Stop the Spread of HIV from Mothers to Babies

"From Despair to Hope: Agnes' Journey to a Healthier Future"
At 35, Agnes, a single mother from one of Kampala’s most densely populated slums, found herself in a nightmare. In 2019, after separating from her partner, she was diagnosed with HIV. Overnight, her world collapsed. The news not only shattered her emotionally, but it also deepened her vulnerability—she faced harsh stigma, struggled financially with no stable job, and lacked access to proper healthcare.
“I felt lost, broken, and hopeless,” she recalls. “I didn’t know how I would survive, let alone take care of myself with an illness like HIV.” With no formal employment, she relied on washing clothes for people just to scrape by, a situation that seemed impossible to sustain. Fear consumed her every thought.
But amidst the darkness, Agnes found light. Alive Medical Services stepped in, providing her with antiretroviral therapy (ART), comprehensive healthcare, and ongoing emotional support. Counseling sessions helped her process the overwhelming emotional toll of living with HIV, while the medical care she received allowed her to regain control of her health.
“The doctors comforted me, assured me that life wasn’t over. They recreated hope in me,” Agnes shares, her voice filled with gratitude.
As she regained her footing, Agnes discovered she was pregnant. Once again, fear gripped her—this time for her unborn child. But thanks to Alive Medical Services’ Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program, Agnes learned how to protect her baby from the virus. She followed the program diligently, attending antenatal visits, openly communicating her status to her healthcare team, and doing everything in her power to ensure her baby was born HIV-free.
“When I was told that I could give birth to an HIV-negative baby, I was determined to follow every step the doctors recommended. I couldn’t offer much to my child, but giving her a healthy start in life became my priority.”
Today, Agnes’ 15-month-old daughter remains HIV-free. She continues to bring her daughter for regular check-ups, ensuring she follows every guideline until her baby is officially discharged as HIV-negative.
“The doctors have not only given me an HIV-negative baby, but they’ve also empowered me. I feel strong, knowing my daughter will need me, and I am determined to stay healthy for her. I thank them for never giving up on us and working tirelessly to help families like mine. In the beginning, I had no hope, but today, I realize that treatment can help both me and my child live healthy, fulfilling lives.”
Alive Medical Services, with the support of GlobalGiving, has transformed the lives of countless women like Agnes. Their shared commitment to ending HIV by 2030 shines through in every story of survival, hope, and empowerment.
Thanks to the unwavering support of GlobalGiving, organizations like Alive Medical Services can continue to bring stories of hope to light, encouraging even more people to join the fight and make a difference in the lives of those impacted by HIV.

14-month-old *Mia* was born to loving parents, *Sarah* and *John*, who are both HIV positive. When Sarah found out she was pregnant, she was overwhelmed with joy but also filled with worry. She knew the risks associated with HIV and pregnancy, but she was determined to give her child the best chance at a healthy life.
Sarah and John always consulted the team of dedicated health workers at Alive Medical Services. They endeavored to explain to them the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for Sarah during her pregnancy, which significantly reduces the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. With support from John, Sarah adhered strictly to her medication, attended all her prenatal appointments, and followed the health workers' advice diligently.
When the day came for Mia to be born, Sarah was prepared well and she followed all the instructions she was given during her last visit to the facility.
“Mia came into the world with a loud cry, to me it meant my baby was already alive and healthy”, Sarah says.
At 6 weeks, Sarah had Mia have the first PCR test which turned out negative, but the doctor explained that further tests would be needed over the next few months until 18 months to confirm her status.
During this time, Sarah and John were both anxious and hopeful. They continued to care for Mia with all the love and attention a newborn needs, and they ensured she had a balanced diet and all her vaccinations and regular tests as guided by the doctors.
At 14 months of age, Mia has undergone several more tests and each one comes back negative for HIV, Sarah and John are always overjoyed and relieved beyond words. They celebrated such milestones and are always grateful for the miracle of their healthy child.
Alive Medical Services has promoted awareness regarding the Elimination of Mother-Child Transmission (EMTCT) and has inspired many HIV-positive women who have a dream of becoming mothers to happy and healthy children. During the EMTCT clinic which is held every Tuesday, every mother is attended to in a special way and they have time for each one of them to mention all their concerns and questions regarding having a healthy child. These sessions are also integrated with health talks on nutrition to support the mothers on child development of their babies.
Sarah and John have continued to thrive on their ART, maintaining their health and well-being. Mia is a child filled with love, and laughter thanks to the comprehensive HIV/SRHR services offered by Alive Medical Services.