In much of the world people go most of their lives without ever meeting someone who is openly HIV positive and therefore carry around a preconceived notion that the majority of those who are infected are gay men, intravenous drug users, sex workers, or promiscuous individuals living alternative lifestyles. In South Africa, and around the globe, these preconceived notions and cultural stereotypes are just not accurate.


Now that HIV is no longer something that people have to die with and is rather something that people can “live” with, I believe it is important for the world to see and come to understand that people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds are infected and living with HIV. Unfortunately, most of those people are now living with the disease and all of the stigmas and stereotypes that go along with it, making living with something that is already difficult, almost impossible. It keeps those who have it from acknowledging it, speaking out about it, and educating others. This causes secrets to be kept, keeps infection rates high, and makes the possibility of living normal lives inconceivable.


The cultural barriers for those living with HIV don’t have to be present forever, but they are never going to change if the world doesn’t get a clear picture of the actual population living with HIV. Stereotypes and preconceived notions are hard to change in an isolated area, let alone globally, but the best way to make the change is visually. People need to be able to relate to those living with HIV and the only way to do that, without personally getting to know someone, is to visually see that those infected are similar to yourself and are also professionals, students, mothers, babies, and children.


I currently live in Pretoria, South Africa where HIV/AIDS is very real for everyone. The Human Sciences Research Council, in South Africa, estimates that 10.9% of all South Africans have HIV/AIDS. Within the adult population the rate is estimated to be 18.5%. South Africa is thought to be the country with the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in the world. It is true that certain demographics of the South African population are affected more than others but the reality is that the effects are felt through all demographics in this country and globally.


It is here, with the help of many brave individuals, that I hope we can we can make a "positive" contribution to all of those who deserve to live open and healthy lives, free of stigmas and discrimination. This will be a platform for them to tell their stories and show the world that they are normal people, with normal lives, that live with unfortunate circumstances and don't deserve to be judged for it. Additionally it is my hope that these faces of hope will encourage people to get tested and, if positive, choose a life with treatment.

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Patty - Living with HIV for 2 Years


Patty has been living with the knowledge of her positive HIV status for 2 years. She discovered her status while being hospitalized for a sudden respiratory illness.  After a long recovery process Patty has been strong and healthy while on ARVs.


Patty is the widowed mother of six children and grandmother of three.  Patty lives with her eldest daughter, Stephanie, who has been her greatest support and her only child who is aware of her status.  Patty would like to tell her other children but is hesitant because of the social stigma within their community.  While Patty may be ready, she remains sensitive to whether or not they are ready. 


Since her positive test result, Patty has been diligent about caring for her health and taking her ARVs but with that comes complicated social challenges.  At her local clinic she is required to use a healthcare card that clearly identifies her HIV status.  The card of a patient who is not HIV+ is small and white while the card given to those who are HIV+ is large and green. Patty feels that when she presents her large green card at the clinic waiting room her HIV status is easily identifiable.  This, often times, discloses her status without her even knowing.


Patty has been a constant advocate for HIV privacy and stigma reduction within her community's healthcare system.  She has succeeded in getting her clinic to no longer separate the HIV+ patients from others in the waiting room.  Her current battle is to convince the clinic to adopt uniform health cards to protect patients' privacy.  In addition, Patty is actively running and participating in several online HIV support groups and has also recently started one within her own community.


Patty was recently let go from her job and is confident that it was due to her positive status.  Being unemployed wasn't an option so she borrowed money from a friend to buy an industrial sewing machine and has put her seamstress talents to use to support her family.  


"I am just a normal, poor, old woman trying to help the HIV community online and at home.  I am vulnerable and scared, but am putting up a brave front."



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Friday, May 22, 2015

Mandla - Living with HIV for 18 Years


Mandla has been living with HIV for 18 years and is the father of a healthy HIV positive 12 year-old boy.  He has been on ARVs for 9 years and has remained healthy throughout the years.  However, over time he has experienced a loss of roundness in his face and slight nerve damage in his feet due to the side effects of some of the now antiquated ARVs.



Mandla lives a life of purpose as an involved parent and a valued community member performing outreach to others affected by HIV.  Mandla has not been limited by HIV in the most valued aspects of his life, especially finding love.  Mandla met Anna (see her + story below) through one of the many online support networks for people living with HIV.  They will be getting married in the near future and are looking forward to a long life together.


 Mandla has devoted many years to HIV advocacy, working to improve awareness and fight stigma.  He works with his local government and is a featured speaker on HIV awareness - most recently on one of Durban's largest radio stations, Ukhozi FM.  His drive to advocate for the infected can be in part attributed to his love for his son.


Mandla discovered his son's status when he became ill at the age of 3.  After being placed on a treatment regimen he regained his health and has continued to maintain it.  Unfortunately, Mandla's son lost his mother to AIDS when he was only 4 years old.  At the age of 10, Mandla's son's status was disclosed to him with the help of social workers and a children's support group.


Mandla believes that years of hard work and outreach within his community has made an impact that is absent in many other rural areas of South Africa.  People are more knowledgeable, open, and accepting, which makes life easier for his own son in an environment that was once the opposite.


"It is upon us to be role models, especially to the newly infected."
 
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Friday, May 15, 2015

Anna - Living with HIV for 12 years

Anna has been living with the knowledge of her positive status for 12 years now.  Shortly after learning about her own illness, Anna watched her sister die of AIDS due to denial and a lack of knowledge about the disease.  Her sister left behind two daughters, aged 7 and 11, for Anna to raise.   

 

Anna works as a receptionist at a doctor's office and has been employed in this field for the past 14 years. For over a decade she has supported herself and her nieces with the oldest now in college.  



Anna volunteers much of her free time identifying individuals within her community's informal settlements who are ignoring and losing the battle to stay healthy with HIV.  As an advocate for the sick to seek care, she has influenced the lives of many to choose life with treatment rather than the path her sister chose.




Anna has not allowed her positive status to keep her from finding love.  Through one of the many on-line networks and support groups for those living with HIV, she found Mandla.

 

Anna and Mandla are engaged to be married and planning their wedding for the near future.  Anna is healthy and has never allowed her status to keep her from living a full and meaningful life.


"Being open about HIV has allowed me to be a positive example for so many and I can only hope more people will do the same."
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