Juliet Nakawesi: Caring for the Caregiver

HIV affects not only those who are infected, but those caring for them as well. To address this issue, the MTCT-Plus Initiative ensures that its counselors and other team members receive the assistance they need to do their jobs well. Working as a team enhances communication and unity among providers, relieves stress, and helps prevent burnout by creating an atmosphere of trust and mutual support.

To illustrate this team approach, Juliet Nakawesi of the MTCT-Plus Initiative at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, recalled how one of the hospital's counselors became depressed after a pregnant mother she had been counseling died soon after delivery. The counselor was saddened because the mother had passed away before she could begin antiretroviral therapy (ART). She also was concerned about the newborn's care. At a team meeting, Juliet reassured the counselor and, together, they decided to enroll the child in care. The counselor was comforted and relieved.

Counselors and team members are often HIV-infected themselves. A unique component of the MTCT-Plus Initiative is provision of HIV care and treatment, including ART, for them and their families.