Health Care for 500 HIV+ Children in Zambia

Father’s day is June 19! This Father’s Day, celebrate fathers everywhere by giving a gift of health to an HIV+ child in Zambia. Your donation will help provide food, medicines and a package of life saving health care services to HIV+ children from an impoverished community in Zambia. In addition, family members of the children will be trained in HIV care and prevention.

Today, we would like you to meet two children who are enrolled in Power of Love’s pediatric HIV care program. Since joining Power of Love’s pediatric HIV care program, the health of these children has stabilized, they are able to attend school, and are living close to normal lives. 

Gwen (name changed) is 15 years old. She lives with her parents who are both HIV+, six siblings, and three others. She and three of her siblings are enrolled in our pediatric HIV care program. She was tested for HIV in 2002 as she was not gaining weight and suffered from frequent chest infections. Gwen and her mom joined our program due to her poor health. Once in our program, Gwen started ARV medication and treatment. Since then her health is stable and she is gaining weight. As a result of her receiving psycho-social counseling and training in adherence to medication, she adheres well to medication and goes for clinic appointments on her own. She likes school and is studying in grade seven.

George (name changed) was born in 2006 and lives with his grandmother as his parents are divorced. He was sick since he was a few months old and was treated at the hospital. In 2011, he was severely malnourished and suffering from pneumonia. George joined our pediatric HIV care program, was treated for pneumonia and other chest infections at the hospital and tested positive for HIV (his parents are HIV+). A few years, back he started ARV medication as his health was not improving. Since then his health has stabilized and he has not had a major illness. He attends school and loves playing with his friends.

To Sum: At this time, we have 300 HIV+ children like Gwen and George, under our care. All children receive food, medicines and package of life saving health care services. In addition, children who are malnourished receive a high protein soya supplement.  After a few months on the program, most children start gaining weight, show an improvement in health, start attending school regularly, and participate in games and activities with their peers.  

Thanks for your caring and support. 

Links:

• About our Pediatric HIV Care Program in Zambia
• Training Provided to Family Members
• Added 50 new Children in March 2015