11-year-old Mphilenhle* was living with HIV in a remote part of KwaZulu-Natal.
Sadly, even though she was receiving treatment, the severity of her disease had gone unchecked.
Earlier this year, by the time we were alerted to her dangerously high viral load
(the amount of virus in her bloodstream), it was already too late. The day we picked up Mphilenhle’s file
to assess her clinical care and address her psychosocial needs, was the day she tragically passed away.
The news of her death was shattering.
The terrifying reality is, HIV continues to claim
almost four thousand precious young lives every year.
South Africa has come a long way and has one of the largest HIV treatment programmes in the world, but HIV remains the leading cause of death in children under 15 years. This is a stark reminder that our future leaders are still vulnerable, and their fragile lives depend on skilled healthcare workers and committed caregivers to enable access to life-saving treatment.
For the past 20 years, CHIVA Africa has been supporting the healthcare system in KwaZulu-Natal through case-based mentorship, empowering healthcare workers, and (more recently) youth participation programmes. We are continuously looking for ways to strengthen our relationships with all government departments and community structures so that we can work together for the greater good.
With the invaluable support of our amazing sponsors, donors, and passionate volunteers, we are helping innocent children and adolescents impacted by HIV lead happy, healthy lives, and preventing HIV from becoming a death sentence.
*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the child.
Fiona joined the Board at CHIVA Africa in 2019. Fiona studied Law at Oxford University and started her career as a Barrister practicing in Chancery chambers before moving into financial services.
Shaun became a trustee for CHIVA Africa in February 2019. He is a South African qualified lawyer and holds the position of Chief Legal Officer at Cairn Capital, a leading European asset manager.
Dr Mo Archary is a Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban and the University of KwaZulu-Natal: Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.
Lauren joined the board in 2019, and is a lawyer by training and built a successful legal career in South Africa, specialising in public interest and media law. Lauren has lectured in media law, ethics and public interest law and takes a special interest in furthering the cause of women and those disadvantaged in South Africa.
Dr Moshal is the founder of CHIVA Africa and CHIVA South Africa and has chaired the CHIVA Africa Board of Trustees since its registration as a charity in 2009. Born and raised in South Africa, Karyn graduated in medicine from the University of Cape Town in 1988.