Prolonging Despair: Antiretrovirals without Social Support in HIV-Positive Youth

Authors

  • Stephanie Pulliam The University of Texas at Austin

Abstract

The purpose of this narrative is to recognize the lack of social supports for youth born with HIV and to discuss the ramifications and possible mediators of this deficiency. With two lines of antiretrovirals (ARVs) available in urban Tanzania at no cost, many children born with HIV have the resources necessary to survive; however, their survival does not depend solely on physical Wellness. Without social supports, free ARVs do not always achieve improved quality of life for youth. This narrative follows the story of Lilly, a girl whose life was prolonged by ARVs but taken by intolerable emotional turmoil. The lifesaving supports needed for youth like Lilly are discussed, including familybased education, supportive counseling groups and a system for referral to these services. Note: Names have been changed for individuals cited in this paper other than Theresa Kaijage. Author does use real name for WAMATA. "Kinyozi hajinyoi na akijinyoa hujikata. " Translation: "The barber doesn't cut his own hair and if he does he cuts himself." - Swahili proverb

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How to Cite

Pulliam, S. (2014). Prolonging Despair: Antiretrovirals without Social Support in HIV-Positive Youth. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 17(1), 44–53. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/635

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General Submissions