Masi tells Kidlington about life in South Africa with HIV

HIV victim, Masi Cowper, who received a Nelson Mandela Health and Human Rights Award for her courage in talking openly about her condition, and her tireless work to help others with the virus to live useful lives, joined the congregation of St Mary's Church, Kidlington, recently to talk about 'love and its connection to life and, in the context of HIV, death.'

In a moving and powerful address, Masi, who grew up in the Johannesburg township of Soweto, described the horrifying way in which stigma blocks action in both the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS - the disclosure of a 'positive' status can lead to violent treatment or even total abandonment by family and community.

Kathryn Ellis of St Mary's, says Masi is also visiting their church’s link parish of All Saints, Montshiwa, in Kimberley and Kuruman, South Africa, about possible projects involving the two communities addressing the AIDS situation in the area.