LocationsIn the past decade, Belarus has successfully reduced the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV to a stable level of 1–2%. This outcome has been made possible through a combination of preventive strategies, antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive pregnant women, and the use of breast-milk substitutes.
Photo credit: UNDP in Belarus
Mother, 28 years old
Four years ago, I was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. For a long time, the doctors struggled to find the right treatment. By mere coincidence, my ex-boyfriend, whom I had recently separated from, was admitted to an infectious diseases hospital around the same time. He had been leading a risky lifestyle and had known about his HIV diagnosis for some time but never told me, as we were no longer in contact. When the doctors learned about our past relationship, they decided to test me for HIV. The result came back positive. This finally gave them the answer as to why my pneumonia was not responding to treatment.
When I received the diagnosis, it felt as though my entire world collapsed. I can still vividly recall the sinking sensation in that moment. Back then, it felt like there was no life with HIV. In critical condition, I was placed in intensive care, unable to breathe on my own. My family was told to prepare for the worst, as my chances of survival were slim. With only 10 immune cells left, I was on the verge of death. But the doctors at the infectious diseases hospital pulled me back from the brink, for which I am forever deeply grateful.
In a healthy individual, blood contains between 800 and 1,200 CD4 cells per milliliter, which play a crucial role in the immune system's response to infections. In HIV-positive patients with stable disease progression, the CD4 cell count averages around 500 cells per millilitre. However, a decrease in the number of these cells to 200 or lower significantly increases the risk of developing life-threatening conditions, known as opportunistic infections.
When my diagnosis was confirmed, I had a breakdown. I kept saying that it was hard to breathe and that I was going to die anyway. Even the smallest oxygen mask was too large and kept slipping off. One day, I woke up to see a young doctor who had fallen asleep beside me. He was holding the mask in place to prevent it from leaking air. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of shame. I had given up on life, yet this stranger was fighting so hard for me. That moment became a turning point.
While I was still in the hospital, I started antiretroviral therapy (ART) and have been taking it ever since. My viral load is now undetectable. After being discharged, I constantly feared that people would figure out my HIV-status and leave me. Whenever my alarm went off to remind me to take my medication, I would make up excuses to leave. For two years, I didn’t date anyone because talking about my diagnosis felt too difficult. I was convinced I’d be alone for the rest of my life.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) involves using a combination of at least two or three medications that prevent HIV from replicating. ART reduces the virus' concentration in the blood to minimal levels, significantly lowering the risk of opportunistic infections and allowing the immune system to recover enough for the body to fight off most illnesses on its own. When ART is effective, an HIV-positive person can achieve an undetectable viral load, meaning their quality of life, health, and life expectancy become comparable to those of HIV-negative individuals.
My current husband and I attended the same school. For a long time, I ignored his attempts to ask me out. Eventually, we began to talk. When I realized I had feelings for him, I decided to disclose my HIV status. I warned him that he would likely stop seeing me after hearing what I had to say. However, he didn’t find my diagnosis frightening. I even suspected that he might not know much about the illness, so I gave him a brief overview, just in case.
At the HIV consulting and outpatient department, I was assured that with an undetectable viral load, it was nearly impossible to transmit the virus. My husband was eager to discuss the prospect of having children right away. I knew that, thanks to antiretroviral therapy, my baby wouldn’t have HIV. I was more concerned about the life changes that would come with it. I braced myself for any negative comments from my gynecologist regarding my status, but she simply asked if I was receiving treatment. Overall, my pregnancy management turned out to be quite standard.
I read reviews online and expected bias at the maternity hospital. I was concerned they might perform a C-section due to my HIV status, which I didn’t want. In the end, I wish everyone could experience childbirth the way I did—it was absolutely wonderful.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover a support program for HIV-positive pregnant women run by the Belarusian Association of UNESCO Clubs. Initially, I didn’t fully understand what it involved and thought I could manage everything on my own. However, as my pregnancy progressed and moving around became more challenging, I began using the paid taxi service to get to the clinic. I also received gift certificates and baby clothes. It was reassuring to have someone from the organization providing guidance and emotional support. They were eagerly looking forward to the day I would give birth so they could meet and hold my baby.
Photo credit: UNDP in Belarus
Mother, 40 years old
I was 37 years old when my husband and I decided to become parents. This would be his first child, while I already had an older daughter from a previous marriage. A month before I finally became pregnant, our apartment burned down, taking all our savings with it. I was terrified about how we would cope, as we were literally starting our lives from scratch. Yet, I had been through this before.
I learned about my positive HIV status in 2005. I was infected by my first husband. At the time, I believed I had little time left and that I would die by the age of 25. I had given up on myself and lived in vain, becoming someone with nothing to lose. Since my diagnosis, I spiraled deeper into despair, unable to recognize the value of life. I couldn’t even fathom that, while living with HIV, I could find a meaningful job and give birth to a healthy child. I lost years of my life.
Due to my drug use, I ended up in prison. There, I met a compassionate head of the medical unit who enrolled me in the ART program. I felt his genuine concern and sensed that they truly wanted to save me. At that time, I was one of the first inmates receiving therapy. I took the pills regularly and achieved an undetectable viral load, but I didn’t think much of it. It was only after my release, when I started dating a healthy person, that it became important to me. No one had ever explained anything to me. I didn’t even understand the difference between AIDS and HIV.
The most frightening part of the illness was the fear of infecting someone else. I limited my interactions with healthy individuals and surrounded myself with outcasts. I believed I was dangerous to others and didn’t deserve to be part of society. Eventually, I came to understand that I was just like everyone else.
I had a very strained relationship with my older child. She harbored a lot of resentment towards me. She needed a mother, but I had lost my parental rights. Overall, I spent five years behind bars. To reclaim a child from an orphanage, one must have a stable income and a place to live while also paying the state for the child's care. During that time, I cared for my disabled mother, worked two jobs, and allocated 75% of my salary to repaying child support debts. It felt like an endless struggle, and I often felt overwhelmed. I was only able to pay off my debts with my husband’s help, and that happened only after my daughter turned 18. We didn’t speak for nearly two years until I became pregnant again. It was my younger child who reconciled us. I was given a second chance in life.
When I went to register my pregnancy, I was handed a referral for an abortion: “What are you thinking, giving birth with such a condition at your age?” This bias from my local gynecologist was disheartening. In tears, I made my way to the HIV consulting and outpatient department, where I found reassurance. There, I was connected with a mentor from the Belarusian Association of UNESCO Clubs who managed my pregnancy. She guided me through the paperwork and was always available to address my medical questions.
When our apartment burned down, we received humanitarian aid and food vouchers. I often feel embarrassed about asking for help, as it seems there is always someone worse off. I frequently find myself without anyone to confide in—my husband is away on a long work assignment, and I’m left alone with my disabled mother and an unsettled baby. However, at the Association, I have found people I can talk to, and I no longer feel isolated in my struggles.
Photo credit: UNDP in Belarus
Mother, 39 years old
I found out I had HIV in 2014 and immediately began treatment. Now, I have an undetectable viral load, and my immune cell count is above average. I researched the disease and learned that I could live a long life. Yet, people started turning away from me. Even my parents were using separate dishes. It was heartbreaking. Thankfully, things have improved since then. Increased awareness about HIV has made a big difference. I no longer fear disclosing my status because, if you consistently adhere to your treatment and undergo regular testing, it poses no risk to others. It happened, and now I focus on living my life.
I’ve been clean from hard drugs for eight years now. Although some say there are no former drug addicts, I’ve witnessed many people successfully turn their lives around. They stay in remission and are removed from all records. I know I’m just as capable.
I have spent my entire adult life with my husband. Together, we made mistakes and grew through the challenges. Both of us are HIV-positive. We have two nearly adult children, and I unexpectedly became pregnant with our third. At first, I was scared and considered having an abortion. I even went through all the necessary tests. But when they were unable to set up an IV for the procedure, I took it as a sign that this child was meant to be. I quickly went to register my pregnancy.
The Belarusian Association of UNESCO Clubs has been incredibly helpful. They provided clothing, diapers, medications, and vitamins for the baby. In my moments of despair, when I had lost faith in people, it was surprising to find such support. There, I feel no judgment; they accept me for who I am. This genuine care means a great deal to me.
Today, we received the follow-up test results for the baby. Thankfully, they came back negative. The baby is gaining weight well and has already cut two teeth. Thank God, he is doing fine. Throughout my pregnancy, I was very anxious about his health. When they checked his eyesight and did a brain ultrasound, I prayed for everything to be okay. I saw healthy women giving birth to children with disabilities. Seeing healthy women give birth to children with disabilities made me truly appreciate how fortunate we are.
In 2023, the Minsk City Executive Committee launched a government social project titled Conscious Pregnancy. Happy Motherhood. The Belarusian Association of UNESCO Clubs serves as the implementing organization. This initiative provides medical and social support to pregnant women living with HIV, as well as to HIV-positive women demonstrating low adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the postpartum period.
Since 2004, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (the Global Fund) has been supporting national programs to combat HIV and tuberculosis in Belarus. Currently, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus serves as the primary recipient of the Global Fund's grant, aiding the Ministry of Health in procuring essential medications and diagnostic materials. Additionally, the Agency supports the activities of HIV-servicing NGOs, including those assisting HIV-positive pregnant women.
