Story

Honduras: The Unafraid

May 09, 2013 | Pulitzer Center
By
David Rochkind, for the Pulitzer Center

Dominic Suaso, 16, has been HIV positive since birth. His mother died from AIDS when he was young and he now lives with his grandmother. He says that, more than anything, he wishes he could have met his mother. He is public with his HIV because he says there is nothing to be ashamed of and people should accept him for who he is. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Lesbia Martinez, 33, with her daughter Asly Carolina Cordaba, 8. Lesbia was ostracized by her family when she told them about her HIV diagnosis and once tried to kill herself. Now she says that she wants to be an example in her community and "keep her head high and continue moving forward." Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Lilian Serrano, 38, has been HIV-positive for the past 14 years. She helps run a community support group for people living with HIV. She takes care of six children, including Nitza Garcia, 13, whose mother died from AIDS. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Ricardo Medina Garcia, 51, has HIV and currently has tuberculosis as well. This is the second time that he has had TB. He is unable to work because of his illness. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Benita Martinez is public with her HIV diagnosis, which she received in 2005. She is an active participant in her town's support group for people living with HIV and their friends and family. A single mother, she takes care of three children and three grandchildren. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Ilsa Velasquez is 39 and is raising three children by herself. She is public with her HIV diagnosis and is a leader in her town's HIV support group. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Santos Guity was diagnosed with HIV in 2007 and did not seek treatment until years later when he became violently ill and was hospitalized. He is public with his HIV because he says, "shame won't help me live longer, so it's better to tell the truth." Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Santos Anael Martinez (right) is HIV-positive and is married to Anatolia Ramirez, who is not. After learning of his HIV diagnosis, the couple stayed together. Anatolia became an active community health worker who visits people with HIV to check up on them and offer support and guidance. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Elsy Ruiz stands with her daughter, Angela Rachel, 7. Diagnosed with HIV in 2010, Elsy is a single mother who takes care of four children. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Agno Julian Garcia, 41, says he contracted HIV from his ex-wife in 2003 and lived without treatment until 2012. He says that he is public with his diagnosis because people who live hidden may be less likely to receive treatment. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Ana Vilma Batiz was diagnosed with HIV in 2002 and has an 11-year-old daughter who is also HIV positive. Ana Vilma is an educator who travels to support groups in several towns to give workshops on topics related to personal health, self esteem and rights. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Rosa Margarita Clhotter, 44, was diagnosed with HIV in 2010. She is public with her HIV and sells handmade jewelry to tourists to earn a living. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Francisca Guity was diagnosed with HIV in 2010. She is a single mother who takes care of six children. She says that she is public with her HIV because "you have to keep moving forward. No matter what people say, you have to keep moving forward." Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Carmen Suyapa stands with her daughter Brithany, 13, in front of their home. Carmen is HIV-positive and says that Brithany helps her remember when to take her pills each day. She says that it is important for her to be public with her diagnosis in order to help fight ignorance and stigma. Image by David Rochkind. Honduras, 2013.

Over the past 10 years medicines have become more widely available in the Garifuna communities of Honduras and access to health care has improved. There are still obstacles to HIV treatment and prevention, but there are not scores of Garifuna dying due to lack of treatment.

Currently, one of the biggest problems that the population faces is the stigmatization and discrimination that people living with HIV face. There is still a lack of education and awareness about the disease that leads to newly diagnosed people being ostracized by their friends and family and unable to find work. Some fall into a deep depression and consider suicide, and others simply deny their diagnosis and refuse to see a doctor or take any medication. Because of this strong stigma, many Garifuna are afraid to make their HIV status publicly known and live in the shadows, keeping secrets from their family and community. But there are some members of this Afro-Caribbean community who have stood up in the face of discrimination and chosen to make their HIV status publicly known. They have set an example to everyone in their towns and, simply by living publicly, are helping to break down stigma and fight discrimination.

The following are portraits of some of these people.