"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 was alright. Just before I had her, I learnt that I had HIV. The community health workers had been telling us on 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 fine, and I did not feel unwell, I did not think there was anything to worry about.
I went to Namabengo Health Centre for my first ante-natal check when I was two months pregnant. I was counselled and tested for HIV on that first visit. I was shocked when they told me 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 them.
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 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 afford 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 benefited from this programme. I pray that AMREF will not stop helping us."
Read more about AMREF's work in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission
