By Lee Koelzer | Director
Mother to child transmition of HIV/AIDS is actually not as comon as one might think. Babies are resilient. But it does happen, and as many of the House of Hope Children are orphaned by the AIDS epidemic, we figured it was safest to have them tested so that if needed, the affected chidlren could start ARV's and/or nutritional supliments.
We partnered with CARE, bringing them to the orphanage. They counciled the children and educated both the children and the guardians/ community members before testing. Anyone in the community was allowed to take the test and if a child's guardian prefered the child was not tested, then their wishes were respected.
Taking blood was obviously not fun for anyone- but colorful bandaids made everything better!
From House of Hope, 196 children were tested and fortunately only 3 tested positive. A hugely impressive number since the vast majority lost their parents to AIDS.
The positive children are currently enrolled with TASO (The Aids Support Organization) in Masaka, where they come once per month for a check up and their nutritional supliments and if needed- their ARV's. The children are all healthy, still in school, and learning to live positively.
They did not get the dealt the best card in life, but with proper care, education, a positive attitude, and help from our donors, the hopeless are hopeful.
Links:
By Lee Koelzer | Director
By Jenifer Tumwizere | House of Hope Director
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