IRIN launches Heroes of HIV film series

Kevin Dowling is a South African Catholic Bishop, who has worked for years with the poor of Rustenburg, northern South Africa. But the shockingly high rates of HIV infection in these communities persuaded him that, against Catholic Church doctrine, condoms should be promoted as the only effective means of halting the spread of the virus.

Rolake Odetoyinbo tested positive for HIV in 1998 and has been an activist ever since. Tapping into the enormous reach and appeal of Nigeria's television networks, she hosts a TV show designed to address and discuss the challenges facing people living with HIV in Nigeria.

The short stories on HIV/AIDS are available on IRIN.