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Dear Tete Barbara —
I am a boy aged 24 studying at a University in South Africa who is passionate about sport. I love life and I am full of hope for the future. I was born with HIV which I contracted at birth, which sometimes causes me to fall ill.
Over the years with the help of good counselling and medication I have learnt to live with the virus. Unfortunately, both my parents passed on leaving me an orphan. After listening to your show on children born with HIV, I decided to write this to encourage other children who were born with the virus to keep hoping for good things.
I also want to remind everyone who is sexually active to be responsible not just for yourself but also for your children who will live a life of consuming drugs for the rest of their lives.
Tete Barbara Responds
Thank you very much for your letter of encouragement.
It is refreshing to find such a young man with a zest for life even as you are in a position that some may find discouraging.
You have proven that life is what you make it! It is sad that your parents are not around to see what a strong willed young man you have become, they would have been proud of you. Your wisdom and enthusiasm is contagious and it is the dream of every parent, nation and the world at large to have such positive mind sets.
Early testing and counselling gives one the right frame of mind to tackle life one day at a time. It is also very important as you have said for every individual to be responsible before engaging in any sexual activity. S
afe sex and also testing before and during pregnancy helps prevent mother to child transmission. Medication, counselling and a healthy lifestyle gives people living with HIV an equal opportunity at living a successful, happy and fruitful life.
Be Positive!
Online Reporter