Meet Uzair, a dedicated gym enthusiast from Pakistan. Uzair’s life took an unexpected turn following a severe car accident. As a passenger, he was rushed to the hospital, where doctors initially diagnosed him with a mild concussion. Despite reassurances, Uzair felt increasingly unwell and experienced severe chest pain. A subsequent CT scan revealed approximately three litres of blood in his abdominal cavity, necessitating an urgent exploratory laparoscopy and spleen removal.

During his 15-day hospital stay, Uzair underwent 12 blood transfusions and received multiple antibiotics to combat persistent fevers and body aches. Despite these interventions, his condition did not improve, leading him to discharge himself from the hospital. For the next seven years, he struggled with severe chills and relied on paracetamol to manage his symptoms, even in Pakistan’s scorching 45-degree heat.

Uzair’s journey to a proper diagnosis was fraught with misdiagnoses. He was tested for Dengue fever, Typhoid, Meningitis, and Malaria; all tests returned negative, but HIV was not considered. When he was finally diagnosed with HIV, Uzair was shocked and unprepared. The diagnosis brought immense personal turmoil, and he lost the support of many friends and family members, who even wanted to keep their children away from him.

Uzair, desperate for answers, begged doctors to find a test that would explain how HIV entered his body, given the taboo surrounding the condition in Pakistan. Starting antiretroviral (ARV) medication presented another challenge, as Uzair experienced severe side effects and found his doctors unsympathetic. Frustrated and feeling unsupported, he stopped taking his medication, leading to further health complications.

Determined to find better healthcare, Uzair relocated to Europe. There, he received exemplary HIV care and resumed his ARV treatment. With proper medical support, he is now working towards achieving an undetectable viral load. Despite the severe stigma and discrimination he faced, which took a toll on his mental health, Uzair remains optimistic about his future. He has embraced his HIV status and is passionate about helping others facing similar challenges, transforming his experiences into a powerful force for advocacy and support. He is committed to supporting people living with HIV and advocating for their mental health.