HIV is not a DEATH SENTENCE

You might not know it from watching the news or listening to lawmakers, but AIDS is still a crisis. Nearly 37 million people are living with HIV today, and more than 15 million of them still can’t get life-saving treatment. Within South Africa, 50,000 people die of AIDS related complications every year, and the country has an 18% Adult HIV prevelance.


Just playing a numbers game, each of you listening right now knows someone who has been infected with the HIV virus or is suffering from AIDS.


The SakhiSizwe team spoke with Ms Barbara Kingsley an HIV+ Activist and Educator whose own journey battling the virus has inspired many through her talks, and more recently her book ‘I am Human’. She spoke to us about a variety of cultural stereotypes about people living with HIV/AIDS and also what the appropriate terminology to use is.



Her own story was inspiring, as she lived in denial for years after her diagnosis before going on ARV treatment. She also talked about the important role long distance running has played in her life, and how she has used her platform to educate and inspire hundreds of people living with the diagnosis to take back control of their lives.


There are many misconceptions that exist around AIDS and it is the responsibility of activist's, schools, and the government to educate and spread awareness about this important topic so that people with AIDS and HIV can lead life with dignity and have positive sexual and community relationships.


Click on the video below to listen to this interview:


Produced by : Madhav Prakash

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