In 2012, Linus found out that he was HIV-positive. At the time, he was living a very risky lifestyle and was not being faithful to his wife— unfortunately, Linus often got very sick and brought various illnesses back into his home, infecting his wife and children. Linus’ wife is a community health worker, and heard about the CARE for AIDS program in Ahero through her professional network. She convinced Linus to join the program with her in 2017, and they went through the nine-month process together.
Linus became a Christian in the program, and through a long process of counseling and reconciliation, he and his wife recommitted to their marriage. After he learned the importance of daily adherence to his ARV medication, Linus’ health began to stabilize. His viral load was lowering and he was determined not to bring any other infections or diseases into his home to harm his kids or his wife. His focus is on taking better care of his family, and he prays for God to protect them. Linus now reads his Bible daily and also teaches it to his children.
Linus’ dream is to be able to send his kids to a good school, so he’s practicing the crafts he learned in the CARE for AIDS seminars, including basket weaving and soap making, in order to sell his products in the market. He plans to save the money he makes to pay for his children’s school fees. Linus now volunteers as a male champion with CARE for AIDS in Ahero. When he meets another man who he thinks might be HIV positive, Linus discloses his HIV status to the man. He tells men in the community about how his life has changed in the CARE for AIDS program, including what he has learned about nutrition, adherence to medication, and the various skills and crafts he has learned. His hope is that he can recruit men in the community to join the program and that they, too, can become strong, God-fearing leaders in their families.