Johnny Wekesa

When an ACE counsellor first met Johnny 18 months ago, he was 11 years old, weighed a mere 14kg and was close to death.

Johnny's parents had died of HIV/AIDS-related causes, and he was living with his 72 yr old widowed grandmother. His grandmother had to work on other people's farms to feed Johnny and her other two grandchildren one meal a day. Johnny's health was desperate. The family was referred to ACE and Johnny was found to be HIV+.

ACE ensured that Johnny received basic medication and nutritional supplements to help improve his appetite and overall health. Johnny is now on ART provided free from the District hospital and ACE supports his nutrition programme. His uncle has also been trained in Agriculture and Nutrition and provides the family with food from his kitchen garden.

In addition, an ACE established support group helps provide them with their basic needs. Johnny continues to receive nutritional supplements and basic medication each month.

Johnny now weighs 22 kg and is back at school.