Irene’s story

“I was told that when you are HIV positive you will certainly die.”

“So I thought that AIDS was what God had given me to die from – until I met some people from Batsirai who told me that it is possible to live a healthy and active life.”

Irene Musarapasi is speaking more than 10 years after a diagnosis of HIV and the death of her husband from an HIV-related illness. Batsirai – a long-standing Progressio partner organisation – helped Irene with medication, school fees for her 17-year-old daughter Tabeth, and support as she overcame ostracism born of ignorance.

Now she is an activist, telling her personal story to others as part of educating people about HIV. “I tell people: You must understand those who are HIV positive, love them, support them and take care of them. They are just like you.”

Photo of Irene Musarapasi © Marcus Perkins/Progressio