Empowering African Nations Since 1981

Nigeria
Daughter is a 22 year old lady, who was first seen by IFESH in January 2008. She had been diagnosed as HIV positive during her antenatal visit and was referred to IFESH from the Health of the Sick Hospital.

Upon telling her husband the bad news, she was thrown out of their home after several beatings. Her siblings instructed her not to return to their home town. Her only hope was her mother who was bitten by a snake and had one arm amputated, so she needed to be taken care of as well. Left with no option, no home and no hope, Daughter moved in with a friend. After a few weeks, she was told she had to leave as the house was too small. She was unemployed and although she could braid hair and earn a living she was discouraged by neighbors who told her, that her clients would lose their hair because she just had given birth. This was a traditional belief. Her baby, who she opted not to breastfeed, was not healthy. He was grossly underweight and accustomed to hunger, as his mother could not afford regular meals. In fear and frustration, she came crying to IFESH.

At IFESH, she joined a support group where she received IFESH Care & Support services. Her baby was placed on breast milk substitute for six months, and later on infant formula. Funds were raised for drugs, transportation, her upkeep and resettling. IFESH gave her a mobile phone to assist her with making money. Today, she has a place of her own where she lives with her son. She now makes calls and braids hair for a living. Both mother and baby are happy and healthy.