Today, Berta Miguel has a heart-warming smile and plenty of reasons to beam.
As a bright first-grader at Zualo Elementary School in central Mozambique, she loves learning and playing with her friends. She makes believe that she is a police officer, a respected person in her community.
But this future seemed impossible recently, as Berta struggled with a persistent cough, weight loss, and a swelling stomach.
Berta was totally orphaned two-years ago at the age of 5 when her mother died from HIV-related caused. Her father had died previously, also from HIV causes. Berta was put in the care of her aunt and uncle who noticed the little girl’s afflictions but did not know how to manage them.
Then in September 2025, they attended a community lecture on tuberculosis (TB), hosted by the Liwoningo Association. Liwoningo, which means light, defends human rights and promotes health for people living with HIV.
Berta’s uncle, Joaquim Zualo, learned that a persistent cough can be a symptom of TB and that TB can be associated with HIV. The activists obtained permission from Berta’s uncle to take Berta to Mabil Health Center, where she was tested. The results were negative for tuberculosis but positive for HIV, which Berta likely acquired from her mother during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Bringing Berta’s records up to date, the activist from Liwoningo learned that she had previously been on antiretroviral (ARV) medication, but that her aunt and uncle had never been informed of her clinical history—so they had not been giving her the medication.
Berta was immediately re-started on ARVs and was quickly restored to health.
“When we were informed that she tested positive for HIV, we weren’t surprised, considering her parents had both had HIV,” said Joaquim.
“The whole family stood by her and took responsibility for supporting her in managing her daily pills taking.”
Joaquim says that he and his wife are pleased to see their precious adopted daughter healthy and happy.
“What the activists do here in our community is very important. If it weren’t for their intervention, Berta’s health would have worsened,” he says. He and his wife have also been educated about the importance of a balanced diet to support her medication intake. It is a challenge, given their financial struggles, but it is a challenge that they now prioritize.
Thanks to ongoing monitoring and collaboration between the activist, Berta’s uncle and the health unit, Berta is taking her ARVs, regularly attends appointments, and is progressing well.
The Liwoningo Association is a partner of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF). Organizations like Liwoningo are vital for children affected by HIV because clinical services only work for the child if her family is educated and she is connected to care.
“If it weren’t for their intervention, Berta’s health would have worsened.”
Joaquim, Berta’s Uncle
