I risk getting HIV while my mum is pregnant with me, during birth and when she breast feeds me. If I don’t start treatment and my HIV status is unknown, I run a 50% risk to die before my 2nd birthday.

It’s important to know my HIV status so I can be linked to treatment if needed. Otherwise, I run an 80% risk to die before I turn 5.

I am taking medication. I want my caregivers and clinic to start telling me why and in such a way that I understand. I need support from them and my community in this partial disclosure process.

As a young adolescent, it’s often this period during which I discover to be living with HIV. My sexuality education at school is mostly limited to biology, so I miss comprehensive knowledge to retain to my HIV treatment and to make an informed decision if and when I want to have sex for the first time.

It’s difficult to get sexual and reproductive health information and products. Services are not youth-friendly or I depend on my caregivers because of age of consent for services. As a girl in particular I may engage in unequal relationships and early marriage, risking to become pregnant, to get HIV or drop out of school.

As a young woman I am likely to discover my HIV status during antenatal care. I’m twice as likely to be living with HIV than men my age. Gender specific roles restrict me in my opportunities, sexuality, autonomy and in claiming my sexual and reproductive health and rights.

As a young woman I have a higher risk of an unplanned pregnancy and a lower uptake of antenatal and postnatal care than older women. This may cause poorer health for both me and my baby. As a young mother living with HIV I risk poorer treatment adherence and viral load suppression.