Medical workers tried to encourage Kofi. They assured him that his diagnosis was not a death sentence and that with medication and vigilant care, many people with HIV go on to live full, healthy lives.
Although he took heart, Kofi still struggled with the stigma in his community about HIV/AIDS, and initially, he tried to keep his health status a secret from the staff at his Compassion center. But he didn’t have to worry: The staff has come alongside him and his struggle with the disease without hesitation or judgment. They are able to do so with help from the Compassion fund for HIV/AIDS Care.
“Compassion has helped me a lot. When they found out my status, they started giving me food every month. The medication is free, but sometimes when I go to the hospital for a checkup, they prescribe other drugs that I need to buy. Compassion provides money for that.” Kofi continues, “In fact, if it weren’t for the support from Compassion, I don’t know how I would get by.”