Saving lives by enabling access to HIV medication and associated care at the frontiers of the developing world

a few stories of life

Nokosi showing the benefits of HAART Treatment

Meet Nokosi - before and after HIV medication provided by AIDS Ark

Meet Nonkosi…

Nonkosi is AIDS Ark’s first ever beneficiary.  Here you can see her with opportunistic infections defining AIDS just before she started antiretroviral medication provided by AIDS Ark and one year later.

Her health was so bad in October 2002 that her doctor in South Africa feared there was little hope for her at the time, notwithstanding our intervention and resulting access to ARV drugs. Though her survival was further complicated by a bout of tuberculosis, Nonkosi made it through. Once her ARV treatment started, her viral load decreased and she has continued to prosper since.

Nonkosi is one of the fortunate people who have been saved by AIDS Ark funding.

Yet, in many developing countries millions of HIV-positive people who need access to antiretroviral drugs to prevent AIDS still are not getting them – almost 2 million people died from AIDS-related causes in 2011 alone.

…and some other beneficiaries

Alison, South Africa

Alison, AIDS Ark Recipient
Alison is hospital assistant in the Western Cape Province. She began AIDS Ark-funded medication in September 2002 when her CD4 count was 228 and she was undergoing chemotherapy for an AIDS-related skin cancer, Kaposi’s Sarcoma.

Fortunately, she had an excellent, immediate response to the antiretroviral medication and has been fully adherent to treatment since. By September 2003 Alison’s CD4 count was up to 487.

My eating is very well. I picked up weight very fast and my health is very good. I am feeling so much better now. Thank you AIDS Ark for saving my life and protecting the future of my family!
Sudesh, India

Sudesh, AIDS Ark Recipient
Sudesh began ARV therapy funded by AIDS Ark in April 2006. Despite a low CD4 count, he was able to continue his work in the construction industry though has been unable to disclose his HIV status to family and colleagues. Such is the reality of life in India.

I have told only my wife. If my parents knew, they would throw me from the house. If my work knew, I would immediately lose my job.

 

Ommar Win Zaw, Burma

Ommar Win Zaw, AIDS Ark Recipient
My parents born me with first life. ARV drugs give me second life. AIDS Ark who support me with ARV drugs is my life saver. My health improves. Now I can do work and help my husband farming. My family do not discriminate me like before. I am happy and no longer worry and shame. Now our family can live again, we have a future. This is the miracle AIDS Ark bring us. How can I thank you enough?

 

Adjita, India

Adjita, AIDS Ark Recipient
Adjita works as a domestic servant and started on AIDS Ark-funded ARVs in March 2006. Though she lost her husband to AIDS in 2005, his family will no longer have her live with them because of her HIV+ status. She and her child now must live with her widowed mother.

As the sole income earner, it is essential Adjita maintains her strength and health, despite her illness. She earns less than £18 per month. Life is very hard for Adjita.

Without AIDS Ark there would be no future for either me, my son or my mother on this earth.

 

Than Shiw, Burma

Than Shiw, AIDS Ark Recipient

Than Shiw’s father on how AIDS Ark has transformed her life:

AIDS Ark has not only saved my daughter’s life, but also the life of my family. She is now in good health and can attend school and activities like other children.

 

Aung Khant Kyaw, Burma

Aung Khant Kyaw, AIDS Ark Recipient

Aung Khant Kyaw’s father shares his thanks:

I wish to thank AIDS Ark for funding the ARV drugs to my son. Last year we thought he would die. Now, he is in good health and has energy to play. The whole family is happy to see him leading a happy life again and gaining weight. We would like to see AIDS Ark supplying ARVs to more innocent children like my son.