USAID’s MAMA+ Program Preserves Families in Ukraine
Irina, 28, learned that she was HIV-positive last spring, in her fourth month of pregnancy. She received a post-test consultation at a women’s health clinic and was informed of the ramifications of the virus for both herself and her future baby. Already a mother of two, Irina was advised to terminate her pregnancy. But she had heard that anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy offered mothers the chance to give birth to a healthy child. Irina discussed this option with her husband, Nikolay, and they decided to continue the pregnancy.
Problems started when their baby boy was born. Unemployed, Nikolay grew despondent over his family’s tough financial situation and began drinking heavily. The family lacked money to buy even the most basic things, like a baby carriage, cloths, and food, and their older children demanded a lot of care. Disheartened and overwhelmed, Irina considered giving their newborn over to state care as the only way out of her family’s predicament. Alerted by the situation, the staff of Donetsk City Maternity Hospital #26 called MAMA+ for help.
USAID’s MAMA+ Project has been implemented in Ukraine by the Doctors of the World-USA (DOW) since July 2005. Its main goal is to create the capacity and commitment to keep children born to HIV-positive mothers within their biological families. Its multidisciplinary case management teams of psychologists, social workers, lawyers, and medical workers work in three project sites: Kyiv, Donetsk and Simferopol.
During an initial screening with Irina, a MAMA+ medical worker discussed HIV infection, Irina’s past and the baby’s life at a state institution. The two also discussed the support and opportunities that MAMA+ could offer to her and her family. After some consideration, Irina agreed to accept help. Meeting people who were sympathetic to her problems raised her confidence in her ability to overcome the difficulties her family faced.
A psychologist worked to improve the psycho-emotional environment within the family and, most importantly, re-establish Irina and Nikolay’s contact with their children. Nikolay began to accept Irina’s HIV status, and worked on ways to improve their relationship and enhance his involvement in raising their family.
Much time was devoted to teaching Irina how to communicate and take care of her baby. Meanwhile, the MAMA+ team helped Irina to apply for state social assistance and purchased a baby carriage, basic food, and hygienic supplies. In addition, a MAMA+ medical worker made weekly home visits to the family to examine the baby. She also accompanied Irina and her baby to the Donetsk Regional AIDS Center, where physicians concluded that because Irina had taken ARV drugs, there was a good chance that her baby had not been infected with HIV.
After 10 months of MAMA+ assistance, Irina and her family have adjusted to their new life. Nikolay found work as a security guard. Irina receives state social assistance, which includes nutritional supplies for the baby at a local milk kitchen. Both Irina and Nikolay are now confident that HIV does not mean their lives are at an end, and that they not only can—but must—live for their children.
Since July 2005, MAMA+ Project has provided support and kept 206 children born to HIV-positive mothers within their families. Six-hundred-thirty-five HIV-positive women were informed about HIV/AIDS and services available through initial screening. Nine children born and previously abandoned by HIV-positive mothers were successfully reunited with their families. Currently, four peer support groups are offering support to HIV-positive young mothers.
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MAMA+ helped Irina and Nikolai establish closer ties with their children
Photo Credit: Vadim Nestorov |
Nikolay and his young son share a quiet moment
Photo Credit: Vadim Nestorov |
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