Personal Glimpses

Nanwor was introduced to Mashiah Foundation by an HIV+ friend who saw her crying in the hospital one day. He asked what was wrong and she told him that she didn’t have money to buy the drugs that were prescribed. He told her about the free drugs that Mashiah Foundation provides for opportunistic infections. Nanwor immediately visited MF and her needs were taken care of.

Nanwor decided to join the Mashiah Foundation Vocational Training in July 2004. She was intrigued by the program because she noticed there was something different about the women—they were genuinely happy and they loved being around each other. Nanwor knew that this group was for her. Women of Hope was birthed in July of 2004 and Nanwor was one of the founding members. Her motto is: “I am EVER-READY to speak out about HIV anytime, anywhere and to anyone.” Nanwor lives up to that motto as she often speaks out 2-3 times a week at various functions. She also serves as the cashier for the Women of Hope showroom located at Tudun Wada, Jos.

What is Nanwor’s message to the youth? Sexual abstinence until marriage; after marriage, faithfulness to your spouse. Nanwor is open about the fact that she had several sexual relationships before her intended marriage. She knows that she contracted HIV from the 9-month relationship she had with her first boyfriend. That boyfriend later died.

Recently a young man approached Nanwor with the intention of marrying her. Nanwor was flattered, but said, “I can’t marry you. I’m HIV+.” The man did not believe her. She continued to tell him the truth every time he approached her. Finally he believed her when she showed him the cards she was making which bear the label of Women of Hope and Mashiah Foundation. It has now been three years since Nanwor’s wedding was cancelled. She is in good health, with a bright, vibrant spirit. She would love to marry, but she says, “I will only marry someone who is HIV+ because I don’t want to be responsible for spreading this disease to others.”