Personal Testimonies
1. “Life was never the same after I met others who
are in my same situation”
I was tested in January 2005 after getting sick for a long time, and the result
was HIV positive. I was very shocked after getting my results. I got home and I
only told my sister about my results, and she assisted me in telling my granny
about my HIV status.
I checked my CD4 in 2006, and it was very low, the doctor suggested I start
antiretroviral drugs. In October I started the drugs, and they did not give any
problem beside that my stomach was getting bigger. I then decided to join a
support group that was for people living with HIV only at NATICC. Life was never
the same after I met others who are of my same situation. I started to speak
openly and was able to share with other people about my life. I then decided to
help at the centre, especially to talk to those who have tested HIV positive and
give them hope. I can say HIV is not a problem to me, and I will live and adhere
to my treatment.
-- Nokulunga Nhlabatsi – Support
group Volunteer
2. “I am free and free to live with no fear; HIV is not a problem to me”
Hi, my name is Nonjabulo which means “I have joy”. I tested in 2005, April and
was told I am HIV positive. It has been a very difficult for me to cope after
hearing that I was HIV positive; I was stigmatized and rejected by my family.
But then I got to know about a support group in my area. I was interested to be
part. They welcomed me like a family member. They hugged me and asked about my
life. The support they gave to me made me feel I am a living person—not a dying
person. I am free and free to live with no fear; HIV is not a problem to me.
My CD4 is good and I am not yet on ART. Nutrition is still doing wonders for me
as are motivational lessons that I get from my support group.
-- Nonjabulo Mlipha – NATICC
Volunteer
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