At the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infection (CROI) in early March, Dr. Deborah Persaud announced that four children had achieved HIV remission. She sat down for an interview with EGPAF’s Eric Bond to explain the significance of this breakthrough and what it means for the fight for an AIDS-free generation.   Baby sleeps in mother’s lap in Tanzania. Eric Bond/EGPAF 2020 Could you explain the significance of your announcement at CROI? We reported that four children had gone into what we call ART-free HIV remission. ART stands for antiretroviral treatment. With HIV, once you ..read more

Libuseng Mohapi is a 25-year-old living in Berea, a northwest district in the mountain kingdom on Lesotho. Last year, she found herself in a health crisis, experiencing coughing, weight loss, night sweats, and a high fever. A visit to the Maluti Hospital provided an answer and she was diagnosed with tuberculosis or TB. Libuseng was grateful that she was put on treatment immediately and relieved that the hospital reached out to ensure that her household was healthy. Because it is so easily transmitted in a confined space, TB requires a household and family response. Children nearly always get ..read more

On a recent morning in southwest Uganda, the gates of Chahafi Health Centre IV open, and a vibrant scene unfolds. The Bafumbira community gathers to celebrate the arrival of a newborn into its fold. The drums beat and the aroma of cooked food fills the air. symbolizing the community’s support for one another at times of joy and delight. Community members waiting at the gates of Chahafi Health Centre IV. Photo by Winnie Nakiwunga/EGPAF The Bafumbira are an ethnic minority who are believed to be the earliest people of East Africa and live on both sides of the Uganda-Rwanda border. “The traditio ..read more

Aldron and Zanele Metiso have known each other since they were school kids growing up in the same community in Eswatini, a small nation in southern Africa. On this Valentine’s Day, they reflect on their 35 years together as husband and wife and rejoice at their happy life—including raising five children together. “Valentine’s Day means that we will continue to be together and renew our love as we have been doing all these years,” says Zanele—with her husband adding that this is a day for them to get much closer to each other and to continue to support each other in their journey living with HI ..read more

Emmanuel Asiimwe, 16, is an active teenager living in Kibisho, a farming village in southwestern Uganda. But he was not always so full of life. Often, over the past eight years, he has struggled with health complications, due to problems taking his antiretroviral treatment (ART) regularly. When Emmanuel was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 8, he was immediately enrolled in ART. However, viral load tests over the years continued to show that he was not suppressing HIV in his body. When the viral load is low (suppressed), a person living with HIV can lead a normal life, without the health risks ..read more

Celebrating Motherhood in Nigeria by Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation on on Exposure The post Celebrating Motherhood in Nigeria appeared first on Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation ..read more

Ts’epang Sonopo, a young woman living in Maseru, Lesotho, discovered her HIV-positive status when she was pregnant at the age of 21. Upon learning about her status, she immediately disclosed to her partner and requested that he go to the health facility for an HIV test. To her surprise, the partner said that he had previously tested and knew that he was HIV-positive—but he had not disclosed it to her. Ts’epang Sonopo, speaking at the PATA Summit in Maseru, Lesotho, explains the process of disclosing her HIV status to her mother. Photo by Lipuo Mokhesi/EGPAF 2023 “I was shocked and depressed ..read more

Leribe is an agricultural district in northern Lesotho that borders the Free State Province of South Africa, which mines one-fifth of the world’s gold—along with mining operations for silver, uranium, and diamonds. Workers in Lesotho are drawn to South African mining jobs as well as peripheral positions, such as in housekeeping. Migratory workers often face challenges when it comes to adhering to HIV treatment. Some are unable to easily come back to the clinic for prescription refills. Others are scared to disclose their HIV status to employers. And still others hold religious, traditional ..read more

A Nurse and a Nation by Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation on on Exposure The post A Nurse and a Nation appeared first on Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation ..read more

Peer Leaders sit and talk at Ariel Camp 2023. Photo by Masereka Joseph/2023 Jalia Nabukenya, 23, breathed in the refreshing breeze drifting over Lake Bunyoni in southwest Uganda. She was ready to be joined by 29 other young HIV activists to learn how to better support their peers and advocate on their behalf. The 2023 Ariel Camp, “Caring for the Carer” would be five short days of intense learning, reflection—and caring. “I’m looking forward to catching up with old friends, making new friends,” Jalia exclaimed, as she looked across the smooth lake. Ariel’s Legacy  Photo by Masereka Joseph ..read more