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Before Henrique ever knew he was living with HIV, the virus had already played a role in his life since he was born to a mother with HIV.
Upon discovering his own status at age 15, he initially was overcome with fear due to some of the misconceptions that still surround people living with HIV. But once equipped with accurate health information, treatment options and the support of his loved ones, Henrique turned his uncertainty into hope.
“After his diagnosis, he didn’t want others to go through the same worries. Because of the stigma. Because of the prejudice he went through,” says Tiago, Henrique’s husband.
Henrique decided to make it his life’s mission to prevent others living with HIV from navigating it alone. Today, he’s a social worker and HIV activist in Salvador, Brazil, helping others gain access to the support and health resources they need to plan for their future.
"I’m grateful for the medicine that exists today and the access I have to it," he says.
Henrique's journey shows what’s possible when people have access to the full continuum of HIV care. That’s why Gilead partners with organizations like (RED) to help develop person-centered strategies for HIV care. Working together to expand access to HIV information, prevention, and its best-in-class treatment options can help bring the company closer to its goal to end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere.
Watch the video above to learn more.