"Hello, my name is Akulu Topister and I am LIVING with HIV."

Right now I am not focusing on my death but on my life. I hope that I someday will die from another disease, not HIV.

It was a very difficult moment for me when I tested positive for HIV. I had given up with life because it was hard to get medications. I was so weak and abandoned in the villages while my family was in the camps because of the war. I had no hope for survival and I thought it was the end of my life.

I am now 40 years old and have been on medicine for many years. I have 5 children that I support from age 20 to 9 years.

I am very thankful for GRI’s reliable drug supply every month. Their services have helped to reduce discrimination and stigma and to motivate many more people to come for HIV testing. Also the education they have given me has had a positive change on my life and behaviors.

I really have hope for life, much as I was very week, I still believe I will take medication and I hope to live longer.

I believe in Jesus Christ and I trust Him since he has been by my side since the very day I tested positive.

Other LIVING with HIV/AIDS stories: