Living with HIV

An HIV diagnosis no longer means what it did a few decades ago. Today HIV is a manageable, chronic condition, and people who take their treatment live long, active and fulfilling lives. This page explains what happens after diagnosis and what living with HIV looks like.

The first step after diagnosis

Learning you have HIV can be overwhelming. It is normal to feel fear, anger or confusion. What matters is to know that:

• you are not alone — there are specialists and communities to support you;
• treatment is available free of charge in Moldova;
• with treatment, your life expectancy can be close to that of the general population.

You will be referred to a specialised centre, where you will have tests (including your CD4 count and viral load) and start treatment.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART)

HIV cannot yet be cured, but it can be controlled very effectively. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medicines that:

• stop the virus from multiplying;
• allow the immune system to recover;
• lead, within a few months, to an undetectable viral load.

Modern treatment often means a single pill a day, with few side effects. In Moldova, ART is provided free of charge.

Adherence: the key to success

"Adherence" means taking your medication every day, exactly as prescribed. It is the single most important factor for treatment success:

• it keeps the virus suppressed and the immune system strong;
• it prevents the virus becoming resistant to the medicines;
• it maintains an undetectable status, and therefore untransmittable (U=U).

If you have difficulties — side effects, a busy schedule, travel costs — talk to your medical team. There are solutions.

Long-term health

Beyond ART, a healthy life with HIV includes:

• regular check-ups and viral-load monitoring;
• preventing and treating other infections (hepatitis, tuberculosis, STIs);
• recommended vaccinations;
• a balanced lifestyle: nutrition, exercise, sleep, quitting smoking.

Relationships, sex and family

With treatment and an undetectable status:

• you can have relationships and a fulfilling sex life without transmitting the virus (U=U);
• serodiscordant couples can also use PrEP for added protection;
• women with HIV can have healthy, HIV-negative children (see Prevention).

The decision to disclose your status (to whom and when) is entirely yours.

Your rights

People with HIV in Moldova have the right to:

• medical confidentiality — your status cannot be disclosed without your consent;
• treatment without discrimination in health services;
• protection against discrimination in employment and social life.

If you face discrimination or a breach of confidentiality, the organisations on the Services page offer counselling and legal assistance.

Mental health and community support

Stigma and stress can affect mental health. Don't hesitate to ask for help:

• psychological counselling;
• support groups and peer counselling, where you can talk to people going through similar experiences;
• confidential helplines.

Asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. See the available services →