"Fiz o teste, comecei a tomar os medicamentos e, com o tempo, minha carga viral tornou-se indetectável. Em 2021, já estava indo ao hospital a cada seis meses em vez de três," lembra Miguel com um brilho nos olhos, uma mistura de alívio e orgulho pela sua determinação."
On a day that was supposed to be like any other, on 14 May 2020, the life of Miguel Bernardo, a young man of just 24 years old from Vila Sede de Nicoadala changed completely. When he was diagnosed with HIV at a health fair, he felt the weight of the world fall on his shoulders. Hopelessness enveloped Miguel like a dark cloud, and his state of health deteriorated rapidly, bringing constant headaches and a deep sense of helplessness.
No entanto, num momento de reflexão, em novembro de 2020, Miguel decidiu que não deixaria o HIV definir sua vida. Ele reuniu a coragem necessária para procurar ajuda no Centro de Saúde Sede de Nicoadala. Esse foi o primeiro passo de uma jornada transformadora. Encaminhado ao SAAJ, ele realizou novos testes e iniciou o tratamento com a Terapia Antirretroviral (TARV).
"Fiz o teste, comecei a tomar os medicamentos e, com o tempo, minha carga viral tornou-se indetectável. Em 2021, já estava indo ao hospital a cada seis meses em vez de três," lembra Miguel com um brilho nos olhos, uma mistura de alívio e orgulho por sua determinação.
In 2024, Miguel lives with an undetectable viral load, the result of his strict adherence to treatment. He is not just a survivor, but a true Health Warrior, recognized by SAAJ’s Health Councilors as one of the unit’s most dedicated young people. What’s most impressive is the role Miguel has chosen to play: he’s become a health worker.
Miguel turns his story into motivation, challenging the social barriers that weigh so heavily on those living with HIV. His message resonates in the communities: ‘With the right treatment, we can live a normal and full life. HIV does not define who we are; we are much more than our condition.’
By inspiring others to face HIV with courage and determination, Miguel has become a shining example that, even in the face of adversity, it is possible to turn pain into strength and empathy. Life is a journey, and Miguel Bernardo is showing the world that, with love and support, everyone can find their way to fulfilment.
