When the Past Haunts, “It is Best to Walk Forward”

*Maimuna, now in her late 30s, had what seemed like a normal childhood growing up in Northern Nigeria. She attended both primary school and an Islamic school, receiving the foundational education typical of many young girls in her community.

Raised in a polygamous family as the only child of her mother and the firstborn of the household, Maimuna initially enjoyed the privileges that came with being an only child. But everything changed when her father took on more wives.

As the household grew, Maimuna watched her father’s love and attention fade. His time became divided among his expanding family, leaving her feeling increasingly isolated. Like many young girls in Northern Nigeria, Maimuna was given away in marriage at the tender age of 15.

A Life Defined by Marriage and Loss

Married as a child, Maimuna lacked the emotional and mental maturity to cope with the responsibilities thrust upon her. Misunderstandings and clashes of opinions with her husband became frequent, and as time passed, his treatment of her grew abusive.

After having four children, the marriage ended in divorce. Seeking stability, she remarried and had three more children, but history repeated itself, and she once again found herself alone. With two failed marriages behind her, she made the difficult decision to remain single and focus on raising her children.

A Shocking Diagnosis

Just as Maimuna was beginning to find her footing, life threw another devastating blow—she fell gravely ill. After multiple hospital visits and a series of tests, doctors delivered the heartbreaking news: she was HIV positive.

Traumatized and broken, Maimuna struggled to accept her diagnosis. But amidst the despair, she found the will to fight. Determined to stay alive for her children, she committed herself to treatment. It’s been 8 years since her diagnosis.

The Descent into Drug Use

However, the weight of life’s challenges soon took its toll. Depression crept in, and Maimuna turned to drugs as an escape from the pain, seeking temporary relief from the burdens she carried. Over time, she became dependent on substances to feel better.

Her addiction came at a grave cost—she began neglecting her HIV treatment, and her health started to deteriorate rapidly. The very illness she had fought so hard against was gaining ground as her body weakened.

Finding Redemption Through Support

As Maimuna’s condition worsened, she became severely emaciated and fell gravely ill. But just when it seemed like all hope was lost, she found her way back through the intervention of the Drug Free and Preventive Healthcare Organization (DAPHO) in Gombe State where she accessed life-saving antiretroviral therapy.

Through psychosocial support and counseling, Maimuna regained control of her life. She restarted her treatment, gradually recovering both physically and emotionally. Her transformation inspired her to give back. Determined to help others who faced similar struggles, she began volunteering with DAPHO to reach out to vulnerable individuals battling drug use and HIV.

Becoming a Beacon of Hope

Through her work in the community, Maimuna has helped countless people access DAPHO’s services, particularly women who use drugs and need healthcare support.

After receiving extensive training, she now serves as a community paralegal, advocating for victims of gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, and other forms of abuse. She also plays a crucial role in reporting cases of injecting wounds, unlawful arrests, and human rights violations, ensuring that women in her community receive the protection and care they deserve.

Maimuna’s story is one of remarkable resilience. Once trapped in a cycle of child marriage, abuse, illness, and addiction, she has now reclaimed her life. With the support of DAPHO, she has not only regained her health but also achieved financial stability, allowing her to provide for her children.

From adversity to empowerment, Maimuna stands as a testament to the power of resilience, community support, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.

*Names changed for safety