Zim mum in the UK passes HIV to teen daughter

UNITED KINGDOM - A Zimbabwean mum has revealed her heartbreak at passing on HIV to her daughter. Mavis says she'll never forgive herself and said she was even prepared to end her life - and her daughter's life - when she found out.

Daughter Paida was 9 when doctors discovered she had HIV. They then told Mavis she should also get checked because it's likely she passed it on to her through birth. Days later, she discovered she also had it.

Appearing on The Jeremy Kyle Show she said: "I was devastated. I couldn't take it. I was so… it was like a brick hitting me.

"I wanted to take my daughter and kill us both.

"I was so scared because I thought HIV meant the end of my daughter."

But brave Paida, who is now 18, says she's accepted who she is and doesn't blame her mother.

"My first reaction was that I was going to die," Paida explains, but says it's no longer a death sentence.

Mum reveals heartbreak at giving HIV to teen daughter
Mum reveals heartbreak at giving HIV to teen daughter
"There's no need to feel guilty because I've accepted who I am and it's made me grow up. I don't know what kind of girl I'd be right now if it wasn't for this," she revealed.

"It's made me grow up in a good way and I don't care what people are going to say. I'm happy because it's helped me and I can help other people.

"I'm still living a normal life and taking my tablets every day and that's helping me. It's not a major issue anymore and no longer a death sentence."

Jeremy then tells Mavis she should be very proud of her strong young daughter, who also started a Facebook page to help to fight the stigma surrounding HIV.

"You should drop the guilt Jeremy says. Your daughter is a shining light." Daily Mirror