S was born HIV-positive in Africa. Her mother, a refugee fleeing war, brought her to the UK. However, due to language barriers—S did not speak French—her mother struggled to understand how to take HIV medication and access treatment correctly, which affected S’s medication adherence. S was never informed about her HIV status but was strictly told never to miss a dose of the medicine her mother gave her. S only learned the truth about being born HIV positive when she became pregnant at 18, when her mother finally disclosed her status. The revelation devastated S, leading to deep resentment toward her mother and suicidal thoughts.
S required emotional support, education about HIV and proper medical guidance to navigate her pregnancy safely. Her mother also needed support in understanding HIV treatment and addressing their strained relationship.
A friend referred S’s mother to Agatha’s Space, where she received peer mentoring and disclosed her daughter’s situation. Agatha reached out to S offering her guidance on HIV and pregnancy. She took S to a HIV antenatal clinic, where she received proper care and learned how to manage her health during pregnancy.
With the right support, S safely delivered an HIV-negative baby. She gained a deeper understanding of HIV, which empowered her to take control of her health. She also found employment, regained stability, and eventually forgave her mother. Her mother continues to receive support from Agatha’s Space, expressing that she is "the happiest woman alive" because of the newfound healing in their relationship.