FEATURE | A Condition, Not a Curse

Layout & Graphic Artist: Kent Bicol

For the longest time, three letters, HIV—were surrounded by fear.

It was once seen as a silent executioner. A quiet announcement of an ending. People spoke of it in hushed tones, often with pity, sometimes with disgust. For many, the moment they were diagnosed felt like a goodbye to everything they dreamed of: health, love, acceptance, and a future.

But today, we know better.

HIV is no longer the death sentence it was believed to be. It is still a serious health condition, but one that is treatable, manageable, and survivable. Science has evolved, and so must our understanding.

The Truth Beneath the Fear

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the immune system. If left untreated, it can progress to AIDS, the most advanced stage of the infection. This is what made it so terrifying in the past. But thanks to decades of research, people living with HIV can now live longer and maintain healthy lives through a treatment called antiretroviral therapy or ART.

This daily medication lowers the virus's amount in the body to undetectable levels. When the virus is undetectable, it cannot be passed on to others. This fact is summarized in the global message “U=U” Undetectable means Untransmittable.

In other words, a person living with HIV, who takes their treatment regularly and maintains an undetectable status, can’t transmit the virus through sex. This is no longer just medical news; it is a message of liberation. It allows people to love again, to build families, to work, and to live without fear.

More Than Just a Diagnosis

Despite the progress in treatment, stigma still lingers. For many, the heaviest burden isn’t the virus—it’s the shame and judgment that come with it.

People still flinch at the mention of HIV. Some are quick to assume, to blame, or to distance themselves. And so, those who are diagnosed often suffer in silence, hiding their status out of fear of being treated differently.

This is what made Zachary Willmore’s story so powerful. A young vlogger and content creator, Zachary was diagnosed with HIV in 2023. He shared his journey publicly on TikTok, a platform where he was already known for his authenticity and confidence. Instead of hiding, he opened up about his fear, confusion, and eventually, his acceptance. His story reminded millions that life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. It transforms.

Through treatment and self-awareness, Zachary continues to thrive—and in doing so, inspires others to face their own truths with strength.

Silence is the Real Enemy

One of the reasons HIV spread so widely in the past was silence. People were too afraid to speak up. Misinformation filled the gaps. And sadly, many still carry outdated beliefs and myths today.

This is why conversation is so important. Schools, homes, social media, and even religious spaces must become places where HIV can be talked about without shame. Education saves lives. Understanding replaces fear.

And when someone opens up about living with HIV, the response should not be pity—it should be support.

The Power of Support and Science

With access to medication, regular health checkups, and emotional support, a person living with HIV can expect to live just as long as someone who is not infected.

This truth needs to be louder. Because many people still avoid testing out of fear. Others delay treatment because they worry about being labeled. And some suffer in isolation, thinking their life has lost meaning.

But science says otherwise. And more importantly, people’s lives say otherwise, too.

Ending Stigma and Closing Gaps

There’s still work to be done. In some countries and poor communities, access to treatment remains a challenge. Funding cuts and healthcare gaps put lives at risk. Stigma still closes doors and shames voices into silence.

But the world is changing. Advocates are speaking louder. Survivors are telling their stories. And communities are beginning to see the truth: HIV is a condition, not a curse.

It cannot take away your dreams, your dignity, or your future—unless we let it.

Embracing Life Beyond Diagnosis

To live with HIV today is to live with strength. It means waking up and taking control of your health. It means choosing to love yourself in a world that once told you not to. It means proving that life does not stop with a diagnosis—it simply changes direction.

So if you or someone you know is living with HIV, remember this:You are not alone. You are not dirty. You are not less.You are human. You are capable. And above all, you are still whole.

HIV is not a death sentence. It is a challenge—but one that can be faced with courage, treatment, and truth.

Let’s rewrite the story. Let’s replace fear with facts, silence with support, and stigma with strength.

Writer: KD Pequit