Email 389: Worried and Confused OFW

Dear Pozzie,

Hindi ko alam kung saan ko sisimulan ang sulat kong ito ngunit gulong gulo ang isip ko ngayon at hindi ako makatulog kung anong mangyayari sa akin. Wala akong matakbuhan para sabihin ang problema ko. Gusto kung umiyak pero hindi ko magawa kasi gusto kong maging matatag. Ang hirap ng sitwasyong andito ka sa abroad.

28 years old na po ako and have been working here in UAE for 3 years now at ako po ang inaasahan ng mga tumatanda kong mga magulang at akong inaasahan ng aking pamilya na magtataguyod sa kanilang lahat. June 13, 2013 ng nagmedical ako for my visa renewal then after 3 days, tinawagan ako ng medical center kasi daw irerepeat for confirmatory yung blood sample ko at sabi ng Nurse confirmatory for HIV.

Nung sinabi nya sa akin na "HIV" hindi ko po alam anong gagawin ko. Minsan nakatulala ako at iniisip anong mangyayari sa buhay ko, pamilya ko at sa mga pangarap ko kung confirmed positive HIV patient ako. Isa po akong Nurse at naghihintay na sana ng interview ko para sa Canada. Iniisip ko kung saan ko sisimulan or sisimulan ko pa ba ang buhay ko.

Kung nagkataon na positive ako, tiyak na papauwiin ako sa Pilipinas at hindi ko alam kung anong mangyayari sa akin sa Pilipinas.

Sa Thursday, June 20, 2013 ko malalaman ang resulta ng confirmatory test ko. Ano po kaya ang chances na magpositive ako sa confirmatory test? Taga Cebu po ako, at ano ang gagawin ko?

Salamat po.

XXX

TRANSLATION

Dear Pozzie,

I don’t know where to begin my letter but mind is so confused now and I can’t sleep because of the thought of what may happen to me. I don’t know anybody to run to to tell my problem. I want to cry but I can’t because I want to be strong. My situation is hard especially when you are here working abroad.

I am 28 years old and have been working here in UAE for 3 years now and I am the only one with whom my parents and my family are relying on when it comes to finances. Last june 13, 2013 when I had my medical for my VISA renewal then after 3 days, the medical center called me because they want to repeat the testing of the blood sample for confirmatory which the nurse said an HIV confirmatory test.

When she said “HIV”, I didn’t know what to do. Sometimes I have a blank stare and think of all the things that might happen, to my life, my family and my dreams if in case I get confirmed as an HIV patient. I am a nurse and am waiting for my interview for Canada. I was thinking of where to start or do I need to start my life there.

If they determine that I am positive, for sure they will send me home to the Philippines and I don’t know what will happen to me there.

This Thursday, June 20, 2013 I will finally know the result of the confirmatory test. I am from Cebu. What should I do?

Thank you.

XXX

POZZIEPINOY'S RESPONSE

Hi XXX.

Thank you for your email. Thank you for sharing your story.

I apologize for not replying to your email fast as I had been busy for the last 2 weeks. I don't know if you were able to seek assistance from my friends here. I know you know by now the result of your confirmatory and I don't know the events that has happened to you since you got the result. However, I would still try to give you advice, in case nothing has happened there yet.

It is a fact that people with HIV (PLHIV) are being deported from the middle east. Most cases, the authorities there do this after the medical test that is required by their government either for their renewal of work documents or VISA. Not to scare everyone, but it is true that PLHIV's get accosted from their homes or work place without even having the chance to pack their things. I have received a lot of emails from my readers of how the police/ or medical team accost the PLHIV's directly to the airport and detain them until the next available flight to the Philippines has been arranged.

I believe before you were granted your working VISA, you were already aware of this strict regulation, right?

Now let us focus on the things that you can do.

1.  If in case, your result turns out to be positive, go to the Philippine Embassy fast and seek refuge. They can protect you there while you are still thinking of what to do. They can also give you advice on what your next steps will be. 

2. If the embassy officials say that you need to pack your stuff and go home, then that is the best thing that you need to do. Try calling your friends and help you pack your stuff so you can bring everything back to the Philippines.

3. When you are back here, then you are "safe". Call me at 09162862066 when you get a chance so I can give you advice on what you need to do next.

It is best to act and think rationale. It is easy to be distracted by negative thoughts which will keep you off track. For now just focus on the things that you need to do. There is always tomorrow to look forward to and trust me, it is still full of hope and happiness even if you turn out to be a PLHIV.

I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other concerns.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

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