Online Reporter
Wendy Nyakurerwa-Matinde
AS a young girl, Netsai (not her real name) faced rejection from her mother, who dumped her at the age of 18 months at her paternal grandmother’s house.
Abandoned at a time when she needed love the most, Netsai found solace in the arms of her grandmother.
Mrs Martha Chikwaka (not her real name) opened her heart and home to the child, determined to provide the love and support she had been cruelly denied.
“When Netsai’s mother fell pregnant, I knew that she and her husband, my son, were both HIV positive. I am a trained village worker and, therefore, I encouraged my daughter-in-law to take all the necessary medication to avoid infecting the unborn baby.
“However, when Netsai was born, her father had relocated to South Africa and never looked back at his family.
“Her mother went on to breastfeed Netsai until she was over a year old. I suspect this is how she contracted the virus,” said Mrs Chikwaka.
“Before her second birthday, Netsai’s mother brought her to my home and just left her by the gate. That is how my journey with her began.”
As time passed, it became clear that Netsai was not just a typical child. Mrs Chikwaka noticed her granddaughter’s frequent illnesses, leading to a diagnosis of HIV at the tender age of three.
“It was a difficult moment,” she recounted, “but I promised to stay by her side, helping her navigate this challenging path.”
For seven years now, Mrs Chikwaka has provided steadfast support, ensuring Netsai adheres to her antiretroviral treatment.
She said her world revolves around Netsai, a vibrant 10-year-old with an infectious laugh and a spirit that refuses to be dimmed despite the heavy burden she carries.
Netsai has also found a supportive environment through the Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters (CATS) programme, an initiative backed by the National AIDS Council and its partners.
The programme is run by trained adolescents who are below 24 years of age. They provide vital support to young people living with HIV.
Despite the stigma surrounding HIV, the CATS at St Mary’s Mutero Mission in Gutu teach Netsai to embrace her status and live positively.
There are 38 adolescents receiving support under the programme. They attend support group sessions to get information on the importance of undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Christine Madhombi, one of the two mentors under the programme, emphasised the power of peer support.
“As young people living with HIV, we can relate to each other in ways that adults might not understand. It’s easier for me to encourage a fellow adolescent to stick to their medication than it is for an adult,” she explained.
“The journey is challenging, especially since these children acquired the virus from their parents. But through counselling, we learn to embrace life. HIV is not a death sentence; medication adherence is key.”
Sister Mukumba, the focal nurse at St Mary’s Mutero Mission, said the CATS programme has seen improved health among adolescents living with HIV.
“The peer-to-peer communication has significantly improved the adolescents’ adherence to medication, leading to many being virally suppressed,” she stated.
As Netsai continues to thrive in this supportive environment, her story stands as a testament to resilience, love and sense of community.
With her grandmother by her side and a network of peers offering encouragement, Netsai is not just surviving; she is shining brightly, ready to embrace life’s possibilities.
Online Reporter