My name is Jeanne, and I am the mother of five children. For many years, my family and I lived peacefully in the Kadjon region. Life was simple, and though we didn’t have much, we had each other. That all changed when our financial situation worsened, and my husband had to leave for the Cabaret district to find work. His absence became a regular part of our lives as he often had to travel far for long periods, working tirelessly to provide for our family.

One day, after being away for some time, my husband returned home, but something wasn’t right. I noticed immediately that he was not in good health—he was suffering from constant diarrhea, and his body was swollen. In our community, we often attribute these kinds of symptoms to witchcraft, and because of that, we didn’t think about going to a hospital. Unfortunately, his condition quickly deteriorated, and not long after, he passed away.

Losing my husband was devastating, both emotionally and financially. I was left to care for our children on my own, with no idea how we would survive. Shortly after his death, I began to experience the same troubling symptoms: relentless diarrhea, skin rashes, and painful sores. I knew I had to take action for the sake of my children, so I sought help at a clinic.

I had several appointments at the clinic, but my condition did not improve. Concerned about the severity of my symptoms, the clinic referred me to another hospital for further tests. It was after these tests that I received the news that would change my life—I had contracted HIV.

Hearing this diagnosis was like a punch to the gut. I never imagined that my husband, in his quest to secure a better life for our family, would unintentionally bring home such a devastating illness. In the face of this grim reality, the clinic became my lifeline. They provided not only medical care but also emotional and moral support during my darkest days.

Every month, I had to make the long journey to the SADA hospital to collect my medication, a trip that was made possible thanks to the clinic’s help. They provided me with money for transportation, without which I wouldn’t have been able to stay on top of my treatment. There were also times when I didn’t have enough food to take with my medication, making it difficult to stay consistent. The clinic recognized this and set up a food program for me, ensuring I received a box of food every month to keep me going.

I’ve been living with HIV since 2009, and through all these years, the clinic has been my pillar of strength. Their continuous support, both physical and emotional, has allowed me to survive and maintain hope for myself and my children. Without their intervention, I’m not sure where I would be today, but I know that I wouldn’t have been able to fight this battle alone.

To the clinic and its staff, I offer my deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support has been life-changing, and because of you, I can continue to live and be there for my children. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You have given me the strength to keep going, and for that, I am forever grateful.