It's been long since I came to terms that we are no longer being supported by USAID. It's not easy, living in a village where even accessing the hospital is like going to heaven and coming back. It took all of my mind to stand where I'm standing. I gave birth to my last born while the USAID was still active and our hope. I can say I'm that woman who calls myself lucky. Everything went on smoothly, my baby being handled with care, and I breastfed him for two years... it was not that hard. I was very sure my baby would turn out negative, the medication was easy to get.
Yaah, in the village life isn't a joke, but having a better medication is a great thing. What was ringing in my mind was only looking for what we will eat, where to sleep, and the time to take my medicine. After hustling the whole day, everyone needs a place to relax... but within a blink of an eye, everything turned opposite. Living today not knowing whether you will receive your medication during your next visit to your clinics isn't a joke. 😭😭
For example, I hustle for my three kids to be comfortable and happy. It doesn't mean that I'm working in an office or I have a better job to cater for them, no,no,no... It's just that when today I get a hustle, tomorrow might be a black day for me... and don't forget I also need to be sure my medications are there. Visiting a clinic and being told "we can't provide septrin go and buy for yourself..." is a bitter part. Sometimes I had walked from home because I couldn't afford to pay for my transport, just to be told, like that. Sometimes I'm having a cold or I have my other issues which that tablet by the name septrin might help. I feel so confused and go back home without it. Since USAID withdrew their help, I haven't even seen Septrin with my eyes.
I'm living and wondering whether I will be told to go and buy all my medications. 😭😭 Where will I start? 😭😭 How will I manage my family in a village where even getting water is not as easy as you think? When I'm told to buy medication, will I be able to buy my everyday pill so as to be strong and fight for a bigger tomorrow? 💪 How will I call myself a heroine if I can't access my medication? 😭 I have taken my time to fight stigma and here comes another giant of struggling to get medication...
But what I know, one day everything will be our history. In the village people struggle to fetch water, look for firewood, hustle for food and shelter... but when other issues like medication is being added, it really tastes SOUR. 😭😭😭
