Stop the Cycle of HIV: Support Women and Children!

*Scovia* is a 36-year-old mother of three who has been living with HIV for 13 years. Despite her diagnosis, she remains strong and committed to her treatment, ensuring she leads a healthy and productive life.
In October 2020, the Ministry of Health in Uganda initiated a widespread rollout of cervical cancer screening for women living with HIV, as they are at greater risk due to compromised immune systems. This initiative aimed to provide HPV testing to identify and treat precancerous lesions. Additionally, women suspected of having cervical cancer were referred for further management.
On a bright Tuesday, Scovia had her appointment for a refill of her antiretroviral medications. The health workers followed the Ministry of Health guidelines to screen women aged 25 to 49 years. Scovia qualified for the screening.
“We received this news during the health talk sessions held every morning. The nurse leading the session was very articulate; she explained how the disease spreads and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and the available treatments. Initially, I was sceptical about the screening process, which, as she described, was quite unpleasant. However, I wasn't overly worried, especially since my husband had passed away in 2017, just four years before my screening in January 2021, and I hadn't entered into another relationship since then.” Scovia shared.
During the screening process, Scovia received shocking news: she had developed cervical cancer. This confused her because she had not been with any man since the passing of her husband. However, the nurse took the time to explain the scientific aspect to her, helping her understand how this could happen.
Initially, the diagnosis left her feeling fearful and uncertain about her future. She worried about her children, her health, and the stigma that often accompanies such illnesses.
With thorough counselling and guidance, along with thoughts of her children's futures, Scovia made the courageous decision to begin treatment. She was referred for further management at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
At the institute, Scovia was quickly enrolled in a comprehensive care program where she received specialized cancer treatment. This journey was not easy; it was filled with moments of pain, fear, and doubt. “The nurses regularly visited me at the cancer institute, which made me feel valued and loved.” Scovia smiles.
With resilience, determination, and supportive counselling, she completed her treatment and was declared cancer-free in August 2021.
Today, Scovia remains committed to taking her HIV medication consistently and attends regular medical check-ups. She actively promotes the importance of early cervical cancer screenings for women, particularly those living with HIV. Scovia's story serves as a powerful example of hope and resilience. She illustrates that with early detection, appropriate treatment, and strong support systems, women living with HIV can overcome significant challenges and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Platforms like GlobalGiving have enabled Alive Medical Services to access resources necessary for supporting women living with HIV in leading healthy and fulfilling lives.

At just 14 years old, Stacy received a life-altering HIV diagnosis. The news was overwhelming. She struggled to grasp what it meant to live with HIV or the importance of taking her medication consistently and on time. Having lost both of her parents to AIDS-related illnesses, Stacy carried not only the burden of grief but also the fear of what lay ahead.

She found herself in the care of her loving maternal aunt, who stood by her side through this challenging period. Concerned by Stacy’s recurrent illnesses, they sought help from Alive Medical Services (AMS). It was here that Stacy was tested for HIV.

“My aunt told me the test was just a precaution to check if I had contracted HIV from my late parents. She really just wanted to understand why I kept getting sick,” Stacy recalled.

When the results came back positive, Stacy was confused. She misunderstood the meaning of being "HIV positive" and initially believed it meant she didn’t have the virus.

“I remember smiling so hard when the counsellor told my aunt I was HIV positive. I didn’t understand why she sounded so remorseful,” she shared.

With gentle support, Stacy’s aunt helped her understand the diagnosis. Encouraged by her aunt’s love and the compassionate team at AMS, Stacy began her HIV treatment journey.

However, by age 16, maintaining adherence became difficult. For Stacy, the daily medication was a reminder of a reality she had not chosen. School pressures, fear of stigma, and underlying mental health struggles weighed heavily on her. She began skipping doses, leading to significant weight loss, a surge in hospital visits, a spike in viral load, and a dangerously low CD4 count.

“During one of my counselling sessions, the counsellor warned me that unless things changed, the consequences could be serious. It was like a wake-up call,” Stacy recalled.

In response, Stacy was introduced to the Victor’s Club, a support group at AMS specifically for adolescents and young people living with HIV. Held during school holidays, the group offers a safe, empowering space for youth to connect, share experiences, and grow together.

“When I joined for the first time, I felt understood. I saw other young people like me doing well in their lives, and I made friends I still hang out with today,” she said with a smile.

The Victor’s Club helped Stacy process her emotions and rebuild her self-esteem. Surrounded by peers and mentors who understood her journey, she found renewed strength and motivation. She recommitted to her treatment, engaged fully in AMS’s youth programs, and began to thrive.

Now at 21, Stacy is a healthy young woman — undetectable, confident, and full of life. She has become a source of inspiration for other young people living with HIV, just as she was once inspired by those who walked before her.

 She is grateful to all our donors who make it possible to be alive!