Story on HIV/AIDs (Boy Baireh)

Friday, February 22, 2008

Once upon a time there lived a boy called "Boy Baireh" in Buniadu village. This boy was the last son of his parents and was therefore liked by both parents. Even if he does something wrong, he stays with impunity.

Boy Baireh was liked by the village girls because he is the smartest and puts on the best clothes amongst his age group in the village. This has given him an opportunity to pick and choose the girls of his choice without considering the contraction of HIV/AIDs.

One day, his father called his attention to advise him about the existence of HIV/AIDs and asked him to be mindful,. Boy Baireh never minded because he looks at himself and thought that there is no way he could catch AIDS.

Boy Baireh is a very intelligent, skillful and famous footballer. With all these attributes, he has a lot of friends, and was liked by all his teachers and the elders of the village.

One day he came home complaining of headache, fever and eventually started vomiting. His mother became worried. She consulted the village (CHN) community nurse worker who refered him to the nearest health centre. Boy Baireh did a blood test and was found HIV positive. Postitive! cried his mother. No! it is impossible, upon hearing that Boy Baireh jumped out of bed and wanted to run out of the health centre. He was caught and both of them were assured that this was not the end of his life.

He can start a new life henceforth this news spread like wild fire and soon everybody in the village began to know about his status. He started loosing his many friends both male and female. His best friend Mondoba did not leave him. He was always on his side both day and night giving him hope and comfort.

Upon realizing his mistake, Boy Baireh now began to change his attitude. He declared his HIV/AIDS status publicly. He joined the Santa Yalla Support group to prevent others contracting the virus as he did. He ate good food and took some drugs that helped him to live for some time.

Boy Baireh’s sorrowful advice always centered on children to listen to parents and teachers.

Author: by Assan Sallah