With the diagnostic comment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Molly eight years ago, she began to receive anti-viral therapy, which helps control the virus and maintain her health. There is a danger of interruption of the preparations for HIV, as interruptions in treatment can cause serious problems.
Nelson Msembi, director of the Ugandan AIDS Commission, warns that the cessation of American aid may jeopardize Uganda's unique success in the fight against HIV. In the 90s, the prevalence in Uganda reached 30%, but thanks to ambitious programs, the current level has dropped to just 5%.
Molly lives in Uganda with her two children, selling roasted bananas on the streets of her village. This was enough for subsistence, but not enough to buy medications if help is cut off.
There is a legal hurdle for the Trump administration to cut funding. It is still unclear whether these funds will be reduced or completely eliminated in the long term.
According to the Ugandan AIDS Committee, the PEPFAR program not only provided anti-viral drugs and tests for HIV but also funded the salaries of more than 4,300 healthcare workers and 16,000 health agents in local communities.
Many patients in African countries can now manage their condition by taking antiviral therapy.
However, there is despair and anguish. Nelson Msembi said: "Here there is terror and panic, both among the caregivers and among the patients."
Although in the 90s HIV was a deadly disease, today many in many African countries can live with this stigma thanks to anti-viral therapy.
