A woman has revealed on Joy Prime’s relationship show Let’s Talk that her late husband infected her with HIV, falsely accused her of infidelity, and left her and their children to face stigma, rejection, and hardship.

Speaking on Tuesday night’s episode, she disclosed that she discovered her status only during antenatal care after becoming pregnant. According to her, her husband concealed his condition and later spread rumours that she had been promiscuous and had passed the virus to him. These claims led to her being ostracised by both her own family and her in-laws.

“I was shocked when I was told I had the virus. My husband never said anything. He told people I had been sleeping around and that I infected him. Now, no one comes close to me or my children,” she said through tears.

She explained that her three children, who are not HIV positive, have also suffered rejection. Once-supportive relatives have abandoned them, leaving the family to cope alone since her husband’s death.

“I’m a teacher, but the pain is too much. I became depressed, lost weight, lost my hair, and I couldn’t talk to anyone because of the lies he told. I cried all the time,” she recounted.

The woman added that she struggles to manage the disease due to financial constraints. She said her medication must be taken after a proper meal, but sometimes she goes without food and is forced to skip doses.

“Sometimes I don’t take the drugs because I haven’t eaten. The nurse told me I must take them to stay healthy, but it’s hard. I never imagined I’d be taking medicine for the rest of my life,” she said.

Public health expert Dr Vanessa Apea, who joined the discussion, stressed that HIV should not be viewed as a moral issue. “HIV is not about morality—it’s about health. Society has caged HIV in shame and judgment. But it is a chronic disease, not a communicable one in the way people think, and with proper medication, people can live long and healthy lives,” she said.

She condemned the stigma attached to HIV, noting that it continues to damage the lives of people already carrying the burden of the condition. She called for more education to challenge myths and reduce discrimination.

The woman ended her account with a plea for help, appealing for emotional, mental, and financial support for herself and her children, who are still in school. She urged the public to show compassion and to support efforts to fight the stigma surrounding HIV.

Individuals or organisations willing to assist can contact the producer of Let’s Talk via JoyPrime.

Let’s Talk airs every Tuesday at 9 pm on JoyPrime, providing a safe space for open discussions on emotional, physical, and mental health issues.