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July 14, 2006
14 July 2006 We went to an outreach clinic today in Bukedea. We visited two bedridden clients at their homes. The first man, Simon, was completely emaciated. He lived in a two-room cement house with his two wives, both HIV+, and four young children (not tested yet). Simon was too weak to get out of bed; he struggled to sit up. All seven of them sleep in the same room, in three beds. The nurse from TASO and the TASO-trained community nurse urged Simon to take his Septrine and to eat more fruits and beans. The ACW (AIDS Community Worker) told us that Simon is looking much better.
The upside of this story is that with the distribution of ARVs (antiretroviral drugs) there aren't as many clients like Simon - finally, people in Uganda have the option of living with HIV, instead of dying too soon of AIDS. ARVs have not solved the problem, though, as they are basically useless if they're taken without regular food intake. The poverty here is real and people are going to bed without eating. ARVs cannot nourish, too. It's very overwhelming.
At Simon's house, I felt so helpless. The other two TEACH participants are nurses, and they offered Simon advice about nutrition and exercise and adherence to Septrine. I couldn't offer any medical assistance. I went outside the room and started drawing pictures for the children. Then I drew a picture for Simon. He thanked me and smiled. I didn't know what else to do.
Next week, we'll start visiting the orphans and the HIV+ children. I keep reminding myself of something a friend tells me whenever I freak out about the war in Iraq, Bush, Walmart, POVERTY, anti-condom advocates, the arms trade, "free" trade, AIDS - he says, "Kelly, the world is a mess, and it's perfect."
One of the members of the TASO drama group has an eleven year old daughter. She went to Kampala today to talk to donors and execs at TASO headquarters. She will recite a poem she wrote about living with HIV and living positively. Before she left, she recited the poem for me. It was the happiest part of my day - a beautiful young girl sharing her experience, strength, and hope!
Posted by kmf23 at July 14, 2006 12:48 PM
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Comments
I agree this is beautiful.
Posted by: Sharon Milligan at July 15, 2006 09:49 PM
That is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Posted by: Theresa at July 15, 2006 09:45 PM