Steven This is Steven. Steven is seven years old, and he lives in Vila Ulongue, Tete, Mozambique with his uncle, his aunt Betanie, his brother Fombe (12 years old) and his sister Ana (eight years old). Steven's father and mother have both died in the last two years. His father was a carpenter. Steven's aunt Betanie thinks that Steven's mother and father died of a disease called AIDS that affects the lives of many people in Mozambique. Steven has been very sick since his mother died. Recently, the doctor did a blood test and found out that Steven also has AIDS. He has been taking Antiretroviral (ARV) medications since that test. His aunt says the ARVs are helping Steven because he hasn't been feeling sick since he started taking them. Betanie starts each day by asking Steven how he feels. If he isn't feeling well, they go to the hospital to get advice. She also gives him ARVs every day at 6 AM and again at 6 PM. The ARVs are free but Steven still suffers because he needs to eat lots of good fruits and vegetables, which his family struggles to afford. His brother and sister are still HIV negative, although they will be tested again soon to be certain of their health. The house that Steven and his family live in now is made of mud and does not have a roof. They hope that they will soon be able to move into Steven's mother's old house on the other side of the village, where they will not have to pay rent. Steven doesn't go to school. He was supposed to go, but when it was time to register at school he was in the hospital because he was very sick. When Betanie went to register him, the principal said they were too late and would have to wait until next year. Though they have many struggles, Steven and his family are very hopeful. His uncle is a salesman who walks around the village selling clothes from Malawi. Steven's aunt Betanie takes care of him, his siblings, and his cousins every day. She is very determined to help Steven and the rest of the family live a healthy life. Read Steven's Interview See Steven's Photos Learn More About Mozambique Learn More About AIDS in Africa