FROM FEAR TO CONFIDENCE-A MOTHER’S JOURNEY BACK TO CARE
Agnes(Not her name), a 24-year-old pregnant mother living with HIV, lives in one of the remote areas of Nkhotakota District where clinics are far apart and transport is nearly impossible to access. Life became even more difficult when she began feeling weak and unwell. Her growing pregnancy, combined with missed ART (antiretroviral therapy) and antenatal care (ANC) appointments, was putting her and her unborn baby at serious risk.For two months, Agnes had not taken her medication or attended clinic visits. She was overwhelmed by fatigue, fear, and stigma. Living over 15 kilometers from the nearest health facility, with no reliable means of transport, Agnes began to lose hope.
“Sometimes I wondered if it even mattered whether I went to the clinic or not,” she recalls. “I felt forgotten.”
Through Njira Impact’s CHW, Agnes’ name was flagged on the defaulter list. Bornage, a trained Community Health Worker assigned to her village, immediately set out to find her. Despite the distance, he cycled for hours determined to reach Agnes. When he arrived, he offered more than just information—he brought compassion. He sat down with Agnes, listened to her fears, and gently explained the dangers of defaulting treatment, especially during pregnancy. He didn’t judge—he encouraged.
Bornage then referred Agnes to one of Njira Impact’s nearby outreach mobile clinics that was scheduled to operate close to her home. This made it easier and more comfortable for her to get the support she urgently needed without traveling long distances.
“He didn’t force me. He made me feel like my life mattered,” Agnes says.
The next day, Agnes walked to the mobile clinic. With support from Bornage, she resumed both ART and ANC services. Her health has since improved, and she continues to attend all her scheduled appointments.Today, Agnes is feeling stronger. She smiles more. She’s not just hopeful—she’s committed to caring for herself and her unborn child.
“When Bornage came to my home, I felt seen. For the first time in months, I believed I could be okay again.” – Agnes
Agnes is one of over 320 pregnant women who have returned to care through Njira Impact’s compassionate CHW-led follow-ups. Her story is a powerful reminder that timely outreach, empathy, and community-based care can transform fear into confidence.
With Njira Impact, no mother is left behind—even in the most remote corners of Nkhotakota.
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