18/02/2013
Ann* is a 45 year old widow with 5 children aged
between 9 and 24. She lives in a compound owned by her mother and pays 300Birr
per month in rent. Their living conditions are considered to be that of a ‘low
family’ in Ethiopia. Her husband was a war veteran (in the Eritrea war), he
most likely contracted HIV during his serving years, he died in 2002 (EC). She
had been his sole carer while he was poorly, he was not taking any ART
medication and they had no external support from NGOs.
In 1987 (EC) she had her first HIV
test, it came back negative. She was encouraged by an elderly neighbour to get
tested again for HIV after her husband had passed. She subsequently found out
she was HIV+, most likely contracted from her husband. When she discovered she
was HIV+ she was very depressed and made at least one attempt on her life. She
found it difficult to process the information she received and was struggling
with day to day life. If it had not been for the intervening support of OSSA and
her volunteer counsellor she would not be in the state she is today.
She noted that she suffered
discrimination at first, but now that the attitude towards HIV/Aids is changing
she does not notice it as much, although she is sure there is still gossip in
the area regarding her status.
She currently lives hand to mouth,
with a small coffee business on the street. Her future ambition is to have a
shop, much like a convenience store, with the hope that it would provide
regular and higher income. She would like some support for her children’s
education because she feels they are doing well academically but will need
future support to succeed.
Kx
* Names have been changed to protect
identity.
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