By Joe Mamlin | Project Leader
Charles Oteino (changed name) is a 19 year old who was referred to me by a social worker in Khunyangu, one of our busier clinics in Busia County. When I saw Charles at our Mosoriot clinic he was a frail skeleton, clearly near the end of his painful journey.
Charles was infected with HIV at birth and as is too often the case became an orphan when first his father died with the disease and then his mother. Charles was ultimately sent to live with an Aunt in Siaya. Unfortunately, the Aunt had no interest in Charles and simply wished he would go ahead and die. She would throw out his antiretroviral drugs and refuse to give him transport money to attend our clinic in Khunyangu. Even though he had reached high school, the Aunt refused to support his school fees as well.
Charles was determined to try to survive and began walking over three hours to keep his clinic appointments in Khunyangu and then walk back home. The social worker in Khunyangu realized that Charles would not survive much longer and sent him to our shelter in Mosoriot where I saw him the next day. All of our initial attention was focused on treating opportunistic infections, changing him to second line antiretroviral drugs and food, food, food. Before long a new Charles began to appear----a fine young late teenager needing love and some hope for a future. It was clear to all of us that Charles could not return to Siaya and any meaningful plan would demand a new beginning.
Thanks to the generosity of those who have donated to my humanitarian fund, Charles has a modest wardrobe a smart school uniform, all of the books/supplies he needs and tuition paid in a nearby boarding high school.
During school breaks Charles returns to the Mosoriot shelter as “home” and helps with the chickens and gardens that feed the guests in the shelter. Over the weekend, Sarah Ellen and I love having him over for a meal in town. His favorite has become the Chinese restaurant where he loves the food while struggling with chopsticks.
Dr. Joe Mamlin shared this update with us at AMPATH, as an example of how your contributions are used. Asante Sana!
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