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Not a Death Sentence

A life of hope for Kofi*

Kofi remembers the day his life took a dramatic turn. It was 2016 and he was 17 years old. When a test revealed he was HIV-positive, he says, “I was shocked. I didn’t go to school for almost two weeks.”

Medical workers tried to encourage Kofi. They assured him that his diagnosis was not a death sentence and that with medication and vigilant care, many people with HIV go on to live full, healthy lives.

Although he took heart, Kofi still struggled with the stigma in his community about HIV/AIDS, and initially, he tried to keep his health status a secret from the staff at his Compassion center. But he didn’t have to worry: The staff has come alongside him and his struggle with the disease without hesitation or judgment. They are able to do so with help from the Compassion fund for HIV/AIDS Care.

“Compassion has helped me a lot. When they found out my status, they started giving me food every month. The medication is free, but sometimes when I go to the hospital for a checkup, they prescribe other drugs that I need to buy. Compassion provides money for that.” Kofi continues, “In fact, if it weren’t for the support from Compassion, I don’t know how I would get by.”

A man stands looking at the ocean

Believing in Kofi’s future, the center staff also enrolled him in a school where he is pursuing his dream of learning the catering business. Kofi will soon graduate from Compassion's program, and he is set up for success, having also almost completed catering school. “I will own my own business one day,” he says with determination. “I want to make a better life for myself.”

*Name changed to protect privacy

With your help, in 2020 ...



14,703 HIV tests were administered to children, siblings and caregivers



100% of those who tested positive received the holistic care they needed



58,667 children, siblings and caregivers received treatment to suppress their HIV