A New Angle on Pediatric HIV/AIDS in Swaziland
Photos and story by Jon Hrusa
I've been taking pictures for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation since 2004, photographing donor trips in South Africa, Tanzania and Swaziland. I've visited many Foundation-supported health clinics, and I've always known that the Foundation's mission is to eliminate pediatric HIV and AIDS. But it wasn't until November 2009 that I fully understood how that goal can be achieved.
In recognition of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1, 2009), I wanted to tell the story of a family living with HIV in Swaziland -- the country with the highest HIV prevalence on earth. Through my relationship with the Foundation, I was introduced to Mfanzile Dlamini (28), his wife Zanele (24), and their 13-month-old daughter Phiwa. Mfanzile and Zanele are both HIV-positive, but Phiwa has thus far tested negative thanks to the Foundation-supported prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services that she and her mother received.
