Selinah Poulo

Selinah Poulo is a 35-year-old woman supporting her mother and two adopted orphans, her brother's children.

Selinah's brother died of AIDS in 2003. Shortly afterwards his wife also passed away from AIDS. As the children's closest living relative, Selinah is responsible for her brother's two children and they went to live with her. "Other people where I am living are also looking after adopted children because of an AIDS death in the family," she says.

"Many women are supporting AIDS orphans as well as their own children."

Selinah says, if she could, she would help more AIDS orphans. "At least my adopted children are going a school where they get free education so that makes it easier for me to look after them."

Selinah works in a clothing factory in Mafeteng, about 100km south of the capital Maseru. In 2005, she decided to get tested for HIV because she was feeling ill. She says life was difficult after she discovered that she was HIV positive.

"I was scared and confused."

Like others in her position, her first thought was to resign from work. But she was worried about the people in her life who rely on her for support. She is the sole breadwinner in the family.

The counselor at the factory where she works told her about the ALAFA programme. Selinah says she has made peace with her status. She sees herself as someone who has repented (knowing her status).

She says that knowing her status has made her feel safer because it means she can take the necessary precautions to ensure she lives a long and healthy life. "I need to be there for my family."