Eric grew up in the copper belt of Zambia and currently lives in Lusaka the capital city.

In 1992 he tested HIV positive and for a while he lived in denial of his status and led a double life.

He came into contact with The Zambian Network of People Living with HIV (ZNPLH) which, along with his local clinic helped him to answer lots of questions about how to continue living with HIV. This ignited his "activist sprit " and before long he was talking publicly, encouraging others to talk openly about their HIV status.

Through his volunteer work with ZNPLH Eric worked alongside other NGOs and HIV programmes. This work led to his involvement with the International HIV/AIDS Alliance as a local consultant at first and later to his current role within the ACER treatment support programme.

The ACER Project

The Zambian government backs the idea of free anti-retroviral treatment. The ACER project (Anti-retroviral treatment, Community, Education, Referral) is helping people gain access to this medical care. The members of the project team hope that their work will help improve health-seeking behaviour within the community, improve sexual health education, and give those at risk of contracting HIV a clear route to the care and support they may need now or in the future.

Eric is one of the treatment support workers, offering advice on issues related to ARV treatment.

Eric is now living openly with his HIV status, is married and has two children.