Strength and Determination of an HIV+ Widow

Doris Ngoma is a 40 year old widow with 6 children; 3 boys and 3 girls all who are on the ZAMFAM Project. She lives in Shimibanga ward in Masaiti District.

Doris fell critically ill for two months, not knowing the cause of her sudden illness; she was encouraged by friends and family to use various traditional forms of treatment which only worsened her condition causing excessive weight loss.

Evelyn Muchenje, a workforce member who visited the household, noticed her worsening condition and provided basic counseling services and referred her to the hospital to seek medical help. After being counseled and subsequently tested, she was found to be HIV+ and was placed on Anti retroviral therapy.

By means of constant adherence to treatment and care, Doris Ngoma’s condition has improved tremendously and through continued home visitations she has acquired more knowledge on how to prepare balanced meals for her children and herself. She has also learnt to sustain her family by means of growing crops that require little or no financial input.

Furthermore, she has a renewed appreciation for her children’s education as a means of future self-sustainability.

Doris Ngoma is grateful for the committed efforts of the ZAMFAM workforce member who persistently encouraged and supported her through her trying period. She has a new found strength and purpose for her family and herself.