Michael Simiyu

Michael Simiyu works with an organisation at a nearby hospital as an Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) Outreach Officer.

Four years ago, Michael weighed little more than 35 kg. He had discovered that he was HIV+ and had started ART and was severely depressed. The side effects of the drugs had almost driven him to suicide.

Michael joined an ACE established PLWA support group. The support group, one of the first of its kind in the area and was trained in Agriculture and Nutrition, Herbal Remedies and Income Generating Activity.

Michael set up a kitchen garden and started his own small business. A year later, Michael was eating three nutritious meals a day, and making a small income to sustain his family. Having regained his strength and will to live, Michael decided to get more involved in HIV/AIDS programmes, and was recruited as an ART Outreach Officer for an NGO in the area.

He is now living proof that with holistic support, one can live a fulfilled life with HIV/AIDS.