HIV Care for 5000 children/caregivers in Swaziland

CHIPS mobile clinic gingerly makes its way into the Khomba community navigating this make shift squatter community of sugarcane workers and their families to bring them much needed medical services. Up over the water channel, tight turn between tuck shop and flowing water, wide turn at the mango tree grove and homestead – be mindful of the ever changing potholes that could swallow your car whole – arrive at your destination parking under the mango tree next to the shebin’ homestead (where a special connoisseur of local moonshine is brewed and consumed by the community). Pop up the camper shell roof on the mobile clinic and we are open for business!

Within moments of arrival word quickly spreads CHIPS has arrived and those in need of our services start preparing themselves to come. Just like clockwork we soon hear the shuffle of little footsteps coming our way, four year old Bethu coming for his weight, height, and arm circumference (MUAC) to be taken – whether it’s his appointment date or not.

Bethu, one of our many beloved clients in Khomba, came to us two year ago very sickly and in need of great medical intervention. Staying with his grandmother after his mom abandoned them the grandma struggled to meet their basic daily needs. Tummy distended, puffy face, swollen hands and feet with sores in his mouth Bethu was powerless and miserable.

At a glance the CHIPS nurse diagnosed Bethu with kwashiorkor, extreme malnutrition. With further investigation it was discovered that he was also HIV positive which magnified his infections and malnutrition. In urgent need of medical treatment Bethu was taken by CHIPS transport to be seen by doctors at the closest local hospital 45 minutes away.

Good Shephard Hospital was able to treat him for malnutrition, supplied him with extra food packs, and within three weeks he was started on life sustaining ARV’s (treatment for HIV). CHIPS was able to also supply Plumpy Nut, highly fortified peanut butter-supplement for malnourished persons, to help him gain the weight his body so desperately needed. Since Bethu’s grandmother had no job and serious financial problems CHIPS took responsibility to provide transport for Bethu and his grandma for every appointment they had at Good Shepherd Hospital. Within some months Bethu’s health drastically improved and he became an active happy three year-old.

Bethu health was so stable, his HIV virus at it’s very lowest point (viral load undetectable) within a year and a half that the hospital transferred his regular HIV treatment care to the CHIPS mobile clinic where we weigh him, measure his growing stature, and give him life sustaining ARV’s right there in the community he lives in. Bethu’s grandmother greatly appreciates the services that CHIPS provide and always praises us saying "CHIPS raised her grandson from death back to life".

Now 4 years old Bethu is healthy, happy, and a very good friend to CHIPS. If you are ever with us in Khomba sitting under the mango tree and hear the shuffling of little feet, you’ll know Bethu is making his way to us for some loving, and for all his measurements to be taken.

Links:

• Sign up for our newsletter!