HIV Care for 5000 children/caregivers in Swaziland

The community-based care we provide goes beyond just HIV care.

Nomsa is a 52-year-old woman in southern Lubombo region. She visits our southernmost clinic at Nsoko. Nomsa has high blood pressure and diabetes and has been on treatment for the past 7 years. She lives with her children who are all currently out of school. Nomsa is also a widow, having lost her husband in last year due to a respiratory condition.

Before Nomsa was diagnosed with diabetes, she experienced multiple breast abscesses which were later confirmed to be related to the chronic disease. Unfortunately, while undergoing treatment, she developed lower leg ulcers which sadly developed gangrene within a month. She was immediately transferred to the Good Shepherd Mission Hospital for double amputation.
 
We were made aware of Nomsa’s plight when we were approached by her daughter seeking help for her. The double amputee is now completely immobile and therefore struggles with traveling to a healthcare center for medication refills and check-ups. Her state of immobility has also stolen her joy and makes it difficult for Nomsa to enjoy a good quality of life. Since then, the Sihawu clinic staff has been visiting Nomsa for health care delivery, distribution of food parcels, and continuous monitoring. The clinic has also been able to treat some of her presenting symptoms and provide her with counseling sessions. However, the clinic has now picked up on a breast mass that has Nomsa in pain during cold weather.
 
Nomsa’s story, as with every other patient that we encounter, has greatly moved us to compassion. She is in dire need of a wheelchair and food. There is also a growing concern over the lump that is developing and she must visit a higher facility to undergo a biopsy.

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