Kakamega, Kenya: After an HIV patient at a health facility she was attached to in Western Kenya yielded to societal stigma and committed suicide, 56-year-old Margaret Rupia vowed to use all her means to stop a similar occurrence.
Having worked for 29 years as a nurse since she joined the profession at Muhoroni health centre in 1985, she knew there were many HIV positive patients who were suffering in silence.
She launched a massive campaign to educate the residents of Navakholo region, and patients at her place of work about HIV and Aids.
She does this by reaching out to the community at chief's barazas, on Sundays during church services and village ceremonies like weddings. She did all these for free.
"It's very painful for a health worker to lose a patient, more so one who could have endured with appropriate medication. I liaised with local administration officers and religious leaders to educate the locals about the importance of testing and adherence to medication, especially when HIV positive," said Rupia.
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She adds; "People believed that HIV and Aids was a death sentence. Those infected or affected were stigmatised and even excommunicated from their homes for bringing shame, curse and not being good enough. When this patient committed suicide, I knew I had to act. I had to do something extra."
Due to her humane commitment and personal sacrifice, Rupia was crowned as Kakamega County Nurse of the year during the National Nurses Association of Kenya annual conference held at Pan Afric Hotel in Nairobi last year.
"My work is inscribed in my heart. It involves helping those in need with passion, compassion and sacrifice, to save a life and positively impact on other people's lives," said Rupia, who has two sons and two daughters.
TEAM PLAYER
She is currently attached to the Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC), a unit that caters for TB, HIV and Aids patients, where she has served for six years.
"I feel proud and grateful that my work to end stigmatisation in our community against those suffering from HIV and Aids has come to fruition. Records attest to increase in number of clients coming out for anti-retroviral drugs," she said.
She recalls that in the past patients feared stigmatized associated with visiting the CCC despite their critically condition.
Medical superintendent CCC Carolyne Nasimiyu describes Rupia as a team player, a dedicated official reputed for sacrificing for the welfare of patients.