Dear Charity

An HIV positive result does not have to be a death sentence. There are many ways to prevent yourself from getting sick. Firstly, you need to look after yourself well – eat natural and unprocessed food (it isn’t expensive!), get enough sleep and exercise, avoid things like sugar and alcohol, treat opportunistic infections (any sickness or infection) quickly and use condoms every time you have sex. An important way to protect your health is to stay hopeful and determined to have a good life.

Try to find an HIV counsellor and support group to encourage you – ask your test centre or any HIV or community health organisation. They can also help you talk to your aunt if you decide to tell her.

Many people are afraid of AIDS. They are afraid of dying, being alone, losing friends and being treated badly. Meeting other HIV positive people helps overcome these fears. Many people have had HIV for years and are healthy and successful; many have sexual relationships and some choose to have children. With advice and guidance, you can do this too. Other people can give you hope and their stories will make you strong. And you can help others, too.

Auntie Stella