Living with HIV Does Not Limit Professional Success, Youth Testify at World AIDS Day

At the World AIDS Day commemoration held in Maseru on Monday, young people living with HIV shared stories demonstrating that the condition does not have to be a barrier to achieving professional goals.

Mr. Rakhants’a Lehloibi, a young person living with HIV, emphasized that his condition has not stopped him from pursuing a better future. “Despite facing discrimination from my community, I refused to let it hold me back,” he said. He continued to follow his dreams and is now a graduate, with international recognition, including nominations as a best storyteller in countries such as Zimbabwe.

Supporting the message, Mrs. ‘Mamokoena Malaka shared her experience as a mother of a son living with HIV. She highlighted his achievements, noting that he refused to let HIV limit his ambitions. “He is now a graduate from the Center for Accounting Studies, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant. With this, he will contribute meaningfully to Lesotho’s economy,” she said.

The testimonies underscored the importance of resilience, determination, and community support. Speakers emphasized that with proper treatment, support networks, and perseverance, HIV should not define one’s potential or limit personal and professional growth.

The event reinforced the message that young people living with HIV can achieve academic and career success, and that society’s role is to provide support, reduce stigma, and celebrate their accomplishments.