“Because I have HIV, I was forbidden from playing with my cousins and the other children in the community.
My plate, spoon, and pots were separated from the rest.
I was never touched.”
After losing both parents to HIV-related complications and living with the virus herself, Grace was placed in her uncle’s care.
Despite having a large extended family, Grace’s basic needs of love, healthcare, education, and dignity went unmet.
“I lived in a shelter, with a broken door too weak to protect me. This was frightening as there was danger in the community.
I was not enrolled in school and had no bathing soap provided to clean myself.
My family stopped my antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and gave me traditional herbal medicine.”
Grace’s caregivers, overwhelmed by poverty and misinformation, believed her condition was caused by witchcraft or a curse.
The consequences were devastating.
Grace’s viral load escalated, placing her life at serious risk. She suffered from malnutrition and the crushing weight of stigma and discrimination.
But just when hope seemed lost, a door opened, and ACET Nigeria stepped in.
Following a comprehensive needs assessment and with the full consent of her uncle, Grace moved to her new home at Massiah Care Foundation.
The Foundation provides free education and comprehensive healthcare services for every child under their care.
At the foundation, Grace has restarted her lifesaving ARV treatment, is receiving proper nutrition, and attending school.
Most importantly, she is finally surrounded by a community that truly cares for her wellbeing and future.