There is a weight that cannot be measured in kilograms. A weight that often does not reside solely in the body but settles deep in the soul. The weight of living with HIV, from the first breaths of life or, unexpectedly, in the prime of adulthood. A weight that transcends the biological. It is not defined by the load of infected cells but by the burden of being seen as different, as though the human essence could be reduced to a diagnosis. It is the weight of living with the indignity of being deemed unworthy.
As science, with its undeniable brilliance, brought us antiretrovirals that transformed a death sentence into a livable life, some still urgently question where the remedies are to cure stigma—a plague more lethal than the virus itself. Medicine can prolong human life; however, only humanity can preserve dignity.
Even so, there is a counterpoint that must be acknowledged: resilience. There is also beauty in the singularity of this hostile situation. Just as in the art of war, the skill of knowing the enemy turns every soldier in battle into the general of their destiny. HIV teaches resilience, but it also teaches humanity. It is not merely about surviving but about living with purpose, authenticity, and courage. If the diagnosis is a challenge, overcoming it is an ode to the human capacity for adaptation.
Those living with the virus learn that life is a territory of daily conquests, where each victory, no matter how small, carries an immeasurable value, turning existence into a living testimony of resilience.
World HIV/AIDS Day is not just an ornament for the cause; it is a symbol that goes beyond the fight—it is an emblem of silent achievements. It tells the story of young people who, despite all challenges, reach adulthood, build families, develop careers, and reshape the narratives around them. It is proof that living with HIV is not synonymous with living on the margins.
(By Rafael Langa)
