The occasion was hosted by “Bulamonyako”, which is one of the projects run by the church.
Bulamonyako provides counselling, a support system and food parcels for people living with HIV.
More than 450 people a month benefit from these services.
A number of the beneficiaries live in Daveyton, Wattville and the greater Benoni area.
Guests who attended the commemoration listened to a talk by a Mirriam Khobo, who has been living with HIV for 13 years.
She encouraged people who are living with HIV or are affected by it to celebrate the day and not cry.
“When I was diagnosed I tested three times, because I couldn’t accept my situation,” said Khobo.
“I hated God, life, men and everyone around me.”
She acknowledged the progress made throughout the years and said that, when she was diagnosed, people did not want to talk about HIV/Aids and were scared of it.
Khobo said her belief, faith and her love for her children helped her overcome her shame and hate.
In 2006, she started taking antiretrovirals (ARVs), as she had suffered from shingles three times.
“My doctors did not want me to take the medication, but I didn’t want my children to be orphans and I wanted to see them grow,” she added.
“There was a time I slept in hospital and I couldn’t speak and my family had no hope that I would survive.”
However, Khobo was able to overcome the situation and bounce back.
She advised people who live with the virus, but are still in denial, to understand that there is no cure for HIV and that the only way to overcome the situation is to take care of oneself and to take the medication.
“It’s important that we take care of ourselves; drink your medication regularly and eat a balanced diet,” she said.
“The diet should include fruit and vegetables.”
She said people who live with HIV must be open about their status to their families.
Khobo emphasised the importance of disclosure.
“I have no shame, I want those discriminating against affected or infected persons to stop the stigma,” she explained.
She added that it’s important for people to keep testing to know their status.
“Let’s spread the word that HIV does not kill, but what we do does,” she said.
“If we don’t keep a check on our viral load, keep healthy and drink our medication we are killing ourselves.”
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