Navigating the path of an unplanned pregnancy at the age of 20 was a challenge in itself, but for Mpeo Moerane, the journey became even more daunting when routine testing revealed she was HIV positive.
As she grappled with the shock of her diagnosis and the knowledge that the father of her child could not accept her, Moerane found herself descending into depression, facing the weight of single parenthood and societal stigma.
“I learned about my status in 2017 when I went to give birth to my daughter. I did not take the results quite well. I felt like my world was falling apart.
“Having a baby at my age was already affecting me mentally, then receiving the news that I was HIV positive made me feel like it was better to end my life. I remember asking a nurse to give me pills to end my life. But she encouraged me to be strong,” Moerane recalls.
As she battled depression and the stigma attached to her status, Moerane found solace in the tiny bouncing bundle of joy she held in her arms.
Looking at her daughter, she says she recognised the strength she needed to push forward and seek the support she needed both physically and emotionally.
Moerane of Pulane in the Berea district says initially, her family could not accept that she had a child before marriage, then coupled with her status, everything did not go well.
From the depths of despair to the height of inspiration, Moerane’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Once a prisoner of both HIV and crippling depression, at the age of 27 now, Moerane has broken the chains of her diagnosis, emerging as a bold and unapologetic voice for those struggling with similar battles, blazing a path of resilience and hope.
Empowered by her new found strength, Moerane began to listen to nurses, HIV-positive mothers, learning more about her condition and finding a network of people she could relate to.
She realised that she was not alone and that there were many girls her age facing similar struggles.
Moerane also found hope in the advances of modern medicine, which allowed her to manage her HIV status effectively with antiretroviral therapy and protect her daughter from contracting the virus.
She now takes to stages across the country to share her experiences of surviving well with HIV and depression, shining a light on the stigmas and hardships that still persist for many others in Lesotho.
Her message is one of perseverance, self-acceptance, and the power of community.
“When I opened up about my status, I was shocked at how many people reached out to offer psychological support. My family, friends even people who barely knew me came with kind words.
“I was no longer afraid of being judged because I had seen the beauty of human kindness. If you are HIV positive, never give up on your dreams. Conquer the stigma and all challenges. Take your medication as prescribed, never mind what people think about you. You will live to testify. You are not defined by your illness.
“Self-acceptance is an essential part of the healing process. It means coming to terms with your diagnosis and realising that it doesn’t define who you are,” she said.
To strengthen the quality of HIV testing services, Lesotho is transitioning to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommends three HIV Test Strategy.
According to the organisation, the Three Test Strategy is an HIV testing strategy in which a person is diagnosed with HIV after three consecutive reactive tests.
HIV testing is essential to achieving “the first 95” of the UN “95-95-95” targets aimed at ensuring at least 95 percent of people living with HIV know their HIV status by 2025 thereby contributing to ending the HIV epidemic.
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that weakens the body’s ability to fight infections and can lead to AIDS, a serious, life-threatening condition.
Depression, on the other hand, is a common but serious mood disorder that can negatively affect how you feel, think, and act.
A midwife, Ntaoleng Moeketsi, says cases like Moerane’s were not exceptional in the country but only few were able to go public about them.
The combination of HIV and depression is common, as the stress and stigma of living with HIV can exacerbate depression, leading to a vicious cycle of negative emotions, behaviours, and health outcomes.
This double burden is especially challenging in Lesotho, where access to mental health services is limited, and social and cultural barriers can prevent people from seeking help.
“Being diagnosed with HIV is not just a physical problem, but also a mental one,” she notes.
Moeketsi says it is important to remember that depression is a treatable condition. Medication, psychotherapy, and support from family and community can all be effective in managing depression symptoms.
Additionally, developing a routine for taking HIV medication and engaging in activities that promote self-care, such as exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining social connections can improve overall well-being and help manage depression.
“The stigma associated with the disease can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of hopelessness and depression. It’s essential for patients to know that they are not alone and we are there to help manage their condition and emotions.
“For young women like Mpeo, unplanned pregnancy combined with HIV diagnosis can be a double blow, compounding feelings of stress, uncertainty and helplessness.
“This is why it is important for people with similar situations to reach out for support groups. Together we can work to combat stigma, manage the physical symptoms of HIV and provide emotional support needed to cope with depression,” Moeketsi advised.
Moerane’s story underscores the vital importance of a number of the Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 3- attaining good health and well-being, emphasizing the need for comprehensive healthcare services, especially for adolescent mothers and people living with HIV.
Moerane’s experience highlights the complex factors that contribute to unplanned pregnancy in young women, including gender inequality and the lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education.
This brings to light the complex issues that young women around the world face, including unplanned pregnancy, stigma associated with HIV.
Every year, on July 11, the World Population Day is commemorated to enlighten advocacy and raise awareness of global population issues.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Lesotho joined the global in commemorating World Population Day 2024, focusing on the theme: “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All.”
This year’s observation highlights the crucial role of inclusive data in creating a future where everyone’s rights and choices are acknowledged and respected.
As the UNFPA advocates for improved health and rights, Moerane’s story serves as a reminder that there are women and girls around the world who struggle to access comprehensive health care, education on sexual and reproductive health services among others.
On this day, stakeholders call attention to issues such as unplanned pregnancy, stigma associated to HIV as well as sexual and reproductive health rights, urging policy makers and communities to prioritise comprehensive health care, education and support for young people.
UNFPA Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Coordinator, Blandina Motaung, reiterated the organisations’ determination to see the fulfilment of the issues on sexual and reproductive health services and rights.
“As UNFPA, we can’t sleep lightly as long as teenage girls become pregnant and infected by HIV,” she stated.
Motaung said UNFPA was committed to continue working with the government and other stakeholders to support adolescents.
“We need to act in order to make women and girls’ voices, as well as the attainment of their rights, a reality,” she added.
Lesotho has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, with approximately 21.1 percent of the population living with HIV. About 280,000 people are living with HIV with roughly 4,790 new HIV infections and around 4,700 deaths attributed to AIDS annually, according to WHO.
