By Pasquine Ogunsanya | Project Leader
In September 2006, at the height of the HIV pandemic, a soft spoken 61-year-old Betty, was afraid that her niece could be suffering from AIDS.
Betty, takes care of her four grandchildren and lives in Namuwongo, a suburb in Kampala Uganda. One of Betty’s nieces kept falling sick very often and Betty feared that she might be having AIDS and would die if not treated. Betty advised her to get an HIV test and get treatment.
“I gave her the idea of going to any nearby clinic to test for HIV, and she made a deal with me. She told me unless we went to test together, she wasn’t going anywhere.” Narrated Betty.
Betty then agreed to go with her niece for the HIV test to support her. At the testing centre, Betty also decided to test for HIV. Alas! Betty was shocked when she also tested positive for HIV! That is how she got to know her status in 2006.
“To some extent, I took it as an advantage because I wouldn’t have known my HIV status if my niece wasn’t here around me.” Narrated Betty.
Unfortunately, Betty’s niece began treatment late. She was diagnosed with tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections and so she did not make it.
In 2007, after experiencing the loss of her niece, Betty began anti-retroviral therapy at Alive Medical Services (AMS). She continues to follow the health workers advice and adheres well to her treatment. She is virally supressed, healthy and very happy, thanks to the support of you, our donors!
“Alive Medical Services has taken good care of me despite the troubles I had faced with my niece and the shocking way I found out about my HIV status. 90% of my life has been changed by Alive Medical Services. AMS saved my life.”
Betty is and will always be grateful to the entire team of Alive Medical Services including the donors that work together tirelessly and selflessly to see that people living with HIV just like her live up to more life and dreams. Betty encourages all people to get tested and know their status before it is too late just like the situation her niece faced.
“Knowing your status, helps you begin treatment earlier and to some extent, the HIV you might think is a death sentence is not and can be treated very well by just one tablet a day, everyday. Thank you, Alive Medical Services.” Betty smiles.
By Pasquine N. Ogunsanya | Executive Director
By Pasquine N. Ogunsanya | Executive Director
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