18th November 2015 • Posted by developmenteducation.ie
My name is Ronald Timire. I am widower and single parent. I have four children. It’s been years since my wife passed away. I stay with my children in Chinhoyi Town, which is about 100 km from Harare along the Harare-Lusaka highway.
Male involvement – an emerging issue in HIV and AIDS
After my wife’s death, I decided to go for a HIV test. I wanted to look after my children and was worried about their welfare. Knowing my HIV status was important.
How it affected me
I accepted my results and was not in denial. Denial is one issue many people suffer from after testing HIV positive. Nevertheless, in my ignorance I did not disclose my results to my family. I thought doing so would burden them unnecessarily. I had to be strong for my children. I learned to do all the household chores – something very rare in my country and culture. Men generally do not do any chores in the home. Many people therefore expected me to remarry.
Identifying Responses
The first thing I did after getting my results was to seek help from New Life Post Test Service, a department of Batsirai Group*. I was motivated to join a support group as I was in need of psychosocial support. Through interacting with others in my support group I realised that disclosure of your status to your family was good and crucial. I was impressed by the support my colleagues were getting from their families.
* Batsirai Group is an NGO based in Chinhoyi. It is partly funded by Irish Aid’s Programme of Support to HIV and Aids Activities in Zimbabwe.
I was stunned by the understanding and support I got from my family when I disclosed my status. This inspired me to go public. I greatly appreciate the love and motivation I get from my children.
I wanted to be a role model and a good father for my children. I become self employed. I started a chicken rearing project and a low input garden project. I sold most of my produce and there was always plenty for my family who understood the need for a balanced diet for PLWHA (People Living with HIV/AIDS). I worked very hard and managed to build a beautiful house for my family.
I am also a volunteer care giver. Looking after my children makes the responsibility effortless for me. There are few male carers in my community. I also help disseminate information on HIV and AIDS. Many men feel comfortable being around me and consulting me for help. I am happy as I am now a role model for my children and for many others in my community.
