Celebrating African Motherhood - Amref

“To tell the truth, many mothers and children were dying and it wasn’t
clear why. Now the deaths have reduced greatly and I believe it is the result
of the work that we are doing. Pregnant women are getting information
in the villages and at the clinics. And now we are advising them to go with
their husbands to the clinics, so that they too can be tested. Many men are
reluctant to be tested; yet knowing their status would benefi t the whole
family.” Fausta would know – her husband died in the year 2000, and it
was only after she started on AMREF’s PMTCT programme that she realised
his death might have been HIV- related. She now raises their three children
alone through small-scale farming.
Fausta’s work requires her to walk long distances to cover the six villages.
She is nevertheless enthusiastic about what she does. Her work in AMREF’s
programme for the last fi ve years has now led to her appointment as a
member of the ward’s HIV and AIDS committee, where she represents the
voice of the community.
“I thank AMREF for its support. Through this programme, AMREF has
shown that it truly cares for people who are infected. It has motivated me
to continue helping my community.”
Sholastika Fussi, 35
“Two days ago, I was told that my baby does not have HIV. I was so
excited and so grateful! Everybody in my house was very happy, even the
neighbours.
Since she was born 18 months ago, I have spent many anxious months
waiting to know whether my daughter is alright. Just before I had her, I
learnt that I had HIV. The community health workers had been telling us in
the village that if you were pregnant, you should be tested so that you do
not pass the infection to the baby. Because my two other children are fi ne,
and I did not feel unwell, I did not think there was anything to worry about.
I went to Namabengo Health Centre for my fi rst ante-natal check when
I was two months pregnant. I counselled and tested for HIV on that fi rst
visit. I was shocked when they told me that I was positive. Although I had
not expected such a result, I had to accept the reality. My husband also
accepted it when I shared the information with him.
I was advised to ensure that I delivered at the health centre and not at
home. So when I went into labour, I went there. I was given some medicine
just before I delivered the baby. Since then I take ARVs two times every day.
I get the medicine free of charge from the health centre.
I gave my baby breast milk alone for six months. Now she takes other foods.
She is very healthy and rarely falls ill. We had to wait a long time to know
for sure that she does not have the virus. Now that we do, I will continue to
encourage other women to go and get tested so that they can be sure of
getting healthy babies.
I would like to stay healthy for a long time so that I can raise my children.
My biggest problem is that I do not always get enough nutritious food to
keep my body strong. It is hard taking the ARVs without eating properly.
But I am trying to make money by rearing pigs and chicken so that we can
aff ord better food.
My husband is very happy too. Now that our daughter is healthy, he has
agreed to go and get tested for HIV. So far, he has been very reluctant to
go, but now he says he will even take our two other children to be tested. I
have truly benefi ted from this programme. I pray that AMREF will not stop
helping us.”
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