WOW — I lived with HIV since birth but it took me 23 years to fully accept my diagnosis

As a result of their HIV status, people living with HIV/AIDS endure stigma and prejudice all over the world.

Stigma is a negative trait that devalues those who possess it, leading to social rejection and loss of status.

Prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS are prominent manifestations of views about the devalued attribute in families, communities, and healthcare institutions.

Doreen Morra, an HIV-positive young woman, took to Facebook to discuss both her positive and negative experiences with the condition. Despite the fact that she was born with HIV, the young woman said it took her 23 years to accept her diagnosis.

Acceptance is a daily journey; each day you wake up loving yourself more, and no one can tell you how to do it; you must teach yourself.

Rather than being angry with yourself for taking so long to accept your position, make it a daily aim to LOVE yourself a little bit more every day."

Despite the stigma in society, Doreen has had HIV since birth and her viral load is undetectable because she accepts and loves herself. This simply means that she is immune to infection and can have sexual contact with her partner.

"Although no one is immune to HIV, there is always hope if you've already been diagnosed.

Keep your HIV status a secret if you're HIV-negative. This year's goal is to reduce new HIV infections and to stop "measuring" people with your eyes.

"There was no therapy for HIV patients when I was formally diagnosed with HIV 22 years ago, and my parents were sent home with HOPE. I HOPE that those of you who have recently been diagnosed with HIV or are navigating life with an HIV diagnosis find the HOPE to live again, smile again, and not let a small virus that can't speak define you."