I was sacked after disclosing my HIV status — Advocate, Ekezie

Punch Nigeria · Ayoola Olasupo · 2026-10-31 23:10 UTC

HIV advocate, Chika Ekezie, narrates his experience with rejection over his HIV status from his mother, church, and workplace after his diagnosis.

Chika Ekezie, a native of Imo State living with HIV, became an advocate after disclosing his status in November 2024, following seven years of self-denial. He tells AYOOLA OLASUPO about his diagnosis, workplace rejection, family and church stigma, and how treatment helped sustain him

How did you first discover that you were living with HIV?

Before I discovered my status, I experienced recurring illnesses, including fever, fatigue, pneumonia, night sweats, severe headaches and weight loss. I cannot remember the seventh symptom. I did not pay much attention to my health because I would simply go to a pharmacy, take medication and relax once I felt better. Eventually, I went to a hospital, where I discovered that I had HIV.

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