Finding out that you are HIV-positive can be a big shock in itself and can lead to further emotional and physical suffering. There is still a lot of ignorance and prejudice about HIV and AIDS and it is often seen as a “death sentence”. Most people are scared when they are first diagnosed. Some respond by feeling that their lives are over and become very depressed. Many people cannot accept the diagnosis and deny that they are positive to their families and to themselves. Others react with anger and refuse to be responsible and practice safe sex. Many people feel ashamed of their HIV status and think that their partners and family will reject them, or that their communities will isolate them if they are open about being HIV-positive.

It takes courage to face this disease and a lot of support is needed to fight it. People with HIV/AIDS can live long and productive lives if they get emotional support, strengthen their immune systems, get proper medical treatment and take good care of their health.

The vast majority of people who are HIV-positive do not know it, although people are becoming more aware of the importance of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). Many people only realise they are HIV-positive when they develop AIDS and get seriously ill.