World AIDS Day 2012

December 1st was World AIDS Day.  As you would imagine, we have taken care of children and babies with HIV/AIDS here in Kijabe, although less than you would probably expect.  There is a very good HIV and Tb clinic at the hospital, as well as outlying clinics in the vicinity, and they handle so much in the outpatient setting.  HIV tests are offered to all patients, and very few families decline the test.  We have found that it is the one test that is done rapidly (at the bedside) and reported immediately.  Most mothers are tested during pregnancy, so we are usually aware if the children are positive/at risk as newborns - treating the mothers during pregnancy and the babies after birth is the most effective way to decrease transmission to children.

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We have had one very sad story of a mother who knew her child was positive at the age of 1 or 2, but had never followed up on treatment - for herself or the girl.  As a 4 year old, we admitted her with recurrent episodes of decreased consciousness - basically, she repeatedly fell asleep in the middle of things (talking, eating, etc.).  After ruling out any treatable intracranial process (abscess/infection, mass, etc), we got her enrolled in the clinic and they took it from there.  The HIV/AIDS problem cannot be combatted without formal programs of treatment, counseling, and followup, but these families need much support, love, and prayer.  There is a great deal of stigma surrounding AIDS here, which may surprise the Westerners, and family members often desert those infected.


On a lighter note, we received some goodies from our Sunday school class, which was such a blessing and encouragement to us!  As part of it, we also received a group of letters and photo of a 3rd grade class in our hometown.  Here are our kids with the photo:

This really touched our family, and we have been reading one letter each day at dinner.  :)  Many of the "goodies" were Christmas ornaments, and we were able to decorate our (borrowed) tree after opening the package.  What fun to have a tree decorated with love from people back home - thank you!

As you can tell, I am behind on blogging, but be on the lookout for a post about our stay with a Kenyan family and Christmas activities here in Kijabe - it will certainly be different than any other Christmas!

With love,
Sarah

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11 NASB