When we meet people, we absorb a whole range of sensory perceptions, such as a person's height, physique, and skin tone. We hear their voice and take in how they express themselves. We can even detect their unique scent.
But what is the overall impression that we are left with of the other person? Isn't this often limited to their appearance?
And what about ourselves? Do we really always know what's exactly going on inside? How aware are we of our own desires, needs and priorities in life? And do we communicate these clearly, not just to ourselves, but also to others?
Each of us possesses traits that are initially concealed but later become apparent. For some, these are particular skills, for others, these could be remarkable passions or interests. Just like Bastian, Lillian and Christopher.
Bastian
Bastian loves fashion and has found his four-legged muse in George. For them, Sunday is 'Shark Day'!
Lillian
Lillian is big-hearted for people – as well as for elephants, who adorn her apartment in all shapes and sizes.
Christopher
Christopher shares his home with no less than 97 plants. He's looking for the right woman to help him turn his jungle into the perfect family nest.
We wanted to find out more about Bastian, Lillian, and Christopher’s lives, to better understand how they navigate life with HIV. We spoke with all three of them, as well as several other people living with HIV. We quickly realised that the diversity of their personalities is reflected in the wide range of experiences, expectations and needs they each have for their own lives. This individual uniqueness should therefore also be mirrored in their HIV treatment.
Three key aspects are needed for this to succeed:
Clarity
Knowledge makes you strong! Many people have an almost insatiable thirst for information after finding out they are HIV-positive. And this is a good thing! Because only when you fully understand what HIV is, how it affects your body, which therapies are available and what other aspects you should take into consideration, you can figure out what matters most in your own HIV treatment.
When you are aware of your own needs and effectively communicate them to your doctor, you can collaboratively make informed decisions about your health and your life. The more your HIV therapy is tailored to you and your lifestyle, the easier it will be for you to follow your treatment and the more effective it can be.
Willingness
Your doctor should always be your first point of contact when it comes to your HIV treatment. Try to be open with them and clearly communicate your unique needs to them. This will help you to find the best solutions, together, for your HIV treatment but also for your overall health and well-being. Our campaign wishes to break down any remaining barriers, to facilitate even more open conversations.
We want to empower people living with HIV with knowledge, to give them the confidence to better understand their own needs and to communicate these openly. Find out what is important to you for your HIV treatment, and for how you navigate your life with HIV. Work together with your doctor to find the best way to maintain the highest possible quality of life.
Up-to-date information
Anyone living with HIV can choose their own way to live with it; there is no one-size-fits-all miracle solution. Just as there is no HIV treatment option that perfectly meets the needs of every HIV-positive person. HIV treatments are numerous and varied in their forms, and they are constantly evolving. Knowing what your treatment options are empowers you to make informed decisions about your HIV care together with your doctor, ensuring these are tailored to fit your unique needs and lifestyle.
To discover what’s best for YOU, you need to start by understanding what the different available options are.
Each of us is unique and special in our own authentic way, and so are you. Which is why we all deserve a treatment that is tailored to our own individual needs & lifestyle. Talk about your options with your doctor.
NP-BE-HVU-WCNT-240007 (V2.0) - May 2025
