Below are some interesting stories compiled from members of TeenMothers clubs across Emmanuel International Malawi’s intervention area under it’s recently phased out Rotary Project. Click here to read more on the project
Bertha mpinganjira (not her real name) is a member of Pirimiti young mothers club. Aged 22 and married, she has a one year and two months old son. In addition to gender-based violence she used to face in her marriage, lack of comprehensive knowledge on the importance of ARV and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission process led to her poor adherence to ARV drugs. This was the case as she was mostly depressed, and had no one to share her experiences with.
The establishment of the Rotary Young Mothers Club at Pirimiti Hospital transformer her life. The club helped her to acquire knowledge on importance of good ARV adherence and strategies of preventing her child from acquiring HIV. through counselling and support to overcome depression and marital issues, both Bertha and her husband now live a happy life. Currently, her family’s health and drug adherence have improved.
Bertha like many other participants is grateful for the establishment of the club and would like to see the club continue providing the services.
     ELUBE’s Experiences
Elube mandala (not her real name) is one of the longest serving member of Zomba Central Teen Club which was being managed by Dignitas, and later Emmanuel International Malawi. She joined Teen Club when she was 12 years old and later was selected to be a Teen Leader. At Teen Club she gained a lot of knowledge, skills and made friendships with fellow peers living with HIV.
In 2017 she became pregnant and was no longer eligible to participate in Teen Club activities. She was returned to the normal clinic where her access to services was challenged by negative attitude of health care workers, lack of comprehensive information on SRHR and lack of peer support network, among others.
In 2018 Emmanuel International Malawi with support from Rotary trained health care workers and established 10 AGYW Clubs in 10 health facilities including Zomba Central. Elube was recruited at the club and was delighted to once again have peer support network. Now a team leader, not only has she been trained to support colleagues, but she is also able to access SRHR services, and has acquired various life skills. In her remarks, Elube stipulates on how the attitude of health care workers through the club has changed  in positive and encouraging direction.
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