Joy is a bright 13-year-old girl who lives with her widowed mother and two siblings in a small household. Four years ago, she was diagnosed with HIV and was receiving treatment at Mkpat Enin Primary Health Centre, until 30th August, 2024 when her health took a turn for the worse. She was rushed to the health centre with complaints of shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, coughing, and fever. Realizing she was found to be in a critical condition, the health team immediately rushed her to Sacred Hospital in Ukam, where she was given oxygen and blood transfusion, after conducting some tests.
Recognizing that Joy’s condition required more specialized care, the health facility engaged the Enhanced Expert Support Initiative (E2SI) for support. The E2SI is an initiative of the USAID-funded ECEWS ACE-5 project in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State that connects health experts at tertiary hospitals with healthcare providers at primary health centers to improve the clinical management of HIV and its comorbidities. An expert pediatrician from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) was called in to assess her. After a thorough evaluation, the pediatrician diagnosed her with severe anemia and bronchopneumonia, with the possibility of tuberculosis, all occurring in the background of Advanced HIV Disease (Stage 3). Further tests showed she also had malaria and a urinary tract infection. A comprehensive treatment plan was developed that included intermittent virtual check-ins on her by the paediatrician. After five days of following the prescribed treatment plan, Joy was doing very well and was discharged with oral medications.
Joy’s journey from the brink of crisis to recovery is a testament to how timely and expert care, can change the fortune of those in the most vulnerable situations, giving them hope and healing. The Expert Support Initiative ensures that no child should face such challenges alone.
