Inspiring journeys of two mothers to stay productive with HIV
Two women shared their life journeys to be productive with HIV and to continue living their lives to the fullest. Their stories inspired the participants of the ILO’s VCT@Work Programme in Bandung and Medan.

I have been living with HIV since 2012. I was previously a nurse, but I have decided to dedicate my life as an HIV activist to help disseminating information related HIV and to provide assistance to people who need support and care."
Ghea Katarina, a mother of two, at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan
Ernawati, a mother of four, told the story of her life living with HIV during the VCT@Work programme for staff and crews of Husein Sastranegara International Airport in Bandung; while Ghea Katarina, a mother of two, at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan. They both got infected by their husbands, and they both have one child with HIV. They are both productive workers and mothers and continue living a healthy life.

“I did not even know what HIV was at that time. I was so shocked and I did not know what to do. I was pregnant at that time with my third child and my child was born with HIV,” told Erna. Ghea also felt the same turmoil emotion, especially when she was banned to interact with her two children.
I just gave birth to my fourth child who is negative and my husband really supports and accepts me the way I am. I like sharing my story to show that we can still live a healthy and productive life with HIV. My focus is to take care of all of my children."
Ernawati, a mother of four, told the story of her life living with HIV during the VCT@Work programme for staff and crews of Husein Sastranegara International Airport in Bandung
“I have been living with HIV since 2012. I was previously a nurse, but I have decided to dedicate my life as an HIV activist to help disseminating information related HIV and to provide assistance to people who need support and care,” said Ghea, adding that she was pleased with the increasing number of people who have openly accessed the HIV treatment facility.
My perception on HIV has changed. I thought that it only affects people with risky behaviours. I have respects to the determination and hopes shown in the testimony."
Adi Saputra, one of the participants
Their life journeys inspired many participants to join the VCT@Work. Most of the participants were disbelief that wives and mothers were also vulnerable to HIV. Adi Saputra, one of the participants, said that he did not realize that HIV and AIDS was everybody’s business.
“My perception on HIV has changed. I thought that it only affects people with risky behaviours. I have respects to the determination and hopes shown in the testimony,” he pondered.