From stigma to strength: Reason Mhlanga’s journey to become an advocate
By Alice Mudzingwa
In the early 2000s, HIV /AIDS was a taboo topic in Zimbabwe, with many people suffering in silence due to stigma and discrimination.
However over the years, the country has made a significant progress in fighting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) with more people openly disclosing their health status and seeking treatment.
Meet Reason Mhlanga, a 23 year old HIV advocate on TikTok known as thick_nation_11, who was diagnosed with HIV at birth. She grew up sickly but, it wasn’t until teen age that she found out challenges with her health status. Born HIV positive, whispers that she would die because she had AIDS nearly had her losing it.
Follow Mhlanga’s story on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMroLGU3q/
The initial shock and fear gave way to determination and Mhlanga has become an advocate for HIV awareness, using her story to educate others and to break stigma.
Some youths have also joined the initiative to free themselves from societal stigma.
Mhlanga spoke of self-stigma, which is equally a withdrawal for success.
According to the Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) Stigma Index Report of 2023, Zimbabwe Stigma INDEX 2.0 Report findings indicated that stigma had increased since the report. Currently stigma is at 69.7%, compared to 65.5% recorded in the 2014 Stigma INDEX Report by ZNNP+.
“Self –stigma is like a shadow that follows you everywhere, whispering negative thoughts and doubts. It’s the internalised voice that tells you ‘You’re not good enough, you’re flawed or you’re unworthy’. But it’s time to confront that shadow, to challenge those thoughts and to reclaim your self-worth’,” said Mhlanga.
She said by disclosing her status she is helping another person who has not accepted who they are and what they can achieve.
“When we internalise stigma, we become our worst critics. We hide, we deny, and we suffer in silence. But the truth is we are not our condition. We are not our diagnosis. We are so much more than out struggles. Let’s break free from self –stigma and embrace our true selves, imperfections, and all,” said Reason.
Another young person, Janet Bhila, an outgoing coordinator with Zimbabwe Young+ said that challenges faced by youths were complex with each challenge requiring its own approach.
“The challenges faced by young people living with HIV include emotional struggles. Many parents don’t disclose why one is taking treatment and only find out the hard way as they grow up. This leads to stigma.
Why did they not inform their child, who may have to grapple with understanding how they contracted the virus?
“Why did the parents not take treatment to prevent infection, or use protection? The child may feel unwanted or unloved. Many are not informed about their HIV status or treatment by their parents or guardians, when they are young. The issue could have been addressed. This leads to anger and confusion. With limited guidance, some may rely on internet sources, making poor decisions.
“Cultural stigma and fear also exacerbate the issue. Organisations such as, Zimbabwe Young+, Zvandiri, Repssi and The Friendship Bench offer support, parenting sessions, and mental health services. However, more work is needed to address the gaps created by fear, misinformation and stigma. Disclosure should be a personal choice, prioritising acceptance, self-love and empowerment. By addressing these challenges, we can promote a supportive environment for young people living with HIV,” said Bhila.
Dr Owen Mugurungi, Director in the AIDS and TB Unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, said stigma and discrimination present huge barriers to efforts to fight HIV and AIDS.
“Stigma prevents persons from accessing information about HIV. People are afraid to seek services or use HIV prevention as they feel judged. Open discussion and support for persons living with HIV is curtailed and so is disclosure of one’s status thereby hampering our efforts. Stigma can be personal (self-stigma) where people self-judge and feel inadequate or at community level where communities judge and discriminate each other,” said Dr Mugurungi.
“The stigma index in Zimbabwe is still high and needs to be reduced so that that people can freely and openly access HIV information, prevention care and treatment services,” said Dr Mugurungi.
As the country makes strides in the HIV response, champions taking the fight onto digital media such as Tik-tok are applauded as the platform is popular with young people.
