By Dr Pasquine Ogunsanya | Project Leader
Children born with HIV due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) face unique challenges, but with advances in medical care and early intervention, many can live healthy and fulfilling lives even when HIV is still a source of fear and shame.
Five-year-old Shana contracted HIV at birth through her mother and was diagnosed with the virus six weeks after an early infant diagnosis (EID) test was conducted. Her mother was devastated and uncertain about what the future would hold for her young daughter. To support Shana's health, her mother was given guidelines on ensuring medication adherence, providing dietary support, and scheduling routine medical check-ups, as Shana was starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) at that time. Additionally, counseling services were provided to help her cope with the emotional burden brought on by her daughter's diagnosis.
With the support of health workers at Alive Medical Services, Shana has become a vibrant and active child who enjoys playing with her friends and learning in school as she grows. She particularly loves music and dancing, where she has become quite a star. Her mother is dedicated to Shana's health and has ensured that she has not faced any major complications related to her HIV status. She is also actively involved in a support group for other HIV-positive parents, where she shares her experiences and learns how to better support her daughter’s ongoing health. Her mother is determined to make sure Shana has a happy and healthy life that is as normal as possible.
For young children living with HIV, like Shana, thriving is possible through early diagnosis, timely treatment, and continuous support from families, healthcare providers, and communities. With the right care, these children can grow up to lead full, healthy, and happy lives. These stories highlight the remarkable potential for children to overcome adversity when given the proper interventions and support systems.
Thanks to funding platforms like GlobalGiving, young children who contract HIV from their mothers are given the chance to live happy and healthy lives. We are grateful to all the well-wishers and donors who support Alive Medical Services in providing comprehensive HIV services to vulnerable communities, bringing hope to those in need
By Dr Pasquine Ogunsanya | Project Leader
By Dr Pasquine Ogunsanya | Project Leader
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