Loyce

The shock of finding out I was HIV-positive was immense, I have lost my own child and husband to the virus, so I decided to empower myself with knowledge on HIV/AIDS. I opted to keep my status a secret for fear of rejection from my friends. I read widely on the subject and became an expert. My mum was also propelling me to open up and help others to live positively like me but I was reluctant for a long time. First I informed all my distant relatives, close friends, then the community. I trained as an ambassador of hope, which I am today. I have managed to co-habit with the virus with the understanding that for both of us we each need to accommodate each other’s rights in harmony.

When I was infected with TB, I did not want to beg for money to feed myself. I taught myself beading and today I have a successful business selling my jewelry to shops in Nairobi. My latest business venture is making cooking baskets, these baskets are environmental and allow food to cook slowly while you are at work, it is going well.

My inspiration is the knowledge that the Almighty Father loves each one of us; so with this knowledge, HIV is the best thing that happened to me and I live an informed beautiful life.  Presently I help 3 HIV-positive children and find joy when I see them grow with good health.