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Her name is Veneranda Sanga, the only daughter to her late mother. She was born in 1990. She has a brother with whom she shares a mother but with different fathers. He is called Fadhili and he is 8 years old.

It is very sad to hear that she had never seen her father during her lifetime. She says, “My mother told me she does not know who my father is. ‘You are my daughter; you will live with me eating and spending whatever we manage to have.’ But now I hear that he is in Mbeya.�

In 1997 her lovely mother died. Veneranda’s uncle thinks that she died of HIV-AIDS as she had a lot of the signs of HIV even though she was never tested.

“I really remember my mother especially the last days of her life,� says Veneranda. “I was the caretaker for her and she was so close to me in those days.�

Since the death of her mother, Veneranda has lived with different people including her uncle and aunt. Seeing the health condition of his niece deteriorating day after day, her uncle decided to take her to the hospital for VCT (voluntary counselling and testing for HIV). The result was positive.

Her counsellor still remembers Veneranda’s question: “I was told one can get infected with HIV only if one is engaged in sex. I have never had sex; where did I get the infection then?�

“It was not a simple question for me to answer, especially at her age,� the counsellor says.

It is now known that Veneranda was probably infected by her late mother either in utero or through breast milk.

Veneranda is uncomfortable at school because her illness has retarded her growth. This seems to be one of the reasons why she often skips school.

When she feels sick with one of the infectious diseases that she has, she is thoughtful and preoccupied. Maybe this reflects her understanding of her sero-positive status. Otherwise she is a charming and simple girl.

In an interview with her as to what her message to the people is, especially the donors and supporters, she said, “I thank all those who are supporting us but I HATE all those who are using us as a means to enrich themselves, leaving us in a pond of trouble. Let them think how would they feel if this was done to them!!�

Finally I asked her who she thinks deserve her words of thanks. She replied, “I can only mention GOD, as he had his hand to protect me everyday. Otherwise I love all my fellow children, my doctors, nurses, matron and…George.�

For my part, I join Veneranda in the way she thinks about those who have turned MAKETE and HIV into their business. They receive a lot of funds and other kinds of support to help the victims but nothing is reaching these people.

I beg all those who wish to help the people here in Makete or anywhere, let them think of a proper way of monitoring their support. Otherwise their donation will not reach its intended target.

Your support may count for nothing as it is not reaching the people who need it.

Jackson Mbogela,
Assistant Director
PIUMA HIV Clinic

Veneranda Sanga at the Bulongwa Care and Treatment Centre