My Healthcare Provider and Me
A campaign that celebrates the relationship between healthcare providers and young people
The READY+ program has been instrumental in empowering young people living with and affected by HIV across sub-Saharan Africa to access HIV and sexual reproductive health services, including treatment, care, and support, while also addressing broader issues such as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), mental health, and stigma.
We have witnessed and acknowledged healthcare providers’ role in ensuring young people receive timely, empathetic, and effective care. However, their significant contribution often goes unrecognised.
“My Healthcare Provider and Me” is a campaign launched by Y+ Global, Frontline AIDS, and Paediatric-Adolescent Treatment Africa (PATA) that celebrates the significant impact that healthcare providers have on young people. It was officially launched in November 2024 during the PATA Summit, emphasising the central role of healthcare providers in the Global Alliance’s objective of ending AIDS in children and young people by 2030.
READY beneficiaries, partners, youth advocates and supporters, and healthcare workers shared their stories about the healthcare services they receive and stories of where young people are thriving with HIV. These stories were recognised at the PATA Summit. The campaign will unfold in phases, with activities for Phase 1 geared up for World AIDS Day and Phase 2 to start in the first quarter of 2025.
Here is a preview of the campaign stories!
The Story of Miriam Phiri
My name is Miriam Phiri, a 23-year-old from Malawi. I am married and blessed with a baby boy. I have been living with HIV for 20 years, having contracted it from my late mother. I tested positive in 2003, the same year I began antiretroviral treatment, and sadly lost my mother to AIDS. From then on, I was raised by my aunt, who helped me come to terms with my diagnosis. I accidentally learned of my status in sixth grade, which was a difficult moment as I feared I would not live long due to AIDS. However, with my aunt’s support and the help of healthcare workers, I grew stronger and adjusted to lifelong medication.
I completed my secondary education in 2021, passing my Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE). Shortly after, I met a young man my age, and in 2022, I became pregnant. This brought new challenges, as I was unsure how to tell my aunt and boyfriend about the pregnancy. I was especially afraid of disclosing my HIV status to my boyfriend, worrying he might reject me.
During my prenatal visits, HIV testing was required, which created further anxiety. I was overwhelmed by thoughts of either hiding my status or ending the pregnancy, fearing judgment from my family and potential rejection from my boyfriend. Eventually, my aunt noticed my pregnancy and took me to the hospital for prenatal care. However, I still faced the challenge of disclosing my HIV status to my boyfriend.
With the support of the nurses, psychosocial counsellors at Mchinji District Hospital, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) team, I received the emotional support I needed. When I delivered my baby boy, my viral load was suppressed. He was tested negative for HIV at 6 weeks and again at 1 year. I am grateful to be happily married to my boyfriend, who, although HIV-negative, supports me in managing my ARV treatment.
To my fellow friends living with HIV, I encourage you to stay positive and seek support. Joining groups like Y+ can provide connections and guidance. Through these networks, I joined EGPAF and served as a Youth Ambassador on the Committee of African Youth Advisors for Malawi.
The Story of Mantete Piripiri
My name is Mantete Piripiri, and I’m 19 years old. I live with my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews in Mozambique. Growing up without my mother has been challenging, and I’ve often felt unwell since childhood. In 2010, I was taken to the hospital and found out I was HIV-positive. At that time, I didn’t understand what was happening with my health, and taking my medication regularly was difficult. My sister helped me, but on days when she left early for work, I sometimes forgot to take my doses, which made my health worse.
When I turned 13, I began to realise that I needed to take my medication seriously if I wanted to feel better. In July 2021, I began visiting the SAAJ services at Nhaconjo Health Centre to receive my medication. There, I met Casimiro, one of the CATS peer counsellors whose warm greetings and genuine care made a huge difference in my life. He always checked on how I was feeling and offered advice on sticking to my treatment and taking better care of myself. For the first time, I felt understood.
Soon, I became involved with the READY+ Project, and my life changed for the better. I received support through home visits and later joined a support group called “The Power of Change.” In this group, I met friends who shared similar challenges, and I felt comfortable discussing my situation. The debates, laughter, and shared experiences in the group helped me grow stronger, more confident, and better able to make healthy choices.
Thanks to the READY+ Project, I received a scholarship for vocational training in cooking, which I chose because I love it. I plan to work in a restaurant one day. I’m already getting requests to cook for parties, making me feel like I’m on the right track.
I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received, especially from Casimiro, who has been more than just a counsellor; he has been like a brother to me. His advice and encouragement have been invaluable. Because of the READY+ Project, I feel ready to help others facing similar struggles. I want to share the support and kindness I’ve received and create a positive impact in the lives of other young people like me.
The Story of Eulita Basikiti
I lost my mother when I was just 2 years old, so I was raised by my dad and siblings without knowing her. When I was 8, my older brother became very ill and tested positive for HIV. The health workers advised my dad to get the entire family tested, and sadly, both my dad and I also tested positive. My name is Eulita Basikiti, and I am 19 years old. At that age, I didn’t fully understand what being HIV positive meant; it was just a term I heard on the radio.
Tragically, two months later, my brother passed away from complications from AIDS. During that same month, my dad and I started antiretroviral therapy (ART), but he didn’t explain why we were taking medication every day. I began to skip school because the bullying became too much for me. To avoid stigma and discrimination, I made a promise to take my pills daily, driven by fear of losing my life. I was confused as to why my other siblings didn’t have to take pills as I did; they teased me, saying I was my dad’s favourite.
In 2020, my dad passed away, leaving me feeling lost and alone. He was my treatment supporter, counsellor, and cheerleader. I knew I was to go to the clinic to collect my medication, but I felt embarrassed to stand in line without him. My siblings didn’t understand ART, so I started to default on my medication, which made me very sick. Neighbours began to stigmatise me, calling me “mavara mambada” because my skin had spots. I faced intense self-stigma and spent most of my time indoors, skipping school. I even threatened to harm myself if anyone forced me to go.
Health workers contacted my brother to encourage me to visit the clinic, but I resisted. I thought, “Why should I keep taking these pills? My dad took them daily, but he still died.” One day, a young woman from the clinic visited me. She introduced herself as a Community Adolescents Treatment Supporter from Zvandiri and invited me to a support group meeting that weekend.
I attended the meeting and was relieved to meet other young people living with HIV. I had always thought I was the only one. That day, I learned about the importance of sticking to my treatment and realised that being HIV positive isn’t a death sentence; I could still achieve my dreams and live a normal teenage life. The Zvandiri Peer Counsellors and healthcare providers played a vital role in my transformation, equipping me with knowledge and boosting my confidence.
In early 2024, I decided to volunteer as a Community Adolescents Treatment Supporter (CATS) because I wanted to help other young people living with HIV, just as I had been helped. I aim to educate my community about HIV to reduce stigma and discrimination. I am proud to be a Zvandiri Peer Counsellor implementing the READY+ program, supporting adolescents and young people living with HIV.