HELPING THE MORE VULNERABLE-THE STORY OF HELEN JAMES

Improved health and access to health services is paramount for vulnerable households especially for households who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, this is the story of Helen James who was enrolled into the Mashiah Foundation/STEER Project in 2014. A single parent of two (2), resident at Farin Gada community with household number PLA/JSN/MFJ/01921, Helen James have had various challenges ranging from family denial to accomodation issues. After she was evicted from her accomodation, she went to live in an temporary shelter in a church which affected her health that  deteriorated to a point that she had partial stroke paralysis due to regimen non adherence.

Mashiah Foundation/STEER project intervened by referring her to the health facility and supported her treatment financially. She was later taken from the temporary home reunited with the mother and provided with physchosocial support and adherence counselling. The mother is now saddled with the responsibility of providing her with the necessary care and support towards her recuperation.

Today Helen James is doing well, recuperating and responding to treatment. In her words she said “I am indebted in gratitude to Mashiah Foundation/STEER project for helping gain my health back and reuniting me to my mother and family. Today I am happy as my health has improved. I can now effectively take care of my children while I work towards resuming my IGA”

Helen James is one amongst other HIV Positive caregivers enrolled into the Mashiah

Foundation/STEER project who have informed knowledge of opportunistic infection and access to quality health services that promote health at Farin Gada community.

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