FGM – The Aftermath (8)
By CLIFFORD OLUOCH
Published Dec. 16, 2010
After another week at the hospital with Jioni, Dr. Kio finally remembered where she had met the young patient. It was three years back that they had met at the same hospital, Jioni a case of excess bleeding and infection resulting from female circumcision. The doctor had been incensed by the action and had promised to follow the case up to the highest authorities, but it had not happened as she had had to leave for further studies outside the country, hence pushing the case to the back of her mind.
Three years later, and she had met the girl again. This time she was determined to follow up the case to the end and use it to fight female circumcision in the community.
A public rally on HIV/AIDS awareness was coming up in a week’s time and many of the country’s musicians and entertainers and NGOs were going to talk about HIV/AIDS and it effects on the society. Dr. Kio, one of the convenors of the rally, was going to get Jioni to talk about her life.
Jioni and the doctor had a lengthy discussion about the rally. “Do I have to read anything?” Jioni asked, well aware that reading was one of her biggest weaknesses.
“Not really,” replied the doctor. “You will just have to be yourself and tell the rally your story, just the way you are talking to me. You are a brave girl and nothing can scare you.”
Jioni was still very nervous about the whole idea of speaking in front of others, especially adults. “Where is this rally going to be held?” she inquired.
The answer was not what she was exactly expecting. “At your last school, Rural Urban Primary School,” replied the doctor. “And thousands and thousands of people are expected to attend it.”
Jioni stiffened at the mention of her former school. The memories she had of the school were not fond ones. And the memories were still fresh in her mind, especially her last day there with all the chanting of “Kill her!” What if they decided to really kill her?
The doctor sensed Jioni’s discomfort and went ahead to reassure her. “You won’t be the only speaker, the MP, the councillors will all be there, and there will be other people who are HIV positive who will also talk. This is your chance.”
Jioni relaxed and became excited when she heard about the entertainers and musicians who were lined up for the big day. It was really going to be a big day.
A day before the event, Jioni asked the doctor to take her to the venue. She needed to rehearse her speech. The two went to the venue and they practiced over and over again. The doctor seemed excited as Jioni talked naturally about her life. It was amazing how at the age of 12, this young girl had gone through all the hardships of life.
The big day was finally here with Jioni. It was a Saturday morning and she found it hard to take breakfast. For the last one week she had been staying at Dr.Kio’s quarters, and she loved every bit of it, someone to talk to, confide in, emulate, joke with. Dr. Kio sometimes took her on hospital rounds, explaining to her some of the ailments and how to treat them. Jioni vowed to be a doctor when she grew up.
Jioni was restless and so was the doctor. They decided to leave early and be at the venue an hour before the others. They arrived at the venue and already there were people setting up the public address system. The crowd was building up slowly. Jioni and Dr.Kio made it to the VIP dais where their seats were reserved. Jioni felt important.
The entertainers and some of the VIPs started arriving and Dr.Kio went ahead to introduce each of them to Jioni personally. They were very polite to her some explaining to her what the whole rally was going to be about. She even had a chance to ask some musicians about their music. This was real life!
Time was up and all the dignitaries had arrived. The local MP was the last one to arrive and with him was the Minister for Health, a lady. A real minister! Jioni was thrilled when the MP and the minister came to the dais and shook hands with all of them. The minister had a few words to say to Jioni.
“What would you like to be when you grow up?” the minister asked Jioni, who seemed to know too well what she wanted to be.
“A doctor, and discover the cure for AIDS,” she replied confidently admiring the Minister’s smart attire, especially the headgear.
The programme began and speaker after speaker talked about the evils of HIV/AIDS, ways of transmission. Musicians sang and actors performed, all on the theme. The crowd responded with appreciation, screaming their heads off when the musicians danced to their liking.
The last speaker before the MP was Dr. Kio. She stood and went to the microphone, and hers was very brief, “All my effort in combating the spread HIV/AIDS and FGM in this community will be summarized in a real life story of one my youngest ever patients, Jioni!”
Jioni stiffened! This was the moment of truth to tell the world about her life once and for all. She remained seated until the applause brought her to her senses and feet. She moved to the microphone, a smart young girl twelve years old, HIV positive and victim of FGM.
“Go for it girl,” Dr. Kio said, as she held Jioni’s left hand and squeezed it gently to reassure her that all would be well.
To be continued.
(c) oluochcliff@yahoo.co.uk
Tags: Lifestyle
