John (not his real name) is eight years old and was born with HIV. After his mother passed away from AIDS complications, he and his two older siblings moved in with their grandmother in Juba.
In February 2023, John quickly lost weight and became very weak. He was rushed to a health facility. A clinical assessment showed that he had unsuppressed viral load—which meant that he was not taking his antiretroviral medicines on a regular basis. These medicines help control symptoms of HIV.
The health facility, supported through USAID, developed an action plan. This included putting him on enhanced adherence counseling for three months to reduce his viral load. He was also provided with a caregiver to look after him. Through home visits and emotional and psychological support, the caregiver helped ensure John took his medications. He was also linked with the health facility’s nutrition center where he received food on a monthly basis.
By June 2023, John’s health significantly improved; but, by October, his health took a turn for the worse after being diagnosed with tuberculosis. He was put on a six-month treatment plan. John’s deteriorating health had a major impact on his grandmother’s ability to give him the care he needed.
“Every child needs their mother,” she said. “I particularly do my best as a grandmother, but I can’t replace his mother.”
John was enrolled in a USAID-funded program for orphans and vulnerable children where he is closely monitored and receives regular antiretroviral treatment. As of September 2023, John is one of more than 520 children receiving antiretroviral treatment support through the program. USAID funds critical treatment and services for nearly 13,000 people living with HIV across South Sudan. Every child in South Sudan needs a government that fulfills its role as a steward of national resources. South Sudan’s transitional government is failing to use public revenue for public needs.
To learn more about USAID's work in health, please visit our Health page.
John meets with a health care provider at a USAID-supported health facility.
USAID