Amidst the vibrant daily life of the Namita neighborhood in the Nicoadala district, a story of overcoming and resilience emerges to inspire. Ancha Emilio Sumili, a 37-year-old woman, has faced challenges that could have interrupted her dreams, but her life journey is powerful proof that hope, and inner strength can prevail, even in the most difficult circumstances.
The turning point in Ancha’s life came on 11 April 2019, when she received the news of her positive HIV diagnosis during a prenatal appointment. The discovery was devastating, but it didn’t paralyze her. With courage and determination, Ancha decided that she would not let the virus define her.
She shared her condition with her husband and together they returned to the health facility where, during an appointment for couples, her husband was also tested, and it was confirmed that he too was HIV positive. She immediately started antiretroviral treatment (ART) together, as advised by the health provider, and began a new phase in their lives.
Ancha’s experience as a mother is the beating heart of her story. With a baby in her arms, she was determined to ensure that her child grew up healthy. Thanks to the effectiveness of vertical HIV prevention (PMTCT) treatment, her first child was born negative. Ancha was a devoted and loving mother, nurturing her son with care and protection, always with the aim of weaning him safely and healthily.
Ancha’s journey didn’t stop there. Encouraged by the success of her first child, she decided to have a second child.
A new blessing came into her life: her second baby was also born HIV-negative because she complied with the PMTCT treatment. This achievement was not only a personal victory, but a testament to the positive impact that HIV awareness and effective PMTCT treatment during pregnancy can have on a woman’s life.
Ancha’s story is much more than an individual narrative; it is a source of inspiration for many women in the Namita neighborhoods and beyond. By sharing her experience, Ancha has become an advocate for HIV health and education, emphasizing the importance of ongoing treatment and mental health support. As a community health activist, she organizes meetings in her community to help other mothers and people affected by HIV, breaking down stigmas and bringing light to an often-silenced issue.
Ancha Emilio Sumili’s journey is a story of struggle, perseverance and victory. His journey demonstrates that, with the right support and determination, it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities. Ancha’s story is a powerful reminder that life can be full of hope and love, even in the face of adversity. Her achievements are not hers alone but reflect the strength of all women who fight every day for a better future for themselves and their children. Ancha is one of the women from Zambezia province who has successfully benefited from antiretroviral treatment through PEPFAR’s support for the Mozambican government in the fight against HIV.
Now that weaning is complete, her son has had a PCR test and the result was negative. This confirms that he is healthy and HIV-free. Adherence to ART was fundamental for this story to have a positive ending, guaranteeing not only Ancha’s health, but also that of her son.
Antiretroviral treatment is essential for lactating women to be able to breastfeed safely and provide a healthy future for their children.
