“I failed my daughter”

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However, the young mother said that instead of getting support, her partner, whom she described as “abusive”, wanted to know if she would get ARVs.

“He took my drugs and sold them to drugs users. I was afraid of him did not report him,” she said. Senamile gave birth to a daughter and when the baby was six months old she tested positive for HIV.

He took my drugs and sold them to drugs users. I was afraid of him did not report him.

Nurse Thandi Nyawo said what happened to Senamile and her daughter was common.

We can give health education and tell pregnant women the importance of adhering to treatment but we can’t force them to adhere. Senamile should have reported her boyfriend at the clinic or police station because her innocent child could have born HIV-negative.”

Senamile is determined to keep her daughter healthy. “Knowing I kept my abuse secret has been hard but with my family support I am doing my best to make sure that my princess is healthy. My advice to pregnant women is to report any abuse and make sure you protect your baby no matter what,” she said.