Calm after the tide

As the HIV epidemic continues to evolve, Black communities around the world remain disproportionately affected by HIV. There are almost 40 million people living with HIV worldwide and the majority of them (28 million) live in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Caribbean is the second most affected.

IV related illnesses are the leading cause of death for African American women in the US between the ages of 15 – 44. In the UK, African communities are the second most affected communities after the gay community. HIV infections among Caribbean communities in the UK, have been slowly and steadily rising for a few years now.

Yet many people in Black communities believe that they are not at risk, many remain undiagnosed and HIV is perceived as something that happens to somebody else. There are many conspiracy theories why HIV has the impact it does on Black communities and not enough people interested in the facts. And so the stigma attached to the disease persists.

As a person living with HIV for the last 19 years, my biggest challenge is actually not living with the disease but convincing other people that a good quality of life is possible. I was accidentally diagnosed through a job application and thought that my life was over when I was told. I went through dark times of unbelievable fear, stress and illness.

But I am happy to say that at this point in time, I have never felt better. I have benefited greatly, from anti HIV treatment since my diagnosis, the support of my family and friends has been amazing and living openly not a problem. My life has never been the same since I learnt of my HIV status, but I am constantly pleasantly surprised by the course it is on.

Winnie works as HIV Mainstreaming Coordinator for Christian Aid. She has shared her story in NAM’s book Living with HIV available for free to Black History Month readers.

NAM is a charity that provides HIV information to individuals and people working in the HIV sector.

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