Dedza, MALAWI —  “All I want is for HIV to end with me,” says Dorothy Banda* (Not real name), her voice filled with determination.

Growing up in Dedza, Dorothy loved playing games with her friends. But those carefree moments were often interrupted by a routine she dreaded, taking her medication. The pills were large, hard to swallow, and an unwelcome reminder of a battle she didn’t fully understand.

I used to hate taking Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) when I was young. The pills were so big, and I struggled with them

At just five years old, Dorothy’s mother had to explain why these pills mattered.

 “They keep you alive!” she would exclaim, hoping the words would make the bitter medicine easier to bear.

Dorothy listened, but the side effects and daily commitment weighed heavily on her young shoulders.

Seeking support, her mother introduced her to a teen club where Dorothy began learning the importance of staying on treatment. The connections she made there eventually led her to Y+, a youth group for young people living with HIV.

“Hearing what my fellow youths discussed at Y+ meetings inspired me,” Dorothy says. “I wanted to learn how to live a positive life without transmitting the disease to others.”

But Dorothy’s journey wasn’t without pain. Stigma and discrimination shadowed her teenage years.

“In Standard 8, I proudly showed my school ID to classmates because I liked how I looked in the photo,” she remembers. “Then someone shouted, ‘You just look like a sick person. After all, I hear you are HIV positive!’”

The words hit hard, filling her with self-doubt and anxiety. Moments like these made her question whether her dreams were even possible. Yet, through Y+, Dorothy found strength. Surrounded by peers who understood, she learned that her HIV status did not define her—or limit her future.

Through UNFPA’s Y+ programme, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Norwegian Government, Dorothy participated in a training of trainers for young people living with HIV. The program introduced the iCAN spirit, encouraging youths to believe they can live, achieve, and thrive—just like anyone else.

“The iCAN training taught me that I am capable. It’s not just about living with HIV, but about living fully,” Dorothy shares.

As a certified trainer, Dorothy now helps other young people in Dedza make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. She uses her story to inspire others, especially those born with HIV, to stay on treatment and embrace their potential.

“Y+ has given me confidence. I’ve learned to see my abilities, not my limitations,” she says.

Looking ahead, Dorothy feels empowered by knowledge about safe pregnancy practices.

“Knowing I can protect my future child from HIV means so much,” she explains. “I want my child to grow up free from the stigma I faced. By choosing a safe pregnancy, I’m helping to end the spread of HIV—and breaking the cycle for my family.”

*Not her real name

Nicholas Phiri, Communications Consultant