*Harriet, 52, lives in the slums of Bombo town, Luweero district, Uganda, with her three grandchildren. She learned she was HIV positive in 2013 at a time when HIV infected people were still shunned by their families, friends and the community. It started when Harriet's health started to deteriorate due to ongoing body pain, numerous health difficulties, and challenges common among women living with HIV. This compelled her to confide in one of her sisters whom she believed could assist her. 

“My sister told me about Alive Medical Services (AMS) and assured me that they would assist me. I guess she suspected I had HIV. I tested HIV positive at AMS and was well counselled and encouraged and I chose not to blame the person who had infected me, but rather focused on looking after my health. This responsibility made me stronger, and Alive Medical Services also assisted me in achieving my goal.” says Harriet. 

The comprehensive services offered by Alive Medical Services helped her keep healthy, informed and safe. Harriet sees multiple specialists from doctors to counsellors all with in a single clinic setting. Through Alive Medical Services, Harriet has learned that you can live with HIV, you just need to take care of yourself. “Life is worth living, and I am no longer a victim, I am an overcomer, survivor and fighter”. 

Although being 52 years old, Harriet intends to maintain her health and strength for both herself and the three grandchildren she is now caring for. According to Harriet, more people living with HIV should find the strength and courage to tell their loved ones and a few close friends about their condition in order to gain their support and educate them as well. By doing this, stigma can be halved because more adherence will be encouraged, and the virus won't spread at all. 

“I don't want anyone to experience what I did. I would have wanted someone like me to say, I'm a long-term HIV survivor, when I was diagnosed. That's actually my mission and my passion: to save lives and give hope to the hopeless. As long as you take your ARVS well, follow doctors advise and have a positive mindset, you are going to be pretty okay. Being 52 makes me a long-term survivor, but life is what we make of it. I could lay down and die or I can fight alongside with our health workers and I choose to fight till the end.” Narrated Harriet. 

Harriet is currently involved in knitting African-made baskets and table mats, which she sells at the National Theatre Uganda on Fridays. This was an opportunity offered to her every week, and different tourist visitors buy her items. Harriet is thriving like any other person today because of your generosity and partnership with Alive Medical Services so thank you so much to all our donors!