Portraits in courage: AfricAlive exhibition puts the spotlight on the successes—and shortcomings—of the worldwide fight against the HIV virus

At age 49, Nasiimbwa Teopista of Uganda has survived most of her friends and many family members who have died from AIDS. She currently is accessing anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment and urges others to get tested and obtain life-saving therapy. Teopista understands the need for pioneers in the community to work as living proof of the benefits of education and treatment. "I am now a living model for the rest of the people in my area about living positively on ARV treatment."

Africa is one of the regions in the world most devastated by HIV/AIDS and, while its suffering has been widely publicized, the continent--particularly Uganda and South Africa--continues to be ravaged by the disease and inadequate access to treatment. According to the Uganda AIDS Commission, HIV/AIDS has helped lower the life expectancy in that country to approximately 42 years. In South Africa, nearly one-third of its citizens have been affected by HIV/AIDS and 13% of all AIDS victims in the entire world live in that nation.

To personalize the struggle of those living with HIV/AIDS in Africa, AIDS Healthcare Foundation has created the photographic exhibition, "AfricAlive: Portraits of Success." The goal is to raise awareness of the plight of the people with AIDS in Africa and show the positive changes that take place once an AIDS patient has regular access to life-saving treatment. AHF will utilize all proceeds to secure treatment and provide care for Africans afflicted with AIDS.

"AfricAlive" features 35 life-size photographic portraits of men, women, and children from South Africa and Uganda who are among the fortunate few to have access to anti-retroviral treatment. These individuals obtain care and treatment from an AHF clinic that operates in their country. Accompanying each photo is a biographical sketch which relates, in the subject's own words, how AIDS has impacted his or her life and family.

The artist behind these moving portraits is photographer Dorit Thies. "What I admired most about the people was their spirit of hope and willingness to make a difference despite all the old rules and traditions," she relates. "They are dedicated to survive for their children. The fact that they were ready to be photographed for the project showed me that they felt good about themselves and were proud of having overcome a near death situation. I will never forget any of them."

In some cases, the subjects have become role models in their own communities, showing what is possible with access to treatment and the courage to seek it. (In many African countries, public knowledge of an individual's HIV status can impair the ability to gain employment, obtain housing, or maintain meaningful social relationships.)

One very powerful story is that of South Africa's Eric Gumbi, Buselaphi Maphumulo, and their five-year-old son Sphesile. Gumbi and Maphumulo have made eliminating the fear associated with letting people know they are HIV positive a focus of their lives. "I can say treatment is helping as it has saved my life and I even sent several friends to the clinic," explains Maphumulo. "My family is so proud of me that I stood up--so now they say they have no fear anymore. They will go for treatment."

Another moving story concerns Uganda's Nakaggwa Prossy and her seven-year-old daughter Grace Namuleme. At 36 years of age and a widow to AIDS, Prossy is no stranger to the devastation HIV can cause. Her husband and all of her aunts have died from the disease. Prossy tested positive in 2003, as did her daughter. Grace used to get sick often, but mother and daughter are feeling better now that they are on ARV treatment. "I know what AIDS can do to people," says the devoted mother. "I am determined to keep my children and myself alive through treatment."

"AfricAlive: Portraits of Success" is on view March 1-22 at the Prince George Gallery Ballroom, New York. It then can be seen in Los Angeles, Calif., in April, Washington, D.C. in May (no confirmed dates or venues for either site), and at the 16th International AIDS Conference in Toronto (Aug. 13-18, venue to be announced).

COPYRIGHT 2006 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning