Rotary Young Mothers Club stories part 3

A Dive Into Fale’s Life

Fale Mulanje (not her real name), aged 17, is one of the youngest vulnerable Teen Mothers at Likangala club. Having being diagnosed with HIV when she was very young, it is believed she might have been infected by her mother either during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. She has been a Teen Club Member (A clinic for boys and girls aged 10 to 19 years living with HIV) for some years. She benefited a lot at Teen Club when she was member but unfortunately, she was withdrawn when she got pregnant as per policy, Teen Clubs do not accommodate pregnant girls.

After leaving Teen Club Fale returned to the normal clinic. The normal clinic was not conducive for her because she was coming during weekdays, mixing with different age groups, not comfortable or shy to ask for contraceptives and inform health care workers about any ART complications. The establishment of the young mother’s clubs has rekindled the joy of Teen Club in her life. She is now able to experience fun at the club, easily access medical services and created new friendships with fellow peer mothers at the clinic.

Fale’s hope the club is here to stay and will help her and fellow colleagues to return to school with basic school requirements and income generating skills. She is grateful for the services she is benefiting at the club

I Am My Family’s Black Sheep

Modester Gulupa (not her real name) was diagnosed with HIV in April 2017 when she was 2 months pregnant. She started taking ARVs immediately since she was pregnant. After being diagnosed with the virus she informed some of her close relatives who started stigmatizing and discriminating both mentally and verbally. Due to depression derived from this torture, she frequently missed her clinic appointments and her adherence to treatment deteriorated. She considered herself as an embarrassment to the family and thought quitting taking ARVs.

In 2018 she was informed about the young mother’s club which had been established at Likangala health Center which she decided to check out. After joining the club her life transformed completely. since she has acquired knowledge on preventing HIV transmission from mother to child, coping with HIV status, overcoming stigma discrimination and depression, peer support network platform and importance of contraceptives in young women.

Modester is an active club member and was selected to be a Teen Leader at the club. She is now a young woman who is able to encourage other club members on drug adherence, importance of adherence and many other topics.