Young + positive
AIDS is the leading cause of death among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa and the second globally.
“HIV does not define me.”
Pretty much every young person living with HIV will have been through some heartbreaking challenges, but to portray them as victims would be to ignore the strength in Mariam, the feistiness in Daphine, or the burning activist that is Arkar.
They are using their experiences to prevent new infections and to show other young positive people that you can live a healthy, fulfilled life with HIV.
All pictures in this gallery for Frontline AIDS. Unless stated, being featured is not an indication of HIV status.

Once Mariam recovered she joined a young mothers group at MildMay Uganda.
Before long, she was selected to become a peer educator, talking to other young women about sexual and reproductive health, sexual rights and HIV.
“I really loved the training a lot,” says Mariam. “I gained hope, and started to feel less stressed, I saw there was a future for me."
Before long, she was selected to become a peer educator, talking to other young women about sexual and reproductive health, sexual rights and HIV.
“I really loved the training a lot,” says Mariam. “I gained hope, and started to feel less stressed, I saw there was a future for me."