Stories of tragedy and hope: access to treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS

Paul Kebakile. Access to antiretroviral medicines helps fight the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. WHO/Eric Miller

This series of feature stories is about people living with HIV/AIDS. Each story is very different. Some tell a tale of people struggling with the debilitating effects of HIV and the fear of an early death.

Other stories are much more positive. Thanks to a breakthrough in the delivery of antiretroviral medicines, individuals are not only beating HIV, they now have renewed hope for the future, for themselves and for their families.

Fighting stigma - the story of Paul Kebakile, Gaborone, Botswana

A second chance at life - the story of Sheila Mosarwa, Mochudi, Botswana

Shattered dreams - the story of Atlwanang Seako

New hope - the story of Ishmael Time, Jwaneng, Botswana

On World AIDS Day 2003, WHO released details of its strategy to get three million people in developing countries on AIDS treatment by 2005.
3 by 5 Initiative

Text based on original reporting by Aernout Zevenbergen.