Juan Brignardello Vela
Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.
In the midst of an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the plight of individuals like E.S., a 27-year-old HIV-positive man, highlights the intersection of health, identity, and survival amid relentless violence and displacement. Living in Northern Gaza, E.S. faces not only the imminent threats of airstrikes and ground raids but also the dire reality of medication shortages for his condition. E.S., who requested anonymity to protect himself from stigma and possible targeting, is in desperate need of Antiretroviral therapy—specifically tenofovir and lopinavir/ritonavir—essential for managing his HIV. The chilling reality, as he recounted, is that local clinics have exhausted their supplies, with no new stock coming in. While Israeli officials deny that medications are being blocked, international aid organizations have reported otherwise, indicating a troubling gap in care for vulnerable populations. “Without these medications, my health could deteriorate rapidly,” E.S. expressed, emphasizing the precariousness of his situation. His limited mobility, exacerbated by complications from HIV, makes the threats of displacement and violence even more daunting. As families flee from their homes amid escalating conflicts, E.S. remains grounded, fearing that leaving would only expose him to greater dangers. Life in Gaza is characterized by a lack of basic necessities. With ongoing military actions, access to food and medical supplies has become critical. E.S. described the harrowing scene of individuals scrambling for aid boxes, while he and his family struggle with their own profound challenges. His mother, a cancer survivor, and his younger brother are his primary sources of support, but the burden of his health condition weighs heavily on them all. Compounding the stress of his health, E.S. contends with the stigma surrounding his HIV status. Raised in a conservative Muslim environment, he faced rejection and lack of understanding from his family. Their initial denial of his condition left him isolated, complicating his efforts to seek the help he desperately needed. Only after years of suffering—and following a fortuitous consultation with a sympathetic doctor—was he able to begin receiving the treatment that would stabilize his health. Yet, as the conflict intensified on October 7, 2023, E.S. found himself in a precarious position once more. The violence escalated rapidly, leading to mass displacements and further exacerbating the already critical shortage of medical supplies. By the end of September, E.S. was informed that there were no more HIV medications available in the north of Gaza, leaving him to grapple with the unthinkable reality of running out of his life-sustaining treatment. The dire circumstances surrounding healthcare in Gaza highlight a broader issue of public health crises exacerbated by conflict. With medical facilities destroyed and healthcare workers targeted, the risks for individuals with chronic illnesses are magnified. E.S. is not just fighting for his health; he is contending with the stigma attached to his identity as a queer Palestinian living with HIV. Despite these challenges, E.S.’s story is also one of resilience and hope. His artistic expression serves as an outlet, allowing him to connect with his identity and the beauty of his homeland. He reflects on the moments of finding joy amidst despair, like spotting others in the community who he believes may share similar experiences. These fleeting connections offer a semblance of solidarity in a world that often feels overwhelmingly isolating. Through a network of support that has emerged despite the chaos, E.S. has recently received help in accessing his medication, a small but significant victory in an ongoing battle for survival. As he navigates the complexities of life in Gaza, he remains hopeful that his story will resonate beyond his immediate circumstances, raising awareness for those whose voices are often silenced by both stigma and violence. In the larger narrative of Gaza's humanitarian crisis, the experiences of individuals like E.S. underscore the urgent need for international attention and action. Amidst the backdrop of war, the struggle for health, dignity, and recognition persists, revealing the profound interconnectedness of identity, illness, and the fight for a better future.
