Lydia’s Story
Lydia is an 6-year-old girl who is currently going into Primary 3. She got complicated health issues. Her mother is living with HIV.
 
Lydia’s mother has been consistently taking her medication and is doing her best to manage both her health and her caregiving responsibilities. However, after remarrying, she became part of a new household with additional children and increased family responsibilities, including caring for a disabled relative from her husband’s side.
 
Due to the size of the household and the multiple demands placed on her, the home environment has become very challenging for Lydia. The stepfather has reportedly been unwelcoming toward Lydia, largely due to stigma, which has created tension and emotional strain within the home.
 
The family is living in very poor conditions, with limited household resources. Nutrition is inadequate, and the mother has expressed difficulty in providing sufficient food, school requirements, and basic needs for all the children. She has also shared that she feels overwhelmed by the level of responsibility and is struggling to cope.
 
Lydia’s mother personally visited the MRH office and the Boma office requesting assistance, explaining that she felt unable to continue managing Lydia’s care at home without support. Lydia is now staying at Manna Rescue Home, where she is doing well and getting to go to school.