LONDON — On Jacob Alexander’s 22nd birthday, he got a phone call. Sitting next to his mum, he picked up the phone, but the caller wasn’t ringing to wish him a happy birthday. They were calling to tell him his test results. He had tested positive for HIV.
From that moment forth, Alexander’s life changed forever. He lost some of his friends. His best friend — with whom he shared a house — rejected him and even bought a new fridge because he was scared Alexander would “infect” his food.
It didn’t end there.
The response that Alexander’s diagnosis garnered — from both friends and strangers alike — spoke volumes about the alarming lack of awareness and knowledge about the virus. Read more…
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