Mama Khumalo’s Story

Mama Khumalo attending Witkoppen Clinic

The journey of motherhood is often fraught with challenges, and this story highlights the resilience and courage required to overcome them. Mama Khumalo, a young mother began her antenatal care at a nearby clinic. Her initial HIV test results were negative, and she was advised to take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to protect herself from contracting HIV during pregnancy. However, she eventually discontinued PrEP.

Mama Khumalo started attending Witkoppen Clinic shortly after delivering her son Deon. During a routine follow-up 10 weeks postpartum test, both mother and baby tested positive for HIV. The baby was immediately started on dual therapy to manage the condition.

This news deeply affected the Mama Khumalo. Overcome with guilt and feelings of failure, she spiralled into despair, believing she had let herself and her child down. The weight of her emotions became so heavy that she considered giving up entirely, even refusing to take her medication. She felt unworthy as a mother and struggled to see a way forward.

The FRESH Start team at the clinic rallied around her, offering constant care, support, and encouragement. Through their compassionate and persistent efforts, they helped her understand the importance of adhering to her treatment—not just for her own health but also for her child’s well-being. Slowly but surely, she began to find hope again. She resumed her medication and committed to ensuring that both she and her baby had their viral loads suppressed with further nutritional support from our Dietician. Within a few months, Deon’s health stabilized, and both mom and baby’s viral loads were successfully managed.

Throughout this journey, the wisdom and encouragement from the healthcare team became a source of strength for the mother. They reminded her, “There is light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t stop living and never give up on yourself or the ones you love.”

Now, despite the hardships, this brave mother looks forward with hope. She is determined to ensure a brighter future for herself and her child while holding onto the possibility of healing and resolution in her family.