Vovo Mbathane, 36, Bekkersdal - west rand westonaria
Many people default from their ARV's, says Vovo Mbathane, because they don't get the proper information and support they need to understand how to live on them long term. As someone who has been living on treatment for more than 10 years, she understands the importance of adherence. “This is not just HIV positive, the mindset becomes positive. You look forward to the next day, you look forward to your next birthday, you look forward to the graduation of your child. You are full of life.” Vovo has been on ARVs for more than 10 years. She says that she is very healthy as she knows how to look after herself and what to eat. She isn’t scared of getting sick and dying anymore.
She tested positive 16 years ago when she was pregnant but she did not start treatment straight away. She started ARVs because her partner had passed away. She took them because she was scared that she might also die.
She isn’t currently on dolutegravir but she hopes to move on to it, even though her current treatment works fine for her. She says that ARVs have given her a “leap of hope” that she is not going to die tomorrow, she is going to live.
Vovo says that living with HIV has made her mentally stronger and more positive. She is able to deal with the challenges of life.
The hardships of HIV have been explaining to her child and her partners that she is on medication and how ARVs work. On a day-to-day basis though, there is no struggle. She has a routine and has built the habit of taking her pills daily.
She says that, in her experience, some people default because they take the ARVs to get better. Once they are better they stop. She says that it is due to a lack of understanding and information.
Many people default from their ARV's, says Vovo Mbathane, because they don't get the proper information and support they need to understand how to live on them long term. As someone who has been living on treatment for more than 10 years, she understands the importance of adherence. i
Vovo Mbathane, 36, Bekkersdal - west rand westonaria
Vovo has been on ARVs for more than 10 years. She says that she is very healthy as she knows how to look after herself and what to eat. She isn’t scared of getting sick and dying anymore.
She tested positive 16 years ago when she was pregnant but she did not start treatment straight away. She started ARVs because her partner had passed away. She took them because she was scared that she might also die.
“This is not just HIV positive, the mindset becomes positive. You look forward to the next day, you look forward to your next birthday, you look forward to the graduation of your child. You are full of life.”
She isn’t currently on dolutegravir but she hopes to move on to it, even though her current treatment works fine for her. She says that ARVs have given her a “leap of hope” that she is not going to die tomorrow, she is going to live.
Vovo says that living with HIV has made her mentally stronger and more positive. She is able to deal with the challenges of life.
The hardships of HIV have been explaining to her child and her partners that she is on medication and how ARVs work. On a day-to-day basis though, there is no struggle. She has a routine and has built the habit of taking her pills daily.
“My experience has been very good. I feel healthy. I have never been sick. I take good care of myself… Being on ARV’s has given me hope. It means I can live longer with this virus.”
She says that, in her experience, some people default because they take the ARVs to get better. Once they are better they stop. She says that it is due to a lack of understanding and information.
“I now make more informed decisions… I’ve stopped smoking, I’ve stopped drinking a lot. I also have to help the treatment to work in me so I have to also take care of myself.”
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