Video produced by Ground Media. © 2016 Global Fund Advocates Network/
Clara was 25 years old and working in Voluntary Testing and Counselling for HIV at a local hospital when she noticed she was having similar symptoms as her patients. However, at the time, while she knew she had HIV, it was difficult to get a CD4 count. Clara travelled 400km to get the test: her CD4 count was 32 (from a healthy range of 500-1500) and she had progressed to AIDS.
With the support of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Clara has returned to full health – now her viral load is undetectable. Clara’s 12-year old daughter also has HIV, but is thriving. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission is now available to all pregnant women with HIV in Malawi – thanks to the Global Fund’s support, Clara’s second child was born HIV negative.
Clara now coordinates national activities for women living with HIV. She offers technical advice to organizations, encourages testing, combats stigma and discrimination and speaks publicly about HIV in Malawi.
Clara is clear: “I am the living example of what the Global Fund has achieved over the years.” Still, she warns that donors need to keep investing in the Global Fund because “there is an opportunity that we can end this epidemic.”