By Catherine Murombedzi
HEALTH CORRESPONDENT
In a world where adversity can break even the strongest of spirits, Shingi Matogo stands tall as a beacon of hope and resilience.
Her journey, marked by unimaginable challenges, is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to persevere and thrive.
Shingi’s story began in 1986, when her baby fell ill. As she sought medical attention for her child, both Shingi and her baby tested HIV positive.
The diagnosis was devastating, and the lack of antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) at the time made the future seem bleak. Her baby’s health continued to deteriorate, with frequent hospital visits and opportunistic infections taking their toll. Sadly, her baby passed away in 2001.
Despite the odds, Shingi fought hard to survive, driven by her determination to raise her remaining children and see them grow into adulthood. The years that followed were a blur of hospital visits, opportunistic infections, and endless medication. Shingi lost count of the years she spent taking cotrimoxazole, an antibiotic, medication used to prevent opportunistic infections. Along her journey she also contracted tuberculosis (TB) several times. Years later in 2018 diagnosed with cervical cancer, further testing her resolve.
However, Shingi’s turning point came in December 2003, when she became one of the first people to access anti retroviral therapy (ART) treatment in Zimbabwe. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one characterized by hope, renewal, and a sense of purpose.
Shingi’s experience has equipped her with a unique understanding of the challenges faced by people living with HIV. She has been an expert patient, a recipient of care, and a vocal advocate for the rights of people living with HIV. Her journey has also inspired her to start up a local community-based organisation in Glen View, a high-density suburb in Harare.
Shingi also lost uncles, aunts, and a lot of friends.
Today Matogo strives to raise awareness and offer a helping hand to those in need. Matogo celebrates the strides that science has made and is today doing well, over two decades on medication.
ART has given her a new lease of life.
“Even those being diagnosed today, we make sure that they are not walking alone. They have shoulders to lean on, people like us who have disclosed their statuses should assist with acceptance. No one is forced to disclose, its a choice,” she said.
Left with orphans to fend for, Shingi and friends formed Clear Vision Trust in Glen View in 2004.
Shingi lost four founder members of Clear Vision to cervical cancer and this got her thinking. Shingi says non communicable diseases are on the rise.
“Despite being well after being initiated on ART, I lost four founder members of Clear Vision to cervical cancer,” Matogo looks back.
From that point of pain, she has taken an initiative to raise cervical cancer awareness.
“Usually by the time a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, it would have spread and it would be too late to save their lives. I therefore urge women to be screened annually. As women living with HIV, we are three times at risk than our HIV negative sisters.
“My four friends were diagnosed when the cancer was advanced and had spread. It got me thinking and I have embarked on a project to raise awareness,” recalls Matogo.
“I called this project campaign Chipfukuto in that when one realizes they have cervical cancer it would be too late so I am calling on all women to get screened for cancer,” said Matogo.
“When I made my own research I found that women coming from as far as Muzarabani had cervical cancer and information was lacking in the rural areas, so I saw it necessary that awareness reaches them,” she said.
“For townfolks, hospitals like Spilhaus and Parirenyatwa, even council clinic’s, they offer the service but for my rural sisters it is not the same. Women living positively are prone to cervical cancer and all the women I met were living positively,” said Matogo.
In 2018, Shingi faced yet another challenge when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The treatment was unaffordable in Zimbabwe, but her children, working in South Africa, came together to take their mother for treatment. Today, Shingi is a cancer survivor, a testament to the power of love, support, and determination.
Shingi’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Her journey shows us that with the right mindset, support, and access to treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Shingi’s courage and resilience have inspired countless individuals and families affected by HIV. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can persevere and thrive.
Zimbabwe’s adoption of the “4 zeros” approach – Zero AIDS-related deaths, Zero discrimination, Zero new infections, and Zero tolerance to gender-based violence – is a testament to the country’s commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic. Shingi’s story is a powerful reminder that this vision is achievable, and that with the right support and mindset, people living with HIV can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
● *Feedback: cathymwauyakufa@gmail.com*
wikfzj
he blog was how do i say it… relevant, finally something that helped me. Thanks