HIV advocate Doreen Moraa Moracha has opened up on her life story in a heartfelt Facebook post, detailing her journey of resilience and the challenges she has faced.
Moraa was born on August 8, 1992, to HIV discordant parents – her mother was HIV positive while her dad was HIV negative.
HIV discordance refers to a situation where one of the partners is HIV positive while the other is HIV negative.
Her father was HIV-negative, while her mother, who is still alive, lives with HIV.
The 32-year-old revealed that she contracted the virus at birth due to her parents’ discordant status.
Doreen shared that she’s been on antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) for 19 years, explaining that she didn’t begin her treatment sooner due to the heavy stigma surrounding the disease.
“Doreen Moracha is my name, I’m from Nairobi Kenya. I have lived with HIV since I was born—that’s 32 years so far. My parents were a HIV discordant couple, my dad was HIV negative, my mum is still alive & very much HIV positive and thriving. I have 3 siblings who are all HIV negative, they could have been 4 but AIDS stole one of us,” she wrote.
In another post on social media, the HIV/AIDS activist advised men and women that people living with the virus in 2024 can’t be distinguished by physical appearance like in the past.
“Just here to remind you that people living with HIV in 2024 look like me and you,” she wrote.
With this statement, she challenged the long-held assumptions about what a person with HIV looks like, sending a strong reminder about the importance of safe sex and awareness.
Moraa’s candid discussions about her lifelong struggle and daily adherence to medication have garnered her an impressive following— some of whom are grateful for the inspiration she brings to the table.
Her openness has turned her into a beacon of hope for many facing similar battles, proving that HIV doesn’t define who you are or what you can achieve.
Since revealing her HIV status, Doreen has become an inspiration to many, as she actively encourages individuals living with the virus to remain hopeful and adhere to their medication.
Related: “Accept Your HIV Status” Doreen Moraa Advises After Battling HIV Virus Over 30 Years
