HIV+ teen speaks for youth at Aids summit

last week. This was the first time for a teenager who has been born with HIV to represent Zimbabwe at a conference of such magnitude.
The young man has gone public with his status.  Mkandla is a 17-year-old boy who is studying at St Bernard’s High School in Bulawayo. He is an orphan and lives with his grandmother on the outskirts of Bulawayo. He is receiving treatment and he is very much involved in fighting HIV and Aids-related stigma.
He is part of the Mpilo Teen Club, a support group of teenagers with HIV in the town. In this club, which was formed in 2004 with MSF’s support, Mqondisi meets with his friends and they do activities together.
MSF: How do you feel before heading to Washington?
MM: I am very happy to be able to travel to Washington, which is the first thing I want to say. It is an honour to be a representative of my country at a higher platform at the International Aids Conference (AIC) in Washington. I am feeling enthusiastic, I feel honoured to be going there as I am going as a representative of the other kids that I am leaving behind. And I am excited because it is my first trip, so it is a dream come true for me. I am happy.
MSF: What are your expectations about the International Aids Conference?
MM: My main expectation in the IAC is that I am personally going to be able to share my life experiences in order to educate others in HIV and Aids issues. I would like to be a voice of the voiceless, chronicling challenges that adolescents living with HIV are facing.
I also expect to learn more about HIV and Aids related issues.
MSF: What is the main message you would like to take to Washington regarding your personal experience?
MM: Looking at my background, the main messages and recommendations I will make at IAC in Washington are: to encourage people, mainly adolescents to go and get tested and to advise them that there is still life after being tested positive.
MSF: What did your friends say about the trip? What did they recommend to you?
MM: My friends at home are very excited that I got the chance to go out and represent them and actually share the challenges they are facing in a platform such as the IAC. They are very excited and happy for me, travelling as their ambassador.
MSF: Why do you think it is important to share your personal stories with others?
MM: I think it is important to share my personal experiences with others so as to empower them and to educate them on how to live life stress-free and to look at a brighter future despite the statuses or illnesses they might have.