“The Chinese (Communist) government is despicable, trying to shift the blame for HIV infections onto homosexuality and prostitution in an attempt to cover up blood transmission,” said Shen Xiaoyi, a blood transfusion HIV victim. He shared his personal experiences with the reporter.
Shen Xiaoyi used to work in industries related to tourism in Dali, Yunnan. He also sold local specialties on Pinduoduo while running an inn. Selling walnuts from Dali, he was one of the top ten walnut sellers on Pinduoduo, with an annual sales exceeding 20 million.
When the pandemic hit, businesses suffered, and Shen’s business was no exception. In August 2020, Shen returned to his hometown from Dali. During a class reunion, a long-lost friend who had immigrated to Canada suggested that Shen consider going abroad to overcome his business challenges.
Before the age of forty, Shen had never considered going abroad, thinking only well-educated or wealthy individuals did so. However, encouraged by his friend’s compliments on his diverse skills, Shen began seriously considering emigrating. After months of preparation, Shen decided to move to Canada in 2021.
Due to his poor English foundation, Shen sought the help of a undergraduate student from Dalian Foreign Languages Translation College. Despite the challenges, he dedicated a year to learning English from the student.
In January 2022, Shen began experiencing severe headaches. In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, his condition worsened, and he eventually collapsed at home. Rushed to the hospital, he was diagnosed with HIV and cryptococcal meningitis, with a 50% fatality rate.
Due to the severity of his condition, Shen was transferred to a designated hospital in Chongqing for treatment. After being in a coma for six days and nights, Shen finally regained consciousness. Although his recovery was costly, Shen persevered through rehabilitation, eventually overcoming his ordeal without any lasting effects, a feat considered miraculous by his doctors.
During his hospital stay, Shen shared a room with VIP patients, including a real estate tycoon who questioned Shen about the cause of his illness. Shen revealed that he had received a blood transfusion in 2017 due to a car accident in Dali, a experience that changed his life forever.
Shen learned that the incubation period for HIV is generally five to eight years, coinciding with his illness onset. He revealed similar experiences of other high-profile patients, emphasizing the dangers of using domestically produced drugs and advocating for imported medication.
Upon his discharge in April, Shen spent two months recovering at home before embarking on a journey to seek answers to his medical history in Yunnan. However, his quest for medical records and clarity led to a violent confrontation with hospital authorities, resulting in physical harm and obstruction of information retrieval.
Shen’s determination to uncover the truth behind his illness and ensure accountability for the hospital’s practices reflects his commitment to justice and transparency. The next chapter of his story unfolds as he faces challenges and hurdles in his pursuit of truth and justice.