CHRISTOPHER: "It's bigger than any other disease"

He is a self-employed tailor and looks the part, impeccably dressed in a smart, sharp suit. He cares for eight children, some his own and some abandoned by his sister. He is active in his local church and well-known in his community. And he is a fervent evangelist in the fight against HIV.

Christopher, 52, learned he had the virus 15 years ago, far earlier than most in his support group. His wife Josephine was in hospital for six months, and tested positive. He decided he too should be tested, and the result came back the same.

In those days, few understood what having HIV meant. “People did not accept it and always said it was a curse,” says Christopher. But he has lived well with his HIV.

“I have never been admitted to a ward or hospital,” he says proudly. “I have been strong and do my own business. I am a father, and I take care of orphans and three others.”

Much of his support has come through the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which runs his men-only support group.

It meets each Friday in a spartan room in Nairobi’s Mathare slum, and it is an invaluable resource for all who come.

“Too many men have remained quiet and not come out openly,” says Christopher. “But when we sit as men, we are able to keep our secrets.

“I have received a lot of support from NCCK through the support group. Sometimes we have challenges, but we get some food and income-generating support, like bicycles.”

HIV is, he says, “bigger than any other disease our people have”. And he is keen that the resources that can help beat it are well used.

“These men get to go to school but education is very expensive. Some drop out at eight, the lowest grade. Think about how children of these men can go back to school. We have empowered these men, and we want to continue so stigma is reduced.”

In his own home, he is doing his bit. He has told his children he has HIV, teaches them what it means, and stresses the importance of getting tested and protecting themselves. And on a day-to-day basis, he is simply getting on with his life, showing that HIV is a hurdle rather than a death sentence.

“I am a tailor. I have a sewing machine. And I am very happy,” he says.

Gavin Aitchison travelled to Kenya with Christian Aid, to witness the charity's work with HIV victims and to meet those on the front-line in the fight against the virus.

• Christian Aid’s Christmas appeal this year is focused on HIV, marking the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the virus.

If you would like to donate to Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal, or would like to find out more about its work on health and HIV, visit christianaid.org.uk/christmas or call 0845 7000 300.