Clementina is one of 301,000 children in Nigeria living with HIV. Despite being enrolled in the pediatric ART program under the ASPIRE project at age 4, she struggled to achieve viral load suppression (VLS). This is a common challenge, as 70% of children living with HIV in Nigeria remain unsuppressed, far below the WHO’s goal of 95% by 2025.
VLS occurs when anti-retroviral drugs reduce the HIV in the body to a low level, allowing the immune system to fight illness. This is essential to prevent HIV-related deaths in children. Unfortunately, Clementina’s unstable living conditions in an IDP camp, along with poor nutrition, made it difficult to manage her health.
Studies show that a supportive home and community environment greatly improve children’s adherence to HIV treatment. When caregivers and children understand the illness, VLS is more likely to be achieved. For years, Clementina’s mother scared of her reaction, hid her HIV status, telling her the medication was for a hearing problem. As a result, Clementina often skipped doses, not seeing the need to take medication for something she didn’t believe she had.
In late 2023, after education and counseling by the facility staff and Solina’s team, Clementina’s status was finally disclosed to her. With her new understanding, she received extra support and follow-up care through the Orphans & Vulnerable Children (OVC) program.
For the first time in three years, Clementina achieved viral suppression. Encouraged by the results, she is committed to staying on track with her treatment. Thanks to support from X, her family has moved out of the IDP camp, and Clementina now attends school regularly. She continues to receive the health, nutritional, and emotional support she needs to thrive and pursue her dreams.
Clementina’s story highlights the critical importance of emotional support and open disclosure for children living with HIV. By creating a supportive environment, we can empower individuals to adhere to their treatment and achieve viral suppression.
Let’s unite to advocate for emotional support systems that uplift individuals living with HIV. Let’s take action to dismantle stigma. Together, we can fuel change, ensuring every child not only survives but thrives.
