Physical Health Uganda Project #30684

Stop the Cycle of HIV: Support Women and Children!

by Alive Medical Services

Project Report | Jan 25, 2023
HEALTHY AND THRIVING

By Dr Pasquine Ogunsanya | Project Leader

21-year-old *Christina joined Alive Medical Services in 2011 while she was still a little girl. Christina recalls being transferred from another facility to Alive Medical Services as taking daily medication was her routine. Christina was orphaned to AIDS which took both her parents transfered to Watoto Child Care organization that takes care of vulnerable children mostly those living with HIV.

“I clearly don’t remember how I joined Watoto, but it was my aunt who took me there when my remaining parent died. I don’t recall the process.”

Just like any 10-year-old in school who is told AIDs kills, Christina knew the reason why she was taking medication, and this brought a lot of self-stigma within her. “

“When I was at home, I would act like I am strong and so, but when I reached school, it was the vice versa because I saw how AIDS slowly took away my parents and I thought I was heading the same direction. Taking medication wasn’t so important to me so I always found a way to pretend, collect the tablets and find a way to throw it without anyone noticing.”

When Christina was brought to Alive Medical Services for her first visit, she was not convinced when she was told by the counsellor that there were more children just like her and doing well.

“The first time I came, I only saw adults, so it was not easy for me to get in line until I was connected to the youth days.”

The youth days at Alive Medical Services are days specified for the adolescents, children and young people living with HIV. These days are designated to assist young people on adherence and live a stigma free and healthy life.

Today Christina celebrates over 10 years of positive living and health. She currently completed an administration short course and works as a data entrant. Christina applauds Alive Medical Services and thanks them for getting her out of the box of self-stigma and realising her potentials.

“Alive Medical Services follows you up, they don’t give up, sometimes you get tired of their calls, but they will still find a way to reach out to you. If someone who isn’t your family does that, don’t take it for granted. The young people around are friendly, I have gotten mentors and every day a look up to them. HIV is not labelled anywhere on me unless I tell you I have it.”

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Sep 28, 2022
A permanent ARVS refill and a healthy family.

By PASQUINE OGUNSANYA | PROJECT LEADER

From an emergency refill, to a permanent refill and a healthy family.

"My name is Maria, and I'm HIV positive. I was diagnosed in 2010 at the age of 26 while on business in Congo, and I always got my medication there. When I returned to Uganda for a visit, I was out of drugs, and they had told us to go to any HIV care centre if we needed an emergency refill. I knew all the instructions as long as I showed my regimen book, which I did very well. When I arrived at Alive Medical Services, it was the most convenient and timely service I had ever experienced, and my gut told me I should never leave. Despite the fact that I wasn't a client in their care, I was given a refill and more information about the services they offer, and they even welcomed my questions.”

"I had always been interested in the possibility of my future, similar to how every woman dream of getting married and having kids "In my case, I fervently desired to know if I could wed an HIV-negative man and have children who also tested negative for the virus. I didn't anticipate receiving any consultations because I wasn't their client; all I anticipated was an emergency refill. Since that day in 2016, I have not returned to any facility; I return to Congo to work, and my medications are sent to me by Alive Medical Services; I only return for viral load bleeding, which has never been a burden to me."

"I sincerely appreciate everything Alive Medical Services does. When you come here, you get the impression that all of the healthcare professionals were made by the same person because of how much care and consideration they all provide. I'm glad I stopped by for an emergency refill because I've become a dependable client."

Maria is a mother of two beautiful children who has completed the EMTCT program at Alive Medical Services, and she is pleased to share that her children's father is also HIV negative thanks to the PrEP mechanism offered for discordant couples in order to maximise HIV infections. This wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance received from AMS’ partners and donors.

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Jun 2, 2022
MY SON IS IN GOOD HEALTH DESPITE HIV

By PASQUINE OGUNSANYA | PROJECT LEADER

In most cases, HIV infection in infants and children is passed down from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. In general, physical symptoms of HIV in children include growth failure, various infections of varying severity, wasting, abdominal swelling, skin rashes, and so on.

4-year-old Emmanuel was born HIV positive and contracted the virus from his mother during birth. Emmanuel's father was always in tears, worried about his son’s health and survival. He had a bloated abdomen, which was a sign of severe malnutrition and dehydration. Emmanuel's parents split after he was diagnosed with HIV, and his father was terrified of losing his first child to AIDS.
Emmanuel's father wasted no time in doing everything in his power to save his son's life. He was also urged to get tested for HIV, and fortunately, he tested negative. Emmanuel's father was counselled, and the baby was admitted to the paediatric ward for immediate treatment of his symptoms.
Emmanuel's father was filled with anxiety and questions in his mind: would his son survive? This was his first child. Will he be able to regain his health and play and laugh like any other child? Will he be able to go to school? He was distressed.

Emmanuel was readmitted to the hospital a week later, and despite the antiretroviral drugs he was given, he had not improved. He was much weaker and had a severe cough. A GeneXpert test was ordered for the family and taken to Alive Medical Services. A GeneXpert test is a widely used diagnostic test for tuberculosis. Since they were impressed with the customer care and services at Alive Medical Services (AMS), Emmanuel’s father decided to enrol him in care at AMS after the Tuberculosis treatment.

Emmanuel's father was encouraged to stick with his son's treatment and not give up. As his son was undergoing various treatments, the health workers always assured and encouraged him about his child’s wellbeing.
Despite the challenges Emmanuel’s father faces as a single parent, he is grateful to Alive Medical Services and our donors, because his son is now doing well. He now knows that his beloved son will live and have the opportunity to attend school, live in good health, and pursue

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