Before I started taking the ARVs, I had to find a confidante. Someone with whom I could discuss my problems and who would help me stick to the treatment regime.

I asked Georges Matabisi. He lives in my area. Since my husband died, he's become like the man of the family. I often go to his house. Sometimes, when I'm hungry, he gives me 400 francs for food. Georges isn't HIV-positive. In this photo he's insisting that I follow my treatment properly.

I'm a slave to this medicine. But that's the way it is. That's my life. [© Denise/MSF]