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Natasha
Mhone

I am a living miracle.

@ Gates Archive/Jonathan Torgovnik

Natasha
Mhone

I am a living miracle.

Natasha's Story

For me it was the opportunity to apply to join Gen A that inspired me to stand in my truth and speak about HIV for the very first time outside of my immediate family.

I was diagnosed as HIV positive aged 15, having been born with the disease. My mother passed away from the disease when I was nine, but it was only as a teenager that I found out the true circumstances of my mother’s death. My family, through the love they have for me, advised me to keep my status a secret from all but immediate family. Whilst they themselves did not see me any differently, they knew that the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding HIV in our community would have a devastating effect on my life.

I am a living miracle.

 

The day of my diagnosis changed everything for me. I immediately felt different and isolated, having little knowledge of what HIV was and how it would affect me. For 13 years, I kept this secret, fearing peoples’ reactions and believing – like my family – that I would not be accepted. Until now.

 

Now, with my family’s continued support, I am ready to tell my story.

 

I work for an NGO that focuses on research and development for HIV prevention and care. I hope that by sharing my experiences, HIV prevention and treatment gets the attention it deserves within SDG 3 – and that people in my position feel less alone. My next step is to use my passion for storytelling and commitment to working in healthcare to forge a career in Healthcare Communications, believing in the transformational power of stories.

 

I see myself as a living miracle, and I hope that my story helps others living with HIV understand that they are, too.

Media pack

You can download Natasha’s story and headshot here. To contact Natasha about an interview or speaking at an event please contact us.

@ Gates Archive/Jonathan Torgovnik