Stop the Cycle of HIV: Support Women and Children!

At just 14 years old, Stacy received a life-altering HIV diagnosis. The news was overwhelming. She struggled to grasp what it meant to live with HIV or the importance of taking her medication consistently and on time. Having lost both of her parents to AIDS-related illnesses, Stacy carried not only the burden of grief but also the fear of what lay ahead.

She found herself in the care of her loving maternal aunt, who stood by her side through this challenging period. Concerned by Stacy’s recurrent illnesses, they sought help from Alive Medical Services (AMS). It was here that Stacy was tested for HIV.

“My aunt told me the test was just a precaution to check if I had contracted HIV from my late parents. She really just wanted to understand why I kept getting sick,” Stacy recalled.

When the results came back positive, Stacy was confused. She misunderstood the meaning of being "HIV positive" and initially believed it meant she didn’t have the virus.

“I remember smiling so hard when the counsellor told my aunt I was HIV positive. I didn’t understand why she sounded so remorseful,” she shared.

With gentle support, Stacy’s aunt helped her understand the diagnosis. Encouraged by her aunt’s love and the compassionate team at AMS, Stacy began her HIV treatment journey.

However, by age 16, maintaining adherence became difficult. For Stacy, the daily medication was a reminder of a reality she had not chosen. School pressures, fear of stigma, and underlying mental health struggles weighed heavily on her. She began skipping doses, leading to significant weight loss, a surge in hospital visits, a spike in viral load, and a dangerously low CD4 count.

“During one of my counselling sessions, the counsellor warned me that unless things changed, the consequences could be serious. It was like a wake-up call,” Stacy recalled.

In response, Stacy was introduced to the Victor’s Club, a support group at AMS specifically for adolescents and young people living with HIV. Held during school holidays, the group offers a safe, empowering space for youth to connect, share experiences, and grow together.

“When I joined for the first time, I felt understood. I saw other young people like me doing well in their lives, and I made friends I still hang out with today,” she said with a smile.

The Victor’s Club helped Stacy process her emotions and rebuild her self-esteem. Surrounded by peers and mentors who understood her journey, she found renewed strength and motivation. She recommitted to her treatment, engaged fully in AMS’s youth programs, and began to thrive.

Now at 21, Stacy is a healthy young woman — undetectable, confident, and full of life. She has become a source of inspiration for other young people living with HIV, just as she was once inspired by those who walked before her.

 She is grateful to all our donors who make it possible to be alive!