“I lost 4 children, each before their fourth birthday. The grief was overwhelming. My heart ached with questions and sorrow.
5 years ago, after I became pregnant with my fifth child, I met with ACET Nigeria, and during my health screening, I found out that I was HIV positive.
This was a moment that deepened my despair. But it became a turning point.
With care and compassion, ACET Nigeria quickly linked me to a hospital and I was placed on antiretroviral therapy (ARV) without delay.
They explained that for the health of my baby, I should give birth in a hospital and not breastfeed my baby.
Thanks to this timely treatment and follow-ups, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
And with ACET’s support, I remain diligent with my appointments and ARV medication.
Today, that baby boy is four years old and is HIV negative!
Eight months ago, my joy grew even more with the birth of another healthy HIV negative baby boy.
Both my husband and I continue our ARV treatment without missing a dose.
I just want to say a big thank you to ACET Nigeria for standing by us. I am truly happy.”
Patience’s story is a living testimony to the power of early HIV intervention and ongoing support.
Mother-to-child transmission may only be one factor driving Nigeria’s HIV epidemic, but taking steps to reduce it is an important part of the fight against the virus. More babies are born with HIV in Nigeria than in any other country, and the number of babies infected through breastfeeding is also significant.
You are helping ACET Nigeria work with some of the poorest communities where the HIV burden is highest. The first step is providing HIV testing and counselling in these underserved areas, so that individuals can know their status and then be supported in accessing antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. This not only improves their health but, as their viral load is suppressed by the ARVs, the chance of passing on the virus is vastly reduced.
ACET Nigeria’s work with pregnant women also tackles other issues contributing to HIV infections in babies: only one in three babies is delivered in a health facility, over 40% of pregnant women do not use antenatal services, and HIV can be passed from mother to child through breast milk, unless the mother has an undetectable viral load.
By supporting pregnant ladies in accessing antenatal and HIV prevention services, more babies are being safely delivered in a hospital, and the ladies are getting the right advice and support about breastfeeding and medication.
Hence, more babies without HIV!