For twelve years, 15-year-old Modo (pseudonym), a Child Living with HIV (CLHIV) from Orobai village in Arapai Sub County, Soroti District, struggled with a non-suppressed viral load. Despite this decade-long battle, the unwavering commitment of his parents, alongside the efforts of the USAID-funded OVC North East Activity (OVC NEA), local community members, and healthcare teams, helped Modo to overcome these health challenges and enjoy the childhood he deserved.
Modo’s struggle with viral load suppression began at the age of three when he was first enrolled on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Despite years of treatment, his viral load remained persistently high. Modo’s father, who could have provided additional care and support, was frequently away from home due to his demanding business of selling cattle, goats, and sheep in local markets. With limited ART literacy, his mother found it difficult to manage his treatment. Modo was often sent to the health facility alone, unable to understand the complex medication schedules and doses.
In 2021, at age 12, Modo’s mother made the difficult decision to disclose his HIV status to him. She hoped that this knowledge would motivate him to adhere more consistently to his treatment and understand the significance of the medication to his health.
Initially, Modo’s reaction to the disclosure was positive, reassuring his mother with the words, “I am in charge.” This gave her a sense of relief and hope that he would take control of his health. However, despite his outward promises, Modo secretly struggled. Overwhelmed by the daily pill burden, he often hid his medication by burying it in the garden behind his hut.
When Modo was enrolled in the OVC NEA his viral load had escalated to 2,000,000 copies/ml, and he also tested positive with tuberculosis (TB). ) He was attached to a para social worker (PSW) for tailored support.
The PSW quickly identified the gaps and collaborated with the social worker (SW) to address the root causes of Modo’s non-suppression. Together, they developed a joint action plan, focusing on increasing ART literacy for both parents. As Modo’s health continued to deteriorate due to a low CD4 count, the social worker supported his referral for minor surgery to remove some swellings on his body and recommended an HIV drug resistance (DR) test and switch of medication.
The PSW and SW held a family dialogue with Modo’s father, who had recently returned home due to setbacks in his business. Understanding the seriousness of Modo’s health, his father took responsibility for managing his son’s treatment.
To ensure Modo’s recovery, he made the tough decision to temporarily withdraw him from school, focusing on his health instead. He implemented Caregiver Directly Observed Therapy (CAGDOT) to closely monitor Modo’s adherence to medication and provide the support needed for his recovery.
The family was also linked to a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) to support their financial stability. Modo’s father and mother received financial literacy training, which enabled them to secure a loan from the VSLA. This loan allowed them to purchase land for commercial farming, improving their household’s economic resilience.
Through the concerted efforts of the OVC NEA, para social workers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders, Modo’s viral load finally began to drop. Routine joint home visits (with different stakeholders like OVC focal person from TASO, YAPS, expert clients, cough monitors and Activity staff) yielded and in 2024, Modo achieved viral load suppression.
His viral load, once in millions, is now undetectable, allowing him to lead a healthier life.
Modo’s father expressed his gratitude, saying, “Ever since my family got enrolled into this OVC program, my life has greatly improved. If it wasn’t for the help of the UWESO team working hand in hand with the health facility, we would have lost Modo. I am so grateful for the love and support you rendered to us and our family.”
Today, Modo has resumed school and is thriving, both in his health and academics. His renewed positivity extends beyond his own treatment, he now reminds his caregivers to take their medication as well.
