Introduction: Annabella's Story (01:52)

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Annabella, her mother, and her father have AIDS, but HIV is no longer a death sentence in western Uganda. They are learning to live with a virus that once spread in secrecy and shame.

Annabella's Family and School (02:07)

Annabella, 12, lives in a village about an hour away from the district capital. Retro antivirals help her and her mother stave off infection, but Annabella's father has died. Many of the 500 children at Annabella’s school are infected, as is 6% of Uganda’s population.

Health Checkup (02:31)

Annabella and her mother visit Kabale Hospital for a checkup every month. Tests show that Annabella’s immune system is recovering, but her vision has deteriorated and she has lost weight.

Lack of Food (01:37)

Annabella’s mother can barely afford formula, but she has stopped breastfeeding her infant daughter for fear of passing on the virus. The family depends on food they grow. It is a common problem among families affected by HIV, and a support group serves a feast once a month.

Living With HIV (02:13)

Annabella can take part in a game of dodgeball, thanks to her anti-AIDS medication. Dr. Philippa Musoke, head of pediatrics at Makerere University, says infected children Annabella’s age can live fairly normal lives with proper treatment.

Family Support Groups (01:59)

The group at Kabale Hospital has been established with the help of the American-based Elisabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The foundation is starting 80 support groups in Uganda; Annabella wants to start a children’s group.

Infection and Treatment of Children (03:04)

An estimated 500,000 people are infected with AIDS in Uganda. Up to a quarter of new infections are passed from mother to child; only one in 12 of these children is getting anti-AIDS drugs necessary to save their lives.

Working and Processing Grief (03:40)

Annabella and her younger sister help their mother in the fields. Nurse Ndyabanawe helps Annabella cope with the grief of losing her father.

Cooking a Feast (02:37)

Anabella’s mother prepares a feast. Anabella’s sisters are HIV-free, likely thanks to their mother’s use of Nevirapine. Mosuke describes a wide range of future possibilities for Annabella and children like her.

Credits: Annabella's Story (00:10)

Credits: Annabella's Story