Through USAID support m2m make it easier for women and families living with HIV to accept their status and access care
Some people are inspired to get tested after learning the appropriate information about HIV and how to treat the virus. However, this is typically difficult to discover in a culture where misunderstandings about the illness, stigma, and discrimination against those who live with HIV are pervasive. Fatima, a 25-year-old pregnant woman from province Benguela, had to deal with these realities.
When Fatima first met Mentor Mother—Dulce da Rosa, she had just learned that her HIV test had come back positive. Fatima was offered an HIV test while visiting the clinic for her initial antenatal appointment. "I couldn't believe my HIV result at that precise moment. I wondered, what about my baby?".
“It was at this time I met Dulce. She introduced herself and shared her HIV status and experiences with me. I remember thinking: ‘how can someone just disclose her status to a complete stranger.’ This surprised me!".
Over the time Fatima learned how to live a healthier life with HIV. To give her baby the best chance of being born HIV-free, Dulce educated her about antiretroviral treatment, and how to take her medication regularly. "I felt comforted and she assured me that until my child was at least two years old, she and her team of Mentor Mothers would support me on this journey. Dulce, being fully aware of my situation, gave me the support I needed and helped me to accept my status, and I started treatment.”
Dulce also visited Fatima at home to educate her husband about HIV and offer her support when she disclosed to him. With their consent, Fatima’s husband and older children also tested. After receiving a positive diagnosis, Fatima's husband was also referred to the clinic to begin treatment. Thankfully, all four children remain HIV-free. Regular test results show that Fatima and her husband are both taking their medication as directed and are responding well to it.
“I always thought breatfeeding while living with HIV was dangerous. my Mentor Mother taught me how breastfeed safely and supported me through the process.”
My Mentor Mother is always available, understanding, and helpful to me. I contacted her the day before I gave birth to let her know I was in pain. She came with me to the Gaspar Lopes Health Center, where I gave birth and received supplemental medication for my newborn as an added measure of safety. I also had no idea that I could breastfeed while living with HIV, but Dulce taught me everything I needed to know. My baby had his last HIV test at 18 months, and the results were negative. I really appreciate the support she has given me and my family,” Fatima shares.
m2m Angola