What it means to be an HIV-positive woman without support!

Marina [name has been changed to protect her identity] is frail. She suffers from cramps, and sores in her nostrils. She will benefit from antiretroviral [ARV] treatments provided by AZUR Développement [AZUR Development].

Marina is penniless and hence a member of the association ESPOIR, who supports those living with HIV/AIDS, was compelled to give her 2000 CFA francs (or $4US) for the consultation with and transportation to Pointe Noire’s Ambulatory Treatment Centre [ATC], where those infected with AIDS are treated. Only her youngest sister knows of her serology. She was tested positive in 2004. Her lover died in 1992.

Her family cannot help her as Marina lives in the lowlands towards a backwater full of mosquitoes. She sleeps on a used mattress. She was once a housekeeper for European expatriates and later for Congolese living in the city.

If she were in better health she would be able to sell merchandise at the market in Nkouikou.

Fanny [name has been changed to protect her identity] is paralysed and lost her memory at the age of 30. The disease has overwhelmed Fanny; hence, her family is taking care of her two children. During our team’s visit in Pointe-Noire, she had difficulty speaking clearly.

According to her family, she has great difficulty speaking. Thanks to our visit though, she recognized the ESPOIR member and was able to express herself.

“In fact, thanks to the visit she was able to find some of her faculties. She also suffers from arterial hypertension.”

“Tomorrow we are continuing our home visits.”

To support women and children living with HIV/AIDS in the Congo, please go to:
http://www.azurdev.org/en/pwith.htm