Young woman fully embraces life by breaking HIV stigma
Through motivational talks and health support programmes, Aziwe Mkhungekwana has encouraged youth to know their HIV status.
“MY past does not define, destroy, deter or defeat me. It has only strengthened me.”
These are the moving words of Aziwe Mkhungekwana, who encouraged the youth to make informed and healthy lifestyle choices.
The vibrant 22-year-old said she found out she was HIV positive by accident.
“I had been taking my treatment from the age of 10, given to me by my mother. At the time I didn’t know what it was for. I had assumptions and questions in my head, but I never had the guts to ask her. I also think she didn’t have the guts to tell me. I only learnt about my status in 2013, at the age of 14, at the Blue Roof clinic during one of my check-up appointments, where I was accompanied by my mom.
“Discovering the truth behind the treatment I had been taking was not easy at all. I was a mess in that office. My mother and I cried. It felt like my world broke down in front of me. I was overwhelmed with questions as to how this would affect my future, friendships and relationships. I was only 14 and had been told that I was HIV positive. I felt angry, sad, ashamed and afraid,” she said.
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“In 2015, I lost my aunt due to HIV due to non-adherence to her treatment. That sparked something in me and I realised I had a choice to make. Was HIV going to define me and my future? No. The Blue Roof Life Space gave me a safe and sound place to heal as well as redefine who I am.
“I told myself that I was not going to allow something that I can control and live with, to take my life. I made the conscious decision to take a positive lease on life. I shared my story and first disclosed my status to those close to me and then at my high school. I got mixed feedback, both positive and negative. But I stand strong at the age of 22, and I look forward to many years ahead of me,” she said.
She is an advocate for HIV awareness and education, particularly among the youth.
Today she is a living testimony of leading a healthy and fulfilling life, and encourages the youth to learn their status.
Through her motivational talks and health support programmes, she has been able to assist many young people in need of information, advice, testing and referrals.
Aziwe has also played an integral part in the Talk Test Treat project at Blue Roof, an online counselling and HIV self-screening service.
“A lot of work still needs to be done in educating the youth on this disease, from prevention testing to treatment. Today, testing for HIV has never been easier. It gives one the power to slow down and even prevent the spread of HIV infection. If you test positive, you can access life-saving treatment and can continue to live a fulfilling life,” she said.
