Provide HIV services to 13,000 Vulnerable Ugandans

Jay* is a 41-year-old HIV positive client who came to Alive Medical Services (AMS) after being advised to take an HIV test in May 2016.  After suffering from different illnesses for a long time, Jay became so weak that he could not take on his daily responsibilities. He was advised by his sister to go back to the village so that their mother could take care of him, but before going back, Jay’s health worsened and he was hospitalised at Nsambya Hospital where he was advised to get tested for HIV.  

The only place they knew Jay could get free comprehensive HIV care, treatment and support was Alive Medical Services. Jay arrived at AMS in a very critical state and so severely malnourished that he could hardly walk or talk.

At AMS, Jay was counselled and tested and the results were positive for HIV. Jay was devastated by finding out he was HIV positive and remained in self-denial to the extent that he refused to start on the prescribed medication. He also became depressed and very negative towards his sister, yet she was the only person who could take care of him.

“Whenever I said something to encourage him, he became so rude.  He only wanted to eat some types of food like fried chicken, chips, fish and never ate anything else that I provided at all.”, says the sister.     

After intensive adherence and counselling sessions, Jay started on the medication including Ready to Use Therapeutic Feeds (RUFT) a treatment for his severe malnourishment.  

“At first, he did not like the RUTF not until he saw body changes in a very short time”, the sister explains.

The sister is confident that as long as her brother continues to take his medication as advised by the health workers, in a short while he will fully recover and resume his normal duties. 

“I know he is not at his best yet but much better and will get well soon. Currently he is going on well with his work in the village and appreciates what he is. All thanks to the AMS team that has made my brother believe that he has another chance to live”, the sister narrates with a smile of satisfaction. 

Even though Jay has accepted his status, he is yet to overcome self-stigma but the AMS team is giving him all the support he needs. Jay recognises the need to talk to a trusted or family member about life, how you feel and what is going on. He acknowledges this has helped him get support while taking treatment as directed. This he says is a secret that has helped him to stay healthy and as well make people around him less worried. Surprisingly, Jay has developed a daily testimony about his life. 

“ARVS work as long as you adhere to it. It has saved my life” says Jay.

With this testimony and the daily growing confidence, Jay believes that he still has many years to live and do tremendous things irrespective of his HIV status. A big shout out to you all our donors and partners for saving thousands of lives. Thank you!