December 1st is internationally recognized World AIDS Day
33.3 million people in the world are HIV+.
2.5 million of these are children.
Drugs can slow the process so that people can live a longer and near normal life.
Drugs can also prevent transmission from mother to unborn child.
There is medical hope.
A REAL STORY ABOUT REAL PEOPLE
Lusaka, Zambia – 2011
Two years ago, Rodah Banda had to make the biggest decision of her life – whether to terminate her pregnancy or leave her husband. He threatened to end their marriage if she enrolled in a programme designed to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the HIV virus. Rodah was HIV+.
Today, Ms. Banda is the proud mother of Joseph, a healthy 2 year old who is HIV negative. Those two years ago, Rodah decided to enroll in the course and received a Mother-Baby Pack which contained medicines including anti-retro viral drugs. The careful use of these drugs prevented the virus from being transmitted to her unborn son. Unfortunately her husband died when she was 9 months pregnant.
Rodah says “the pack gave a new meaning to my life. I am a happy woman, despite facing the daily struggles of unemployment and lack of food in my household.” Rodah has been a role model to many in her community where women are afraid to disclose their HIV status and make use of health services. She continues to speak out and encourage pregnant women living with HIV to seek out these services.
There is still much stigma around AIDS and there is much fear. But there is also much courage.
