable”, or U=U, which means when treatment is taken effectively, it suppresses your viral load and you cannot transmit HIV through sex.
Lastly, know that you are not alone
Approximately 1.74 million teens worldwide are living with HIV. Take a moment to absorb this: there are entire stadiums filled with people your age who are navigating similar experiences.
Thirdly, you should begin medication that will help suppress the virus. The treatment plan involves social workers as well.
Remember, confidentiality is your right. In many places, laws allow adolescents to consent to HIV care without needing a parent present, and health workers are trained to protect your privacy.
Challenges Awaiting After Testing HIV+
Taking the pill everyday
ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) needs to be taken every day, which can be challenging if you are not used to taking medication regularly.
To help establish this daily routine, consider using reminder apps, a smartwatch, or setting alarms on your phone to remind you to take your medicine.
Telling People (or Not)
Start with the safest person – someone that you can trust completely and expect reactions to vary. Give them processing time, just like you needed.
Know your environment. Sadly, stigma is real in many schools and communities. If safety is a concern, delay disclosure and lean on professional guidance.
Dating, Love & Sex
Disclosing your status to your partner can be challenging; however, remember that HIV doesn’t prevent you from dating. Practicing safe sex is essential, and informing your partner is crucial.
School & Future Plans
HIV does not revoke college dreams, sports scholarships, or careers. You can attend any university or college without facing discrimination, and no one has the right to disclose your status to any teacher without your consent.
You’re not “dirty,” “broken,” or “doomed. You’re a teenager navigating a challenging, multifaceted side-quest that life has just thrown your way.
With the right medications to support you, a resilient mindset to guide you, and a nurturing community by your side, you’ll embark on a journey to level up in ways you never imagined.
One day, you’ll look back and realize that this diagnosis taught you profound lessons in self-respect and compassion — wisdom that often takes others decades to acquire. Keep that thought close during the tough moments.
Remember, you’ve got this! A lot of people, many of whom you may not even know, are out there cheering you on every step of the way.
Registered Nurse at the Ministry of Health and Social Services – Namibia.
EN 
SW