Many people equate an HIV diagnosis with imminent death. Not only is this false, but more important, early diagnosis of HIV improves one’s chances of survival. Goitsemang Nnetlane (not his real name) from the Northern Cape recently heard that his sister, Dibuseng (also not her real name) had been diagnosed with HIV. His first thought was that he had to secure anti-retrovirals for her immediately. But, he was wrong.

Part 2 of an interview with Justice Edwin Cameron who describes his past six years on antiretroviral therapy as a “miracle” that has given him back his life.

In the last Living with AIDS feature, we heard how Goitsemang, a young man from Britstown, in the Northern Cape, has been on a quest to learn more about HIV and AIDS after hearing that his sister, Dibuseng, is HIV positive. Khopotso Bodibe of Health-e News Service, accompanied him to a doctor to have some of his questions answered.

Whether it’€™s an alarm clock or the local rooster, people in poor communities can find ways to remember to take their antiretroviral therapy at the same time every morning and evening. Nyameka Ndhashe lost her mother to AIDS because she could not get antiretroviral therapy. Now she’€™s a monitor for the Treatment Access Campaign helping others who are getting drugs to enjoy a new lease on life.

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An important pre-condition for anyone on antiretroviral therapy under the Treatment Action Campaign’€™s treatment project is to have the support of a friend. Buyiswa Gcwabe is desperately ill and has chosen her 16-year old daughter Zanele as her official ‘€œtreatment supporter’€.

Buyiswa Gcwabe is a mother of seven children and has AIDS. She is a member of the Treatment Action Campaign and is among the first group of 25 people to receive antiretroviral treatment funded by the TAC. Health-e travelled with her to her first appointment with the doctor who will monitor her treatment.