HIV doesn't define who you are - Man who has survived for 19 years says (photos)

macfranc007 February 01, 2018 Gossip news ✔ The best gossips for you ✔ Celebrity gossips Simbiat Ayoola

- Lihle revealed on Twitter that he has lived with HIV for 19 years.

- He was born with it and has been on medication from a young age

- His revelation inspired thousands on social media

A young South African man has bravely revealed that he has been living with HIV for 19 years. NAIJ.com learned that Lihle, who uses the Twitter handle @JuniorLihle2, opened up about his status in a Twitter thread on January, 24.

He titled his thread: "The story of my life. Been HIV (positive) for 19 years. Here is how I found out." Lihle said when he was five, he started wondering why he was taking medication every day. His dad couldn't immediately give him an answer.

However, he later asked Lihle, "Have you ever heard of HIV?" Lihle responded, "Yes, you die when you have it." He asked his mother the same question when he was a little older.

Lihle further explained that his status remained a secret in the family. In fact, only he and his parents knew about it.

However, he said he felt safe to let everyone know about his status now that he has finished high school. He concluded his revelation by saying, "HIV doesn't define who you are."

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Lihle's courageous revelation went viral, racking up over 4,000 retweets and 8,000 likes.

Many praised him for his positive approach to life and for taking care of himself so he can live a normal life. See some of their reactions below:

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