JEDDAH, 21 December 2005 — The value of life has increased for Abu Abdullah and Umm Ali, two Saudis diagnosed with AIDS. They have both faced society with courage and boldness despite the stigma they face in society.
In a series of interviews with Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, over the past year, they talked about how they live their social, financial and psychological life.
Thirty-year-old widow Umm Ali got the virus through her husband. She said that she has changed in the past year, now bolder then before. She faces people with high spirits and courage. In the past she would isolate herself from society and her children, preferring to die than to confront the way people see her.
“My dream now is to see my daughter married. I am back to living a normal life after I began to get back in touch with people. People sympathized with my situation and I have received all kinds of help,” said Umm Ali.
Umm Ali’s youngest daughter spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat, too, saying that her mother changed since the last interview.
“She used to lock herself inside her room. She would cry a lot and scream and shout at us for any reason,” said Faten.
Abu Abdullah also chose initially to exile himself from society, covering his face when he talked to people. He said that the disease haunted him, and that he feared people. He regrets the day he started using intravenous drugs.
“I never regretted talking to the media because I want people to be more aware of my situation. Currently I work as a taxi driver after I received a charity donation from a do-gooder. Now I am able to support my family of three,” said Abu Abdullah.
Saudi Arabia treats AIDS patients for free in three hospitals. The annual cost for treatment in other countries is estimated at an average of nearly SR120,000. Saudi Arabia spends more than SR15 million in medicine to treat AIDS patients.
According to statistics, there are 7,808 AIDS patients in the Kingdom of which 1,743 are Saudis. Fifty percent of the AIDS patients are in Jeddah. The Ministry of Health announced earlier the death of 588 AIDS patients from the total number of those infected with the virus.
