SocialDocumentary.net | Johnny C Y Lam | 13 - The first 13 minutes of each day living with HIV in Rwanda.

Photographer: Johnny C Y Lam

Title: 13 - The first 13 minutes of each day living with HIV in Rwanda.

Location: Canada

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Exhibit Abstract

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Exhibit Abstract

Princess (b 1996, born with HIV) washing her hands soon after she woke up, getting ready for the community health worker morning visit. Her younger sister (b 2005, born with HIV) is still in bed, about to get up.

I spent a week living with a family in a rural village called Rubimba in Eastern Rwanda at the end of November. It has been 2 years since I first met and photographed Princess and her family. Living without running water and battling against HIV, Princess, her younger sister and her mother all rely on antiretroviral drugs to stay strong in their battle. This set of photographs were made during an early hour of one morning within a 13 minute time frame, shortly after they woke up to face yet another day. These photographs were made in hopes to help eradicate the stigma that surrounds people living with HIV and continue to explore the deeper effect poverty has on the people suffering from the virus. These medications are strong and patients required a nutritional diet to be able to cope with the side effects. Over 60% of the population living in Rwanda earns less than 1$ a day. It is extremely challenging to have enough to eat; let alone having a nutritious meal.

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I am interested in exploring the controversial topic of poverty and the intricate relationship between food and health. Most people who live without sickness do not understand what it is like to be taking heavy medication daily.The side effects from these medications, such as antiretroviral drugs, can be overwhelming if the patient isn't eating sufficient nutritional food.
According to U.S. Department Of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the recommended treatments for children have been more aggressive because HIV disease progression is more rapid than it is in adults. Some of the common side effects include abdominal pain, dizziness, migraines, nausea, insomnia and mood swing. These side effects directly impact the quality of life and the ability to work or attend schools.
Having access to antiretroviral drugs is very important for the people living with HIV. Having access to nutritional food is equally important. They are like the two wings of a bird, it cannot fly if one is missing.

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