HIV in DRC, Philomene and Elise

Philomène 47, discovered that she was HIV positive 14 years ago while she was pregnant.

MSB17864

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Philomène and Elise - Living with HIV in DRC

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Unique Identifier Code / URN MSB17864

Date taken / Date Recorded 15/10/2014 11:00 PM

Country Democratic Republic of Congo

Photographer / videographer / producer Rosalie Colfs

Copyright Rosalie Colfs

Usage Rights (MSF) External Media, MSF Fundraising, MSF Publications, Social Media

Formal Consent Copy available no

Editor's rating ★★★★★ (C)

Maximum Size 5760px × 3840px 12.10 MB

Additional Information / Shotlist Philomène 47, discovered that she was HIV positive 14 years ago while she was pregnant. Philomène and her husband overcame the initial shock of the diagnosis and thanks to long counselling sessions with MSF teams they have managed to build a relationship and family life almost like anybody else's.

Since Philomène was put on a on antiretroviral treatment that prevents the transmission of the virus from mother to child, she and her husband have had two children who are HIV negative.

Philomène is also a dedicated activist within the community group RENOAC which helps Congolese people live positively with HIV. While working as a RENOAC volunteer, she met Emerence, a young girl who had been abandoned by her family. Emerence now lives with Philomène's family who considers her like their own child.

This photo story highlights the different aspects of Philomène's life : as a woman living with HIV, a mother, wife, and activist.

Keywords

Democratic Republic of Congo

HIV/AIDS

Patient

Portrait