My Journey

My HIV diagnosis came at a time when stigma was still very high. In fact, when I first got the news, I sentenced myself to an early death. I let go of almost all my life plans and began living one day at a time. I became extra cautious of my looks for fear of being diagnosed by my friends before I could disclose to any of them. I wanted to make sure that even in my death, I would still look good. Looking back, I think the best thing I did was committing to taking good care of myself. I didn’t wait for my CD4 to drop below 200, the cut-off point for ARV enrolment in those days. Instead, I convinced the doctor to start me on treatment right away, not realizing that 15 years later the world would recognize the crucial importance of starting treatment immediately at diagnosis. Since the adoption of Treat All in June 2016, every Motswana who is diagnosed with HIV can begin treatment regardless of their CD4 count. No fear, no illness, no waiting. I am a powerful testimony of the benefits of early treatment. After 17 years, I have never experienced any decline in my CD4 count and my viral load has remained undetectable. Also, I have not fallen seriously ill. The longer I live with HIV, the more I realize how important it is for me to be positive and stay focused. I have decided to participate in HIV-related activities in order to learn more. Even while working full-time as a teacher, I found time to help others living with HIV. This mission became so important that I resigned as a teacher in order to go work for the Coping Centre for People Living with HIV and AIDS (COCEPWA). Their programs motivated me to become a role model for positive change. I worked hard and was promoted in every new area I was assigned. I started counselling people on a voluntary basis, which I still do up to this day, and I feel bad if I can’t find time to fit someone into my busy schedule. In 2006, I participated in Centre for Youth of Hope (CEYOHO)’s Miss HIV Stigma Free pageant in Orapa and was crowned Queen, which came with P60,000 sponsorship from Barclay’s Bank to use in my activities as Miss HIV Stigma Free. With these funds, I conducted an HIV testing campaign in Tlokweng where 365 people tested. I also got the opportunity to travel to Germany through UNICEF sponsorship to share experiences and find out what others were doing beyond our borders. I became a stronger and more motivated person through doing my part to help Botswana and the world to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. I have faced some challenges over the years. I lost some friends who were upset that I spoke publicly about my HIV status, but have gained even better friends who understand the kind of sacrifices I made for everyone in the world. Even in my old age, I plan to continue talking to my colleagues about HIV and the good and bad experiences over the years. I will continue with my mission, encouraged and humbled by the support from my beloved Botswana Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (BONEPWA+), the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the United States President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other stakeholders like media houses. If you want to live long and positively with HIV – like me – then you must accept yourself, start and adhere faithfully to your treatment, and take good care of yourself and your health. I am living proof that you can achieve your dreams. You can have it all with Treat All.