A Voice of Resilience: Eva Nakato’s Life Beyond HIV

HIV/AIDS remains one of the most significant global health challenges, with millions of lives affected worldwide. Yet, as the world marks this year’s World AIDS Day, it is stories of resilience, transformation, and empowerment that capture our attention and give hope. In Uganda, a country where HIV/AIDS often remains cloaked in silence and stigma, Eva Nakato stands out as a powerful voice—one that redefines the narrative around HIV and inspires countless others to do the same.

Eva Nakato, HIV advocate

As a journalist, and HIV advocate, Eva has chosen to break the silence and fight for those whose voices are often silenced by stigma. Her journey is one of defiance, of turning pain into purpose, and of living beyond the confines of societal judgment. For Eva, living with HIV is not a burden to bear in isolation; it’s a story to share with the world.

Eva Nakato: A Journey Living with HIV

Eva’s path into living with HIV began at the tender age of 10, when she learned of her diagnosis. This revelation came after her health began to deteriorate, leading to the discovery that both girls had contracted the virus. The source of their infection was their mother, who had unknowingly received a contaminated blood transfusion during childbirth.

“It was a tough time for us,” Eva recalls. “My sister and I were trying to understand what the diagnosis meant. I remember asking my mother about it, and she explained that the blood transfusion she had received during childbirth was the source of the virus.”

Their mother became their pillar of support, guiding them through the confusion and challenges that came with their diagnosis. She sought out counseling and medical care for her daughters, reassuring them that their status did not define them.

“Our mother was our greatest strength. She always reminded us that we were more than our diagnosis,” Eva reflects.

Despite their mother’s unwavering support, the stigma they encountered was swift and harsh. Whispers spread through their community, leading to social exclusion and discrimination. Yet, rather than retreating, Eva and her sister found solace in each other and in their family’s love. Over three decades later, Eva continues to advocate for the message that a diagnosis is not an end, but a new beginning—a chance to live a fulfilling life.

Eva Nakato with her sister

Overcoming Adversity 

One of the most difficult moments of Eva’s life came when a trusted friend used their HIV status as a weapon. After returning from a trip, this individual blackmailed Eva and her sister, threatening to expose their diagnosis unless they complied with his demands. The betrayal was particularly painful because the friend had once been considered a confidante.

“For a long time, we didn’t realize who was behind the blackmail,” Eva shares. “Every time we tried to take action, the friend would intervene, steering us in a different direction. He was using an anonymous number to spread our HIV status to his contacts.”

Rather than allowing this betrayal to define her, Eva made the courageous decision to publicly disclose her HIV status, taking control of her own narrative. While this decision led to the loss of friends and the spread of harmful rumors, it also brought an outpouring of support from those who stood by her.

“We lost friends, faced stigma, and dealt with false narratives being spread about us,” she says. “But we also gained allies—people who believed in us, who supported us. That is when I knew I had a greater purpose.”

This turning point propelled Eva into advocacy. She became determined to use her voice to educate others and to fight back against the stigma that continues to affect millions of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Eva Nakato doing an outreach.

Breaking Down Barriers

In Uganda and much of Africa, HIV/AIDS is still often viewed through a lens of shame and moral judgment. It is not just a health condition but a societal stigma, exacerbated by cultural misunderstandings and fear. Eva personally felt the weight of this stigma growing up, from whispers in her neighborhood to outright avoidance from some family members. Yet, rather than shrinking away, she chose to face it head-on.

Eva became an advocate, sharing her story through community outreach programs and media platforms. Her aim was not only to raise awareness about the virus but also to humanize those living with HIV/AIDS, dispelling the myths that fuel fear and discrimination.

“I realized that stigma thrives on ignorance,” Eva explains. “When we remain silent, we allow stigma to take root. So, I made it my mission to talk openly, to break the walls of ignorance. Stigma feeds silence, and silence is deadly.”

Through her public speaking, workshops, and media appearances, Eva has created spaces for open dialogue. She empowers individuals to accept their diagnosis, to seek treatment, and to live unapologetically. She stresses that a person’s worth is not defined by their HIV status but by their character, dreams, and ambitions.

Eva’s personal journey has also shaped her approach to relationships. As someone living with HIV, she has faced numerous challenges, especially in romantic partnerships. Yet, she is unwavering in her conviction that self-worth and honesty are paramount.

“I’ve encountered men who thought they were doing me a favor by being with me, but I knew my worth,” she says. “I believe in being upfront with people. If someone can’t accept me for who I am, then they’re not meant to be in my life.”

Eva Nakato now a journalist, is in the studio waiting to go on air.

A Call to Action: Fighting Complacency

Though significant advancements have been made in HIV treatment, Eva is deeply concerned that complacency is creeping into society’s approach to the virus. While HIV no longer carries the same fatal prognosis it once did, it remains a serious health issue that requires continuous vigilance.

“We’ve come a long way in terms of treatment,” she acknowledges. “I now take one pill a day—an incredible improvement from the multiple medications I used to take. But HIV is still very much a reality. We cannot afford to become complacent.”

Eva urges people, particularly the youth, to take proactive steps to protect their health. She calls on young men, especially, to get tested, seek treatment, and understand that early intervention can lead to a healthy, full life.

“HIV is not a death sentence,” she emphasizes. “With commitment to treatment, you can live a full and meaningful life. Don’t be afraid to know your status. Go to the hospital and take control of your health.”

Eva Nakato received an award.

Thriving with HIV/AIDS

At 31, Eva is thriving. Against all odds, she is a mother, an advocate, and a role model for others living with HIV.

“I never imagined I would live to become a mother, but here I am, raising my son,” she says proudly. “My son is my greatest joy, and I show him every day that life continues, no matter the challenges.”

Eva credits her faith, as well as the modern advancements in HIV treatment, for her good health. With the daily regimen of a single pill, she leads a healthy, active life and hopes that a cure for HIV is within reach. However, she warns against the danger of underestimating the virus.

“People think that because there are drugs to suppress the virus, we no longer need to fear it,” Eva cautions. “This mindset is dangerous. Until there’s a cure, we must continue to educate ourselves and others.”

Conclusion

Today, Eva Nakato is not just a survivor—she is a champion of change. She has become a symbol of hope and resilience for millions of people living with HIV/AIDS, demonstrating that a diagnosis is not a death sentence but a beginning. Through her work in media, advocacy, and her personal example, Eva continues to break barriers, challenge stigma, and inspire others to live beyond their diagnosis.

Her remarkable journey reminds us all that, no matter the challenges we face, we have the power to rewrite our own narratives. Eva’s story is a living testament to strength, courage, and the unyielding spirit of resilience.