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Dear Miss Corona

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Dear Miss Corona,

When you kicked in, anxiety became a widespread disease especially among us young people living with HIV. For some reason there was no correct information about you, and I was trying to figure out where I stood in terms of vulnerability to contracting coronavirus.

People with chronic illnesses were told that they were at higher risk of succumbing to COVID-19. For us people living with HIV, since our immunity was 'compromised', then we were at risk also. From fear of contracting YOU, to losing my only source of income, to taking debts to get a meal. Corona hit us hard.

With so many young people not making a living, there was and has been an evident and extreme struggle to make a living and even afford food for many young people living with HIV. Corona has just come with its own set of challenges, and is taking a toll on everyone.

Just recently I had to go for a refill, and to my utmost shock Septrin was not and is still not available in our facilities. The clinician asks me to purchase Septrin and in the back of my head am wondering whether it's Septrin I’ll buy, or if it’s food I’ll get.

"But regardless, we move."

I do not know how far COVID-19 plans on taking us - but what do I know is that it's too much. I am here taking my ARVS faithfully, but I’m still worried about getting opportunistic infections since I can't afford to purchase Septrin. I am here taking drugs with an empty stomach some nights. But regardless, we move.

I know I'm not the only young person living with HIV facing these struggles, but I hope that tomorrow comes up brighter. So far I am COVID-19 free. But I’m not completely sure though, because I haven't been tested for it - plus the testing looks very scary and painful, but I hope to stay negative from it. I have my face mask that is definitely reusable because I couldn't manage to get surgical masks every single day as required.

I don't own a sanitizer because it is way beyond my budget but whenever I get an opportunity to wash my hands I do so – despite my landlord cutting me off my water and electricity, because since Corona visited I haven't been able to pay my rent.

All this Miss Corona are challenges me and so many young people living with HIV have been facing since you decided to visit our streets.

Am not sure what tomorrow holds but I promise to survive regardless. 

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