Famous people who are living with HIV
In commemoration of World Aids Day, we look at celebrities
who have been living with the virus.
December 1 marks ‘World Aids Day’.
According to the World Health Organisation, there were an estimated 38-million people living with HIV at the end of 2019.
The virus has reportedly claimed almost 33-million lives so far.
In 2019, 68% of adults and 53% of children living with HIV globally were receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART). This has led to the reduction of people dying from the virus.
In South Africa at least 71 000 people died from an AIDS-related illness in 2018, states UNAIDS.
To better manage HIV, it is advisable to do the following:
- Take treatment.
- Practise safe sex.
- Exercise.
- Eat healthily.
- Take care of your mental health.
Let us look at celebrities who are living with the virus and managing it well.
READ: The South African celebrities who are living with HIV
Magic Johnson
NBA star Magic Johnson has been living with HIV for decades. He revealed his status in 1991.
Magic has also been vocal about how he got the virus. He says during his time as a Basketball player, he would have sex with multiple women.
“I am certain that I was infected by having unprotected sex with a woman who has the virus. The problem is that I can’t pinpoint the time, the place or the woman. It’s a matter of numbers. Before I was married, I truly lived the bachelor’s life. I’m no Wilt Chamberlain, but as I traveled around NBA cities, I was never at a loss for female companionship. . . . I confess that after I arrived in L.A. in 1979, I did my best to accommodate as many women as I could--most of them through unprotected sex,” he was quoted as saying in Los Angeles Times.
“ Like many men, I had always wondered what it was like to be with more than one woman at a time. There were times when I was able to arrange such an evening with two women, or more. ''I know how I got the HIV virus. That`s clear. But I don`t know who gave it to me,” he was quoted as saying in Chicagotribune.com.
Charlie Sheen
The Golden Globe-winning actor Charlie Sheen disclosed that he was HIV positive in 2015. In an interview with Today Show, he revealed that he had been living with the virus for four years before disclosing it to the public. He also revealed that he had spent millions of dollars paying people to keep his condition a secret, before going public.
Sheen now sees himself as a beacon of hope to those who are positive.
"I feel like I'm carrying the torch for a lot of folks out there that are suffering from the same thing," Sheen told ABC News.
Criselda Kananda
South African media personality Criselda Kananda is an HIV activist. The mother of two has been living with the virus for over two decades.
She wrote a heartfelt message to commemorate the day and how far she has come with the virus.
" As I pen my message I’m overwhelmed by emotions. This year for the first time was the hardest. In the 22yrs of living healthily with HIV infection I could have never anticipated that I’d have my heart broken and the feeling of betrayal would lead me to a weak immune system, post traumatic disorder, ICU Hospitalization and for prevention of possible exposure to The Coronavirus I made the decision to start ARVs," she wrote on Instagram.
" It’s been a year that tested all my theories about HIV. I am still here, gaining strength daily. Grateful for life, family and genuine friends, loving my career progression (simply put I LOVE my job) Though not easy, everyday I choose to love me unconditionally, I show up as the best version of myself, I teach people how I want to be treated, I honor ME and all my achievements. I live, love and let live," she added.
Kananda urged people to take better care of themselves.
READ: Criselda Dudumashe on healing from childhood sexual abuse and finding love
"As of 2017, AIDS has killed 41.5 million people worldwide, the reasons vary from person to person. An estimated 36.7 million people are living with HIV, 7 million of them are here in SA. Making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. There really is no need for more people to die from HIV infection," she wrote.
Kananda addressed some of the stereotypes and myths about HIV/ AIDS.
" This world AIDS Day I urge you once again to invest in facts about the infection. Please stop saying HIV/AIDS simply because HIV is not AIDS. We don’t say hypertension/stroke do we? HIV is a germ that weakens the body. AIDS Is any illness that takes advantage of the weak body and makes the body sick. Most AIDS illnesses can be cured. TB, cancers, pneumonia, diarrhea, meningitis, bacterial and fungal infections and some that are incurable but treatable: shingles and other viral infections like herpes.
" The biggest lie continues to be that ARVs alone make living with HIV easier. Mncim. As for me A well balanced life of a healthy mind, body and soul including taking prescribed medicines consistently makes living with HIV infection bearable. Spare a thought for the 41.5 million people who died, this is not just a number, these were fellow humans. Think about their families and commit to learning more about HIV. Know your status today. Stop the intentional infliction of pain to fellow humans," she concluded.
Image credit/ @Facebook