South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
In the quiet offices of Juba Military Hospital, patients know her not only as Lieutenant Colonel Harriet Fouzia Ginaba of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), but also as “Mama Harriet” or even “Dr. Condom.” With a warm smile, a kind word, and a light joke, she has become a distinctive figure among soldiers and civilians living with HIV/AIDS.
Lt Col. Harriet Fouzia’s story began in 2005 when she first joined the military and confronted the challenges of HIV/AIDS. At that time, she was the only female HIV counsellor at the hospital, which meant she had to combat the stigma associated with the disease.
Negative attitudes towards the virus made it difficult for her to perform her duties, as many soldiers believed that those working in HIV programmes were also living with the virus.
“At first, it was hard. People thought we were positive because we worked with HIV patients. I told them, yes, even if you are positive, you can live a full life; you can contribute to the nation, you can have children, and they can be HIV negative,” she said firmly.
However, it was not only the stigma surrounding the disease that she had to fight. Gender stereotypes also posed a challenge. Her credibility as a woman in the army was often questioned, with many assuming she was uneducated.
“Some thought women in uniform were failures or people with no schooling,” she recalled. “They didn’t believe we could be professionals. But today, we have graduates, even PhD holders, in the armed forces.”
According to recent estimates (2024) by UNAIDS, the number of people living with HIV in South Sudan is between 130,000 and 180,000, with nearly 60 percent having died from HIV/AIDS-related illnesses since 2010.
Lt. Col. Fouzia Ginaba speaking during the interview (credit Jenifer James)
In general, the lack of HIV data in South Sudan means that a comprehensive picture of HIV prevalence cannot be established. However, military personnel may be at a greater risk of HIV compared to the general population.
“I provide two things – counselling and testing, and I dispense medication. But more than that, I always support my clients,” she said. “Whenever someone is seriously ill, I take it as if they were one of my relatives. For me, my tribe is this medicine. If you are taking this medicine, you are in my tribe, and I will support you.”
Harriet says she uses humour as a practical way to break through prejudices and reduce the fear and anxiety associated with testing.
“Sometimes I ask soldiers, ‘Who is brave enough to take this small HIV test? You can fight with guns, but can you fight with this tiny needle for testing?’ Then we all laugh, and it eases the fear,” she said.
The effects of her charisma shine through as she walks through the quiet hospital waiting rooms. If she finds men and women sitting silently, she might say, “How many of you need condoms? I have a condom in my pocket.” The laughter alleviates tension, opening the door for deeper conversations about treatment, health, and living with HIV.
But her impact extends beyond laughter; she has been able to help many people facing an HIV diagnosis.
Mariette (not her real name) is one such individual whose life was transformed when she walked into Harriet’s office.
“I discovered my husband was HIV positive, and I was devastated,” she said softly. “I thought my marriage was over. But Mama Harriet sat with me, counselled me, and explained that it was not the end of life. She told me that with treatment and love, we could still live as a family.”
Mariette says her marriage is now strong and that there is no longer any stigma or fear of death.
“She is more than a counsellor to me; she is like a mother. Without her, I don’t think I would have had the strength to face this,” she said. “Whenever I feel hopeless, I just remember her words: ‘HIV is not the end; it is the beginning of a new discipline in life.’ Those words keep me strong every day,” she added with a smile.
Lieutenant Colonel Harriet Fouzia Ginaba’s openness has inspired many patients to trust in treatment and reject despair. She often visits them in their homes, offering comfort and encouragement. Over time, her compassion has earned her respect as a unique female counsellor in a male-dominated military environment.
For Ginaba, however, her true achievement lies in saving lives and restoring dignity. “Whenever you love your job, you will achieve,” she said. “For me, helping people living with HIV to believe in life again is the biggest achievement of my service.”
“This story is reported with a grant from Journalists for Human Rights under the Tackling Mis/Disinformation Project, funded by the Peace and Stabilization Program of the Government of Canada.”
