François Mafuku, HIV Nurse, Democratic Republic of the Congo
For 15 years, François Mafuku has been an HIV nurse at the Pediatric Foundation of Kimbondo Hospital on the outskirts of Kinshasa.
He says that despite the undeniable progress made in the fight against HIV and AIDS, the disease continues to take a heavy toll on families and communities.
“For people who may think that HIV is a thing of the past, that’s a big mistake,” he says. “HIV is all around us and in our families.”
François and his colleagues provide testing, treatment, medications and follow-up care for people living with HIV and AIDS. Some patients have been in his team’s care for well over a decade – first arriving as children and still receiving support and treatment many years later.
Although an estimated 91% of people living with HIV in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are now receiving treatment, too many children are being left behind. Only 44% of children living with HIV have access to the care they need – less than half the coverage seen in adults.
To tackle this inequality, the country recently launched the Presidential Initiative for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS among Children in DRC – a five-year initiative backed by at least US$18 million in domestic funding. Led by the government and supported by partners, including the Global Fund, the initiative aims to strengthen early HIV screening and treatment for children, adolescents, and mothers; prevent new infections; ensure timely treatment for those diagnosed; and remove barriers limiting adolescents’ access to care.
François and his colleagues are on the frontline of the HIV response. They are the ones who will turn this vision into lifesaving care for children.