New Zealand AIDS Foundation

Vimbai

40, Zimbabwean, HIV negative

Internationally, HIV and AIDS are very commonly discussed conditions.

But not so in New Zealand's African communities.

When it comes to the issue of HIV, you only hear whispers. While many would love to believe that the virus did not get on the plane with them when they came to New Zealand, we need to remember that it is here with us. African Communities are not spared. I believe that it is important for all of us to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, with both individuals and the community. I don't have the HIV virus, but I think it's important to stand up for my community and to make sure that people don't shy away from this issue.

The diverse African communities are minority groups in New Zealand and when something like HIV happens in any minority group it is a huge problem. To some extent I think the issues of HIV and AIDS are bigger when we talk about them in the African communities. This causes more stigma, which then causes many people with HIV to hide away. This is how the virus continues to spread. For people that are struggling to make it in this country, the issues of HIV and AIDS are too important to hide away from.