People with HIV encourage others to take their medication

A new video uses positive stories of people with HIV to encourage others with the virus to take their medication.

Richard is one of five people sharing their experience on the video produced by Megan Lefebvre, a PhD candidate with the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta.

A former intravenous drug user, he has had HIV for 16 years.

Hereluctantly began taking medication when his health deteriorated fouryears ago. Today, he says it was worth it.

"My health is remarkably good," Richard said. "I've reconnected with my family."

Lefebvre said stories like Richard's show other peoplewith HIV that life is worth living.

"For our participants they had a sense of self worth," she said. "They had gratitude for what was in their life."

Dylan Richards from HIV Edmonton said his organization is showing the video to clients.

"One of the most important things that they've said is how great it is to hear from people that are in the same kind of situations they are," he said.

"People who are in the chaotic lifestyle but yet somehow finding a way and purpose to take their meds everyday,"

HIV Edmonton plans to show the video again later this year.