FACT: Being HIV Negative Rocks

FACT: An estimated 5.6 million people were living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa in 2009. This figure is  more than in any other country.

FACT: In 2009, an estimated 310,000 South Africans died of AIDS.

FACT: Prevalence is 17.8 percent among those aged 15-49, with some age groups being particularly affected.

FACT:Almost one-in-three women aged 25-29, and over a quarter of men aged 30-34, are living with HIV.

FACT: HIV prevalence among those aged two and older also varies by province with KwaZulu-Natal (15.8%) at the upper end of the scale.

Those are the facts. Those are the statistics. That is reality. 

   

When I look at facts like that, it just proves to me that my generation is under attack from the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Based on the above facts, at the age of 25, my age, people are living with HIV and AIDS.  At 25, my life is just beginning and there are other 25 year olds in my country who’s lives are just about ending. Based on these facts, I just missed by a mere fraction to be counted as an HIV positive 25 year old woman. Based on these facts, HIV and AIDS is much closer to home afterall I live in the province with the highest HIV prevalence. It is these same facts that keep me living positively. It is thanks to my fear of dying and becoming just another HIV/AIDS statistic in a country that is in the fight against this killer disease. I am truly blessed and proud to have made to the age of 25 and that I can boldy state that I am HIV negative. Some of my peers are not as lucky.

If only my all peers would have this mindset. If only my peers would be responsible.

Imagine if all 25 year old’s got tested. Imagine if all 25 year olds used protection. Imagine if all 25 year olds were responsible and looked after their health and well being. Imagine if all 25 year olds stopped being apathetic toward HIV/AIDS... We just might all live past the life expectancy rate of 49 years old.

Let's beat the odds and live long healthy lives ... HIV negatively.