By Pasquine Ogunsanya | Executive Director
Angela* had lived with HIV for years before her partner found her anti-retroviral medication. Angela’s partner was physically abusive, controlling and overpowering, and she was terrified of what he would do upon discovering her status.
“After he found out I was HIV-positive, he kept telling me I was going to die,” Angela said. “He abused me and left me with one 4-year-old daughter and a newborn baby.”
Without her partner’s support, Angela had no one to turn to but Alive Medical Services (AMS). She had been a patient for years; in fact, AMS was the first clinic Angela visited after realizing she was HIV positive more than 10 years ago. At the time, Angela was suffering from both HIV and tuberculosis, and thought she had no chance at survival. However, after months of treatment, continued support, and three blood transfusions, Angela made a full recovery.
Such a success is why Angela has remained a patient at AMS, and why she signed up for AMS’ nutrition program when her partner left her years later. Instead of spending all her money on food, Angela can now use the little income she receives to pay her children’s school fees and invest in her small business. Though she currently sells bananas on the road, one day, she hopes to set up her own produce stand at a local market.
Your contributions toward this project are helping people like Angela invest in something sustainable, increasing their capacity to move forward after a difficult time. This type of support is critical, as Angela – though finally free of her abusive partner – is now facing the challenge of raising two young children on her own. Without food, Angela added, adhering to her anti-retroviral treatment would be impossible, as she gets dizzy and weak when she takes the medication without sustenance.
Angela is a survivor. Not only has she battled HIV and domestic violence, but she is struggling to lift her small family out of poverty. Your support has allowed for patients like Angela to keep fighting, ensuring proper adherence to their medication and helping their entire families stay healthy and strong. We are so grateful for your generosity towards AMS’ nutrition program, as it is only through partners like you that such an initiative is possible.
“Without AMS, I wouldn’t be alive today,” Angela said.
* indicates name has been changed for the individual's privacy
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