Executive Director, Stand to End Rape (STER) initiative, Oluwaseun Osowobi, says she feared for her life when she tested positive for the coronavirus.
Osowobi was among five patients discharged by the Lagos State Government on Monday.
She narrated her ordeal on Twitter.
“Life finds ways of throwing LEMON at me. I’ve struggled w/coming forward, but I want to inspire hope. I returned to Nigeria from the UK post-Commonwealth event (I totally enjoyed) & fell ill. As a responsible person, I self-isolated,” she wrote.
“Days after, I TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19. The next days were tough. No appetite. Nausea, vomit & stooling was unbearable. I’m a blood type A & #COVID19 dealt w/ me.
“I thought I was going to die & contemplated a succession plan for @StandtoEndRape. I was on drugs daily. Sometimes, I‘d take 8 tablets in the morning, 13 tablets in the afternoon, 10 at night. My system threw everything out! Water, food, soap & all disgusted me. But I’d look at the wall & force myself to stay hydrated — drank ORS. I FOUGHT TO LIVE! I FOUGHT!!
“To every young person out there, please give your lungs a chance to beat this. Can I encourage you to stop smoking & live a healthy life at this time? A healthy lung is KEY!
“@NCDCgov & State Governments need to improve their testing capacity. Test mild/asymptomatic cases too. Sending strength to everyone who is fighting to beat #COVID19. 💪🏽
“Some stigmatised me based on article on national dailies with subtle messages like ‘why did she come back to Nigeria?’ Face with tears of joy. Nigeria is my home. 🤷🏽♀️. Coronavirus is NOT a death sentence. People can survive and I HAVE!”
In March 2019, Osowobi was named 2019 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year in recognition of her efforts to end sexual violence.
