“Many caregivers did not know much about HIV or ARVs, and some treated children who were on ARVs differently in a bad way. Some forgot to give medicine on time. Others felt isolated or judged by the community. Sometimes children missed their doses, and caregivers did not know how to support them properly,” Rhoda Mumba said.

“To overcome these challenges, I conducted regular home visits where I gave guidance and counseling to caregivers. I helped families form trios—small groups of relatives or close community members who reminded each other and the child to take medicine on time. I also mobilized caregivers and taught them skills like backyard gardening and small business activities. I linked them to savings groups, and I made sure to follow up on viral loads and clinic appointments so that children remained on treatment,” she added.

Rhoda Mumba was a case worker at Minga Mission Hospital working on the DAPP OVC project in Petauke District. She managed 87 households, with 42 having children living with HIV, including exposed infants. Her role was to enroll such children in the program and ensure they took their medication on schedule.

Through these actions, she helped children take their medicine consistently, leading to suppressed viral loads. Caregivers became more confident and capable of supporting the children. Her persistence and support strengthened families and gave children living with HIV a better chance at a healthy life.

“For me, being a case worker was not just about earning a salary. It was about caring for these children as if they were my own. I always asked myself, what if this child were in my home? What if the caregiver’s struggles were mine? That was why I gave my best and treated them like family,” Rhoda said.

The DAPP OVC project completed in June,2025.