Mohammed Awal Waju is a 23-year-old openly gay man living with HIV in Nigeria. Diagnosed at the age of 17, he says that it was difficult initially coming to terms with his new reality while dealing with the unique challenges of late adolescence. He soon discovered the U=U message, and it opened a new lease on life for him.
“To me, U=U means freedom, empowerment and hope,” he says. “It means that I can live a healthy, fulfilling life without fear of transmitting HIV to the ones I love. It means that I can pursue my passions, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to my community without the weight of stigma holding me back.”
I first became aware of Awal’s work while scrolling through X (formerly Twitter), in November 2023. He had posted a picture of himself sporting a U=U t-shirt with the caption, “It’s a virus, not a limitation. Make stigma history.” As simple as this act of advocacy seemed, it drew the ire of many netizens; vitriol and unprintable homophobia overflowed in the comments. The post, which generated over 100,000 impressions at the time, went viral in Africa.
Unsettling and disturbing as the comments were, Awal was unfazed. It has become a norm for him and he is undeterred. “...I get threats every day; it is nothing new,” he says. “Sometimes,
I get over a hundred messages in my inbox wishing me dead.” The threats and negativity have become routine. He once received a threat to his life from someone he believed knew his home address. Still, he takes it all in stride as he considers it part of the hazards of the terrain.
“For me, staying safe while advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness in Nigeria is a constant balancing act,” he says. “I’m always aware of the risks involved and try to be careful.”
For Awal, it’s the positive feedback he gets that drives him. “A lot of people hear about U=U for the first time from my posts, and I am happy about that. I typically get about 40 messages daily encouraging me and seeking to learn more about U=U. The most special I ever received was from a 17-year-old gay boy just getting diagnosed. It was significant because that was the same age I was when I received my diagnosis, and I was able to relate to the exact emotions he was passing through. I was able to take him under my wing and nurture him through the process of coming to terms with the reality of his situation.” His tone is light and his face breaks into a wistful smile; it is evident that he is sharing a pleasant memory.
Moments like this remind him why he started his advocacy, he says. “I want more people living with HIV to come out and share their stories. I am inspired by the power of grassroots advocacy to raise awareness about U=U and challenge existing harmful stereotypes. More importantly, we need legislative reform. The criminalization of homosexuality in Nigeria perpetuates stigma and discrimination. Legal reform, such as repealing discriminatory laws, is essential.”
More broadly, Awal believes that coming out openly to advocate for U=U as a gay man living with HIV is helping to advance conversations around the topic and, consequently, awareness. “My social media campaigns have helped to raise awareness about U=U and HIV/AIDS, particularly among young people who are more likely to engage with online content. By sharing my story, I have helped to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV, challenging the stigma and misinformation that surround these issues.”
While Awal understands that not everyone can openly disclose their sexuality or status, he adds that other LGBTQ+ individuals living with HIV in Nigeria who may be struggling with stigma and discrimination should find a circle of support.
“Seek out friends, family or community organizations that can provide support and understanding,” he says. “Practice self-care by engaging in activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit. This can help you cope with the stress and stigma you may encounter. And also remember that you are not alone.”
Asked how long he intends to continue the movement, he says there are still too many people who have not heard the U=U message. “We have to use any means necessary to get the message out there, and for me, social media is the best tool at my disposal. I will never stop advocating for U=U. This is a life journey for me and so I will continue advocating for U=U.”
We had barely finished our call when I received a notification of a new post from Awal. It’s an attention-grabbing picture; standing on a hill, his fists raised in defiance, wearing a crop top with U=U boldly emblazoned on the front and an unwavering smile on his face.
Awal is on X and Instagram, @awalwaju.
PASCAL AKAHOME (he, him) is a pharmacist, researcher and writer who uses the power of words to advocate for improved HIV treatment and prevention services access to marginalized groups in the global south. His writings also explore the intersection between policy at a macro level and healthcare access. He is a fellow of the Advocacy for Cure Academy of the International AIDS Society (IAS) and the director of Antiretroviral Improved Access Initiative (AIAI), a local advocacy network based in Nigeria. He often speaks on HIV scientific and advocacy panels