If you ask me…Maria Nyambe (not her real name)

Maria Nyambe (not her real name) is HIV-positive. She uses Positively Women’s services in London

Who or what has had the biggest influence on you?
My family.

Which health or social care professional has been most use to you?
Staff at the hospital where I get my treatment.
 
If you ran care services in your area what would you do differently?
Make more time for people.

Name one thing that would make your life better?
Good housing.
 
What event most changed your life?
My HIV diagnosis.

Has any government policy ever benefited you personally?
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Who is your dream date?
Brad Pitt on a moonlit night.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?
Telling my family I was infected through unprotected sex.

What makes you happy?
Each day that I am well.

When did you last cry?
When my sister gave her daughter my name five months ago.

How would you like to be remembered?
I don’t want to think about that now.

What is the most important lesson you have learned?
Trust is a very valuable but scarce commodity.

What is your greatest achievement?
Living well with my HIV-positive status.