HIV Positive Mum Who Gave Birth To A Healthy Baby Boy Shares Her Story To Inspire Others

Paida Mutopo, a 20-year-old student, contracted HIV from her mother, Mavis, who had no idea she had the virus until her daughter was diagnosed.

Paida, from Rochdale, Manchester was told she was HIV-positive when she was just 11 and believed she would never be able to have children for fear of passing on the virus.

However, advances in treatment mean the amount of the virus in her system is now undetectable – and she can lead a normal, healthy life. She was also able to take medication to reduce the risk of passing on the virus to her children, Dailymail gathered.

Despite carrying the potentially fatal virus, Paida gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, Kai, five months ago. Tests have confirmed that Kai is HIV free, and the proud mother is now out to inspire others living with the disease that HIV is no longer a death sentence – or even a barrier to becoming a parent.

She said:

”When I found out I was pregnant I was so scared and at the same time I was so excited. When I found out I was HIV positive, I never thought I was going to have a child and that was something I wanted in my life.

If he had been positive I would have felt so bad, I would have just blamed myself.

I don’t think I would have been able to live with myself if I had found out he was HIV positive.”

Advances in HIV medication also mean that Paida only has to take three tablets a day.