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.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more
