Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - August 10, 2006
Morning Star Rosario, Namibia Red Cross
At 21 years old and living positively with HIV, Livey is married with a husband and son, and well on her way, growing into a phenomenal woman with great aspirations for the future.
"I was 17 and pregnant with my son when I found out I was HIV positive. I lost my family and friends and I was not even obviously ill. The only person who cared for me was my grandmother, one can never imagine the fear I felt at the time. Looking back, I do not blame anyone. People living with HIV face stigma and discrimination because communities sometimes do not know much about the disease," says Livey as narrates her ordeal.
Livey was born to a single mother in 1985 and is the second-born in family of four. She describes her childhood as an ordinary one with its ups and downs. "I had a lot of influences, both good and bad. For instance according to my belief I knew it was a sin to have sex before marriage, but I did it anyway. I wasn't rebellious. I was just young and uninformed. Today I can say that. I have learned a lot in my life and that has made it easier for me to bring up my son, especially when it comes to issues of sexual behavior," she says.
Her three year old son is the apple of Livey's eyes, and she clearly adores him as she says of him: "I am so happy to have someone in my life, who encourages me to get up and strive for the best. It hurts me to know that I am still unable to provide entirely for his needs. But I can see he is a patient little 3 year-old boy who loves me unconditionally."
Currently, Livey in collaboration with UNICEF and Africa Groups of Sweden is writing a book based on her life experience with HIV. The book was written as a personal journal over a period of 6 months and aims to share her experiences with the world and how to live optimistically with HIV. "We should all celebrate life! As long as you have life, embrace it. It is a lot easier to enjoy every part of your day as if it was the last, whether or not you have a terminal disease." Livey says proudly.
Livey will meet authors from all over world in Sweden later this year, for the launch of her book. She is excited and says "I have cried a lot of tears, but guess what? Today, these are tears of joy."
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