Medicine for HIV+ Children in Uganda

Annet is a 10 year old girl who lives with both her parents in the village of Kirombe, Uganda.  This little one's mom and dad are both in care for HIV/AIDS, making it difficult for them to take care of their small family.  Annet has been receiving treatment since 2008 for HIV and cancer of the skin at Baylor-Uganda, one of AFCA's partners in Uganda.  Sadly, time and time again, Annet developed swelling all over her body and had to be admitted to Mulago Hospital several times for care.  The cancer swellings worsened in 2010 to the point that Annet stopped eating and talking.  Her small body was weak and her parents were financially and spiritually devastated, thinking they'd lose their daughter.  In addition, even though his family depended on him, her dad wasn't working on a continuous basis because his own body was fighting AIDS and he couldn't keep a job.

Annet survived with the ongoing access to medication and support provided by AFCA.  Her recovery has allowed her to attend school and she is currently in primary two, thanks to the support from donors.  Annet's story is one of success because of your generosity and we can't thank you enough.

Annet now has hope and you are part of her recovery and bright future!  Thank you for supporting children like Annet, as without you, we can't do what we do.  

Would you like to learn more about our projects and the work we are doing every day?  Please write me at tweaver@AFCAids.org.  And, check us out on Facebook and Twitter and see what else AFCA is up to (@AFCAids).

Maria was born HIV positive 7.5 years ago in Kirombe, Uganda.  The staff of Baylor-Uganda started visiting her family in 2006 and she was started on anti-retroviral syrups immediately. Besides her HIV+ status, Maria had developed cerebral malaria which led to her mental and physical retardation. Our partner hospital encouraged her parents to continue attending the clinic and received the required treatment for opportunistic infections, courtesy of AFCA.

Maria was attending the clinic but was not improving as quickly as expected, which led to her father’s frustration and disapproval with the program.  He disowned Maria because he said that as the first born, he was disappointed that she was such a burden to him. Despite this circumstance, her mother continued bringing the girl into the Baylor-Uganda clinic for care and treatment.

In 2008, Maria’s father took on a second wife. This led his first wife to become depressed and to stop adhering to appointments and treatment for Maria. However, with continuous support from our Community Home Based Care Team and great tenacity, the mom received counseling and was strongly encouraged to continue attending the clinic, which she did from time to time.

In 2010, a kitchen gardening project was funded and supported selected families on income generating projects of which this family benefited.  This was what encouraged Maria and her mom to return full time into the clinic. The girl resumed treatment and was adhering satisfactory. In 2012, with continued care and access to medication, this child started talking and her mental status slowly was restored, which was a surprise to all who knew her.  She started school and is currently in upper pre-primary school!

This is truly a miracle child – Maria, who would never been given the chance to live, thanks to being HIV+ and having had cerebral malaria, is now in school, is thriving and doing very well.  Her mom remains focused on her child’s health while feeding them well from the garden they’ve established.  We have great hope for Maria, thanks to YOU, who believe in the work we do and support it through your donations.  Thank you for believing in us and for giving Maria the chance to live.