Dr. Joe Muriuki, the first Kenyan man to go public with his HIV status, dies after living with the virus for 35 years. An organization that supports people living with HIV, NEPHAK, confirmed his death.
Dr. Muriuki,i who went public in 1987, confirmed that he had tested positive publicly. His boldness, caused many Kenyans to go public with their status, adding that Muriuki’s move had encouraged them. He however, lived with the disease for 35 years. This is a solid proof that if you are reading this and you are HIV positive, it is not the end of the world.
Dr Joe, was amongst the people living with HIV in the country who totally refused to use drugs for over 27 years. According to him, a balanced diet, regular exercise and being cheerful was key to the survival of the infected. Later, he embraced Kemron, a drug that was invented by Kenyan scientists. But, when the drug Kemron was introduced to the public in 1991, it was rendered useless.
The Doctor was a member of the regional task team that came up with an act on how people living with HIV should be treated. His 2017 attempt to secure a seat in the East African legislative assembly in a bid to represent people living with HIV in Kenya failed.
This news is to reaffirm that if you have tested positive to HIV, it is not the end of the world neither is it the end of your life.
Rest in peace Dr. Joe Muriuki. Drop an encouraging comment for everyone living with the dreaded virus.
