The First Time I Got Sick - Nompikiso's Story

In 2002 the person who infected me with the disease died then I went to the doctor to get tested. And I discovered that I was HIV positive. Then I told my sister and she cried cause of the fact that many people with HIV die, but I told her not to worry because I was going to take good care of myself.

In my house I live alone. My baby lives with their dad. The disease that I’m having is breaking my heart, but I’m getting treatment. My dream is to get well. This disease wants someone who can take good care of herself, who can not do other things that she’s not supposed to do. It’s been from 2002 to 2008 living with this virus and I’m taking good care of myself. I eat healthy and I’m getting used to being HIV positive.

Translated from Xhosa by: Ziyanda L.