Real life with HIV

For the millions of people living with HIV worldwide, managing their health is just one part of a complex life. At MSD, we’re committed to advancing the science of HIV research by considering people’s challenges, unmet needs and lives.

Real people. Real stories. Real life with HIV.

“I don’t live with HIV. HIV lives with me. I’m the boss."

Sheidera

Auntie. Caregiver. Content creator. Living with HIV.

“I love my life. I’m grateful for my body, my eyes that can see, and my legs that can climb mountains.”

Luis

Emergency responder. Nature lover. Hiker. Living with HIV.

“I’m a night owl. My 9 to 5 is 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., not 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

Shohei

Producer. Gamer. Clothing designer. Living with HIV.

“If I keep my schedule booked, if I’m engaged socially, if I’m out enjoying performances, enjoying the world, enjoying the city, I feel youthful, I feel free.”

Mitch

Actor. World traveler. Mental health advocate. Living with HIV.

"If I don't take care of myself, there's no way I can be a joy or a light to anyone else."

Tae

Stand-up comedian. Professional basketball mascot. Volunteer. Living with HIV.

“Community means everything to me. It means power. It means support.”

Gigi

Ballroom mother. Community leader. Trans woman. Living with HIV.

“Ignorance equals fear. But knowledge and awareness equals hope and joy and life.”

Iana

Mom. Hairstylist. Activist. Living with HIV.

“I’m always told that I have a bright light. I’m very independent, very outgoing, and I just love being around people.”

Beza

Teacher. Dancer. Extrovert. Lifetime HIV survivor.

HIV community advocates spark a global conversation

Meet three HIV advocates who are using their stories to uplift, confront stigma and create spaces of healing and hope across continents

Our work in HIV

We continue to push the boundaries of HIV science because unmet medical need still endures. Ending the HIV epidemic remains our ultimate goal.