For someone who will soon celebrate his 70th birthday, Britain’s John Jaquiss is in Olympic form. He speaks enthusiastically about the 5 kilometer mountain hike he is about to undertake, after starting the day with a morning swim.
However, 23 years ago, when his doctor told him that he had contracted HIV infection, he did not imagine he would reach his sixties.
“When I got the diagnosis, I thought I had 15 years to live, and then again, if I was lucky,” he says. “Maybe I’ll make it to 60.” I am lucky because I have adopted a positive approach to life. From the start, I strived to stay fit and healthy.”
John’s friends and social network played a vital role in helping him through this difficult time. Showing solidarity with each other, some of his friends spoke about their own experiences living with HIV and gave him hope when he needed it.
A routine check can save a life
John received his diagnosis during a routine check-up. He had taken an HIV test shortly before and almost refused the next test. Looking back, he says: “Luckily I didn’t.” I started taking medication shortly after diagnosis; the virus therefore had less chance of taking hold.”
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only illness John was diagnosed with that year. Shortly after learning of his HIV status, he was diagnosed with so-called “opportunistic” cancer. HIV harms the body’s immune system, increasing the risk of certain types of cancer. With early detection and rapid access to appropriate treatment and care, John was able to beat cancer.
“For me, the important thing is to stay in touch with myself and watch my diet. I focus on my fitness and well-being. I exercise every day. » John is proactive and takes care of his health. Since he lives with HIV, his body is more vulnerable to comorbidities such as joint or dermatological problems. In close consultation with his general practitioner, he follows his treatment plan and carries out his routine checks.
Coping with multiple illnesses
Just a few years after being diagnosed with HIV and cancer, another shock hit. During one of his routine check-ups, John discovered he was infected with the hepatitis C virus, a virus that causes inflammation of the liver.
“At that moment I felt very depressed. I thought it was bad enough having HIV infection and opportunistic cancer, but then hepatitis appeared. I was just wondering what would kill me first. I was told I needed to go on 48 weeks of treatment straight away. This lasted all of 2006. I was taking interferon and ribavirin, and the side effects were terrible.”
John had to change his treatment for hepatitis C and participated in a clinical trial for a new drug for the disease. “One drug worked for a few weeks, but ultimately it was a combination of Harvoni and ribavirin that worked.
After months of treatment and significant side effects affecting his vision and memory, John recovered from hepatitis C.
Fighting stigma related to HIV and hepatitis C
Looking back, John says he felt alone when he faced hepatitis C. At the time John was diagnosed with hepatitis C, he was working in a very stressful executive position in a large company. Stigmatized, he felt that it was easier to talk to his colleagues about his cancer than about his HIV or hepatitis C infections.
The emotional support of his friends and social network has always helped John cope with his medical problems. “The support of others is so valuable,” he adds. “You have to get help to navigate the system. (…) You need someone who listens to you to put things into perspective and help you see things clearly. When I got hepatitis C, I had no one to talk to.”
John sometimes felt HIV-related stigma from doctors and even an ex-partner, but his battle with hepatitis C was even more difficult. “A community was organized around HIV. Not around hepatitis C. People treat you like a leper.”
John’s story perfectly illustrates that people living with HIV, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases often face stigma and discrimination because of their conditions. Not only do they worry about their health, but they also feel left out and isolated. One of the key elements in the fight against HIV/AIDS – both in health settings and in society at large – is the elimination of stigma and discrimination against people at risk, living with HIV infection or affected by this disease.
Aging with HIV
John is part of a growing community of people aging with HIV. With greater effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment, people with HIV who are diagnosed early, treated promptly, and remain on ART can maintain viral load suppression and live long, healthy lives.
Today, John exudes optimism. He is an inspirational speaker and fights against stereotypes and misconceptions about HIV. “I am part of a patient representative committee and have held training sessions with all the GP practices and clinical staff in the area. »
People-centred action is essential for governments and health authorities to successfully tackle HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections in the WHO European Region ( which covers 53 Member States located in Europe and Central Asia) and around the world.
WHO/Europe regional action plans for 2022-2030 to end AIDS and the epidemics of viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections highlight the urgent need to combat stigma in the sector health and in society in general, as well as ensuring systematic access to treatment and care for all those who need it, at an affordable price.
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