“Just because you’re HIV positive doesn’t mean that you’re all alone. People are out there willing to support you. You are surrounded by so many loved people. When you’re HIV positive, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the world. It doesn’t mean that God has abandoned you.” [English Translation follows local language. Full text below the fold.] [English Translation] “Hello world. I know you’re all wondering who I am and I wish I could reveal myself, but...

“There are still many who are scared to come to the clinic. They are stigmatizing themselves. I hope if they see me and I can speak to them, this might give them encouragement.” [English Translation following local language. Full text below the fold.] [English Translation] “One of my close friends was unwell with an STI (sexually transmitted infection). Our Clinical Officer here in Kapiri advised him to go for VCT (voluntary counseling and testing). I...

“Some children have lost both parents; some, one. They need to be helped. But we’re asking the government to include us in development, so that we will be working together.” [English Translation begins at 4:15. Full text below the fold.] “My name is Rosemary. When I first felt sick, it was 2013 and I went to Mungwi Baptist Clinic. When I reached Mungwi, I visited the clinic officer who tested me and found that I’m HIV positive. Then I came back from Mungwi and...

“If they reduce thinking about the problems in their lives, they can concentrate on doing good things because they’re also human beings; they can do things to lead normal lives.” [English Translation begins at 2:07. Full text below the fold.] “My name is Mary Chileshe in the village of Mumena. I was elected in this village to look after people who have different diseases. We have formed a support group to support one another so we know how to care for ourselves when we...

“I think taking part in sport helps you to be open about your status. It encourages you to get out and be active. This way we can show others what living positively is all about.” [English Translation following local language. Full text below the fold.] [English Translation] “Our football team is about 16 members including women. Through playing football we get to mingle together and feel alive. And exercise is good for the group. We have started to play...

“Alcohol was a way for me to escape. We had hunger at home and I was ill. There was little money and it had to go for food and medicine. And I found myself drinking with my friends to escape from the problems at home.” [English Translation follows local language. Full text below the fold.] [English Translation] “Way back before I came to know my status I used to be a heavy drinker of alcohol. I started to experience health problems in 1987. I still...