MARTINA’S bravery has been rewarded, in ways she could scarcely have imagined.

Had she not plucked up the courage to declare that she had HIV, she would most likely be homeless today.

Instead, she has been given support, advice, companionship – and a new house.

Her experience with HIV began in 2005, when she felt sick. Her eldest son advised her to go to hospital, and when she did so she tested positive.

“When I came back, I shared the news with my two sons,” says Martina, 58. “I openly told them that I was positive, and I asked them – ‘what do I do?’.

“My first-born encouraged me, do not fear. For one, you are saved; you are a Christian. Keep on praying, but also make sure you adhere to the drugs you have been given.

“I continued with the drugs, and I came in April last year to Malanga.”

She became a member of the support group there, but was sleeping in a rudimentary leaking house, in the same room with her children and animals.

Until, that is, Christian Aid and the Anglican Church of Kenya stepped in, and introduced the group to their housing project.

In Martina’s area, five people were chosen to receive new purpose-built homes. And for Martina, it has made all the difference.

“From the time I received a new shelter, I have not been rained on. My health has improved and I am grateful.

“I did not have a shelter but now I thank God I have a good shelter and I have not hidden the fact that I am on drugs – I have told everybody.

“It is because I was brave enough to share with the others that I managed to have a shelter. If I was a coward and was afraid to share, maybe I would not get the house. I am so grateful to people who give support. When you go back, please tell those people that I am grateful and tell them the need is there for others also.”

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.

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• 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.