Living Positively in South Africa

When Lihle Behbe found out that she was living with HIV, she felt like it was written on her forehead. She joined a peer support group to share her experience and overcome the challenges together. 

“You only have one life,” she said.   

South Africa is home to 7.2 million people living with HIV, the country with the highest number of people living with HIV in the world, according to UNAIDS. Young women (15–24 years old) make up 29% of new HIV infections in the country. That’s 1500 young women infected every week. 

HIV is a virus that spreads through certain body fluids and attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS and death.

A lack of youth-friendly HIV treatment, support and care services prevents many young women from accessing information and treatment. Many young people living with HIV do not know their status. Getting tested for HIV is key. It is the first step to accessing life-saving treatment if the test result is positive.

A lack of youth-friendly HIV treatment, support and care services prevents many young women from accessing information and treatment. Many young people living with HIV do not know their status. Getting tested for HIV is key. It is the first step to accessing life-saving treatment if the test result is positive.

One of the biggest barriers to care is often HIV-related stigma from friends, family or the community, comments such as “Does your mother know you are having sex?” or “At your age, I kept my legs closed.”

UNAIDS advocates for zero discrimination and an action plan for best practices in health–care settings. A South African production company, Makhulu Productions, has made a virtual reality film using real testimonies to experience health care from a young person’s point of view. 

There is a link between violence against women and HIV infection. Violence, along with a lack of education and job opportunities, makes adolescent girls and women vulnerable. 

By enabling women and girls to fulfil their rights to health, to education and to self-determination, change happens. Good health enables women to thrive and grow. Ms Behbe, meanwhile, wants to get married, have children and live a positive life. 

Reflecting on her life and the hike to the top, Ms Behbe says, “Through this journey, I know I will succeed.”

All photos courtesy of Sydelle Willow Smith/Makhulu Media