Alan Ragi:In our time,the word 'condom' was whispered

Alan Ragi is the author of a book, ‘Turning the Tide’, which addresses the fight against HIV. Having spent nearly three decades fighting the virus, he has accumulated wisdom and knowledge that today’s generation would learn a lot from. He speaks to Gardy Chacha

When did you join the fight against HIV?

I believe that journey began in late 80s.

Can you recall the first time you heard of the virus?

I believe it was 1986 or 1987. We just heard it being announced in the news that there was a ‘slim disease’. The disease, it was said, made one lose weight fast. It was scary.

Were you scared?

Yes. Nobody was sure if he or she would fall victim.

What were you doing with your life then?

I worked for the government until 1980 when I quit then got employed by Catholic Relief Services working on nutrition matters affecting children.

How did that lead you to the fight against HIV?

In late 80s, I was hired by Kenya Red Cross to head a health programme. It was around the same time that a lot was being said about HIV and AIDS. Working in the health programme brought me face to face with what was called slim disease. That is when I felt obligated to join the fight against the virus.

And how exactly did you hope to contribute?

I am a nurse by profession. I studied nursing in the ’70s at Kenya Medical Training institute. So as a public health officer, I needed to do my best to keep the population healthy.

How was it like dealing with patients most likely dying of an unknown virus?

First, there was a lot of suspicion. Anyone who appeared slim attracted suspicion. And for those of us who appeared vocal in fighting the scourge were also suspected of being sick with the disease.

So, what were you saying; being vocal?

We talked about sex and sexuality. We talked about condoms.

Was it easy?

Oh no. It wasn’t. You couldn’t say ‘condom’ before people.  It was abomination to talk about them. We had to be very careful and tactful lest we be viewed in different light. Condom was a discussion that no one wanted to hear even at home. If my mother was around, the TV would be switched off (when a condom advert would be airing).

Has HIV affected you personally?

I lost a brother-in-law to the disease early in the 90s. When he died, my mother came in the house and said in hushed tones, ‘ni ile ugonjwa’ (It’s the slim disease). That is how scary the disease was. At burials it was unthinkable to even mention cause of death.

Do you think your work against the virus has helped people?

I always recall one time an elected MP coming over to me at a meeting and telling me that were it not for me he would be HIV positive or dead. When he was a student at the university I went over to give a talk about HIV. He was about to get married. I told the students to make sure that when time came for them to marry, they have to be sure that their would-be-spouse is not infected. Together with the lady they were tested and when the woman turned out positive, he called off the wedding.

Why is it that more women than men in Kenya are infected?

There are several reasons for that. Off the top of my head I can say women haven’t been given an equal playing field.

What do you mean by that?

More women become victims of the environment they are in. The funny thing is there are women who know that their spouses are going out with other women but they feel powerless to do something. They get infected while they can prevent it from happening.

What are they supposed to do?

If you have doubts or have strong suspicion, you will need to stand up for yourself and demand that your husband uses protection because the alternative will definitely hurt you when you are the innocent party.

Is that even possible considering the power dynamic?

Exactly what I was telling you. Even in parliament, the majority male MPs passed the law that men can marry more than one wife. I think that is a bad law. It was selfish on the part of men. I don’t think it is in the best interest of women. And then there are cultural factors that still block women from accessing basic necessities like condoms. Ask yourself: how many women even know that there is a female condom? And those who know, would they be courageous enough to buy them? The thing is our culture is still restrictive against women.

How many wives do you have yourself?

I am married to one wife. I don’t cherish polygamy. From my days as a young man I have always been more concerned to the quality of life I would give my family. Polygamy would have definitely hampered those ambitions. My mum advised me to make sure that when I decide to marry I should make sure that I never divorce.

What has changed about HIV in the 90s and today?

Young people today fear pregnancy more than they do HIV. And that is what is keeping HIV in our population. While young people in my time were not informed, today they are but not taking the right action.

But buying a condom has become much easier, don’t you think?

Buying a condom, however cheap, was a difficult thing to do in my days. But it is not easy even today. People still look at you like there is something wrong with you.

What do you think about infection rates today vis-à-vis your days as a young man?

When I was a young man there was a lot of promiscuity. But young people are generally experimental with sex. There was a lot of looseness. There were more opportunities to have casual sex in the city and hence many of those who had travelled from the village to the city easily sunk into the debauchery. HIV came at a time that when morals were so low; it spread like wildfire.

Are you infected?

No

Had you been infected?

I could have still led a normal life with proper medication and the right lifestyle.

It has been 30 years now. HIV is still with us. What do we do now?

We still have to be faithful to one partner and we still need to use condoms.

What did you want to communicate in your book ‘Turning the tide on HIV’?

The book is about each one of us taking responsibility to fight the virus. If you are a doctor, do it from your point of view; if you are a teacher, do it from that platform life has afforded you; if you are a husband, keep your wife and family safe. Everyone has a role.

Do you feel rewarded having done so much in fighting the virus?

My reward is my health: I have been healthy. I have worked with thousands upon thousands of sick people and I have not been sick. But also, I am more knowledgeable. I have grown wiser each day.