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Nigeria: Helping those with HIV is God's work

“I want to be a light in the world.” Losing her daughter motivated Magdalen, 43, from Nigeria to care for people with HIV

"I know what it is like to live a life overshadowed by HIV. My daughter died because of AIDS ten years ago and I cared for her until her death.

I had to feed my daughter by hand, wash her myself, help her go to the toilet. She was in bed for three months before she died so I spent every minute of the day with her, looking after her every need. She had blisters in her mouth and rashes all over her body and she cried because of the pain.

Our neighbours discriminated against us when they found out our daughter was HIV positive. They would come and greet her, then leave and talk about us behind our backs.

I heard whispers everywhere I went - people thought they could ‘catch’ HIV by talking to us. Eventually, they started avoiding my family. But I stood my ground and held my head high. I was not ashamed. Why should I be?

My daughter was only 21 years old when she died. I trusted her to the hands of God but I was so sad. Just a year later, my husband also passed away. I became the head of the household and it was up to me to provide for all my children.

Having experienced the loss of my daughter, I decided to help others with HIV. It felt like God’s work and a way to heal my grief. We started by setting up camp in a church and asking people who were HIV positive to come along to pick up medication.

A couple of years ago we moved to a mobile service and began visiting people in their homes. We realised that many were too weak to walk to the church, so it made sense for us to visit them.

I wish that volunteers were around when my daughter was sick. Having someone to speak to would have been a great comfort to me.

I volunteer two days a week and care for three people. I don’t have a bicycle so it takes me a few hours to walk to their homes. As well as giving time, I have also donated some of my own money. I often buy things like soap and rice for the people I visit.

I am so pleased to say that life has improved dramatically for people living with HIV. With medication like ART (antiretroviral therapy) they are living longer, healthier lives. And volunteers like me help stop the discrimination that my daughter faced.

My help brings a lot of relief to people – both practical and emotional. If I see somebody in need, and I can help, I will. If I have some spare food, I will give it away. My faith has shaped me as a person. I want to be a light in the world. I want to help those who live in darkness.”

Magdalen volunteers for a Nigerian health programme funded by CAFOD