Segment 1

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First Generation: Growing up with HIV. A film by Tina Nguyen

ION [HIV survivor]

I found out about my disease in 2002. This disease is like an enemy. I'm fighting an enemy. And no matter how many pills I take, I might not win. My body is struggling with the virus, even though I seem physically fine.

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Young people make up half of all new HIV infections.

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Romania's children were among the first to become infected.

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Now, that generation is entering adulthood.

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Infectia HIV. SIDA.

DR. RODICA MATUSA [Ex-Chief of Infectious Disease]

This is a very special logbook. I recorded the names of all 1,720 children infected with HIV in Constanta County. Believe me, I can remember every single child. I can see their faces in my mind. I remember them vividly, even the faces of the dead children, as many have died.

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With U.S. researchers, Dr. Matusa helped build the world's first pediatric AIDS clinic.

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She also runs a group home for Romanian teens with HIV.

DR. RODICA MATUSA

My conviction grew when I saw their will to live. The more they want to live, the stronger my conviction.

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AIDS-fighting drugs are helping young people live longer.

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But what will life be like for them as adults?

ION

Nine of us who live in this house have HIV. I was infected in the hospital, when I was a baby. I was told my parents left me when I was a year old. In Romania, the discrimination is very serious.

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Ion has lived at Dr. Matusa's group home for eight years.

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Happy birthday! Come in. [Singing] He lives many years, to many years. Who will live to many years?

DR. RODICA MATUSA

Be well. We won't forget all we've been through together. And now onward.

ION

Today, I made it to 18 years, and I can't believe I made it. Until I die. Have birthdays like this until I die. That's what I want to believe.

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Ion has left the group home to try to make it on his own.