“…Now All These…”
By Masresha Molla
My name is Maritu Masresha, 20 years old and a follower of Orthodox Christianity. I live in Chika Sefer, Kebele 02, Addis Zemen town, South Gondar Administrative zone. . I have been am a commercial sex worker for the last 4 years; a livelihood option I am left with after I dropped out from grade 9th in 2007. I quit learning due to lack of economic support and discouraged by failure to pass my grade 9 exam.
Before participating in "Addis Mela"/TransACTION project's commercial sex workers peer education program, I had limited knowledge about STI, ways of transmissions and preventions of HIV/AIDS, including the difference between HIV and AIDS. I didn't have the right and positive attitude towards People Living with HIV. I also judge HIV status of someone by looking at his/her physical appearance. Like many of my fellow people, I thought STI is transmitted by sitting and /or urinating on hot stone or by urinating in the direction of the moon. I never knew the relationship between HIV and STI. I assume that STI could only be treated by traditional medicine rather than modern treatment. I use condom only with new clients, not with my regular clients and my boy friend. I never check the quality of condoms before using and do not dispose properly. I was ashamed of buying condom. I never made any testing for HIV and STI, because I was afraid of going out of business due to stigma and discrimination from the community if I become positive. I also spend most part of my income by drinking with my friends except sending some money to my mother.
HOWEVER, NOW ALL THESE STORIES have CHANGED; thanks to "Addis Mela" (TransACTION) project's commercial sex workers peer education program, which I joined since March, 2011. My knowledge, attitude and practices in relation to HIV/AIDS and STI have been changed so much. Among the changes, I'm well informed about how HIV/AIDS and STI can be transmitted and prevented as well as symptoms of STI. I have identified risky behaviors that could expose to HIV and I'm refraining myself from these behaviors. I have understood the difference between HIV and AIDS. I have realized how HIV counseling and testing helps to lead a healthy and programmed life. I started to check healthiness/ quality of condoms before using. I started to use condom persistently and appropriately with all my clients including my regular clients and my boyfriend. I'm discharging condoms appropriately. I'm also advising my friends to use condom persistently and appropriately with all their clients including their boyfriends. I have made HIV counseling and testing and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment two times since I have started my peer education sessions. I have also started to save money by participating in the community self help saving group established with my peers.
In general, my misconceived behavior and attitude has changed acquiring knowledge about HIV and AIDS and STI through the support of ORDA's "Addis Mela" TransACTION Project. I am optimistic that I will transform my business and livelihood option, strengthening my economic situation through securing loan from the self help saving group in which I'm a member .