Yalfal was living in the streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when a community health worker found her. She was brought to a local health center where she was found to be pregnant. But she also tested positive for HIV. “When you are a woman of the streets, you belong to everyone”, says Yalfal. She was guided by the community health workers at a local health center, put on treatment to prevent transmitting HIV to her baby and received support in getting a home. She was also put in touch with a mother support group which helps women in the community to prevent transmission of HIV to their babies. The baby called Yhim – which means “this time will pass” – is now 8 months old and still HIV-negative. “This baby gave hope, he gave me lot – many people around me, a home, a community, a family.”

The Global Fund / Petterik Wiggers / Panos