Interview 09
Now on anti-retroviral treatment (nevirapine, tenofovir, 3TC), she has overcome her isolation mainly through support groups and her Christian church which is accepting of HIV. She still suffers from health problems. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)
Age at interview: 49
Age at diagnosis: 45
Sex: Female
Background: A 49 year old black African female health professional who became unwell while visiting the UK and was diagnosed with HIV in 2001.
Outline: A 49 year old black African female health professional who became unwell while visiting the UK and was diagnosed with HIV in 2001. At first, she was shocked by her diagnosis and very isolated. She was also thrown out of her accommodation because of her HIV. She was unable to afford food to take with medication, or transport to get to her HIV clinic. Now on anti-retroviral treatment (nevirapine, tenofovir, 3TC), she has overcome her isolation mainly through support groups and her Christian church which is accepting of HIV. She has counselling once a month and social services have also helped her with accommodation. She was also helped by a respite placement where she learned from gay men about surviving with HIV. She now feels much more hopeful about living well with HIV. Her CD4 cells were 420 at the time of interview, although she still suffers from numerous health problems.
(Video and audio clips read by an actor.)