Meet Juliana, the unsung hero leading efforts to suppress HIV among recipients of care in Shinyanga

Juliana Charles, known as ‘Mama Nesi’, is a Peer Educator at Kambarage Health Centre in Shinyanga Region. Her goal is to ensure that all persons living with HIV receiving care at the health centre achieve HIV viral load suppression through their antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Juliana’s journey to becoming a Peer Educator began when she was diagnosed with HIV in 2009 as she suffered from severe tonsillitis. She started ART in January 2010 and soon experienced a remarkable recovery, which inspired her to become a beacon of hope for others in her community.

Her passion for helping others affected by HIV prompted her to lead efforts to educate community members about the available prevention, care, and treatment services. In 2021, Juliana received training from THPS through the PEPFAR/CDC Afya Hatua project, equipping her with the tools and knowledge needed to actively support other individuals living with HIV in their adherence to ART services.

With her acquired skills as a Peer Educator, she works tirelessly aiming for every individual enrolled in ART at the Kambarage Care and Treatment Clinic is not only virally suppressed but also in good health.

Juliana’s remarkable work has touched many lives, including that of Furaha Ngosha (not his real name), a five-year-old boy who was abandoned by his mother. When Juliana discovered that Furaha had missed his ART refill appointments at the health centre, she began tracing him and eventually found him in poor condition at his grandmother’s home.

It turned out that Furaha’s mother was divorced by her husband after he learned that both Furaha and his mother had HIV. Consequently, Furaha was left in the care of his grandmother, who was unaware of his condition and the medication he needed to stay healthy. As a result, Furaha’s health deteriorated, and his HIV viral load increased to dangerous levels.

Once Juliana, in her role as a peer educator, identified Furaha among the children who had missed their ART refill appointments, she made efforts to find him. Upon locating him, she found him in poor health at his grandmother’s house. Without hesitation, the clinic resumed Furaha’s treatment, and Juliana closely supported them to ensure he received the proper medication and care he needed to recover.

Thanks to Juliana’s intervention and dedication, Furaha’s health began to improve. His viral load started to decrease, and he slowly regained his strength and vitality. Furaha’s story is a testament to Juliana’s dedication and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those in her community who are affected by HIV.

As of December 2023, the Kambarage Care and Treatment Clinic had served 2,066 clients enrolled in ART, including 89 children. Juliana is part of this remarkable achievement that has positively impacted the lives of many in her community.

Juliana’s resilience, compassion, and determination make her a true hero in the fight against HIV. Through her tireless efforts, she continues to save lives and inspire hope in the hearts of those she serves.