At Mkuranga District Hospital’s HIV Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC), Sweet Nderumaki—a registered nurse and designated antiretroviral therapy (ART) nurse, affectionately known as ‘Mama Sweet’—goes above and beyond her call of duty to support children and young people living with HIV.
Supported by our Afya Hatua project and the Mkuranga Council Health Management Team, Mama Sweet provides more than just medical care—she offers hope, guidance, and emotional support.
Meet Mama Sweet
Since 2010, Mama Sweet has worn two hats at the clinic: ART nurse and loving caretaker. She not only oversees antiretroviral therapy but also checks in on schoolwork, helps to mobilize school materials such as notebooks, and listens when the young people she serves need someone to talk to.
“She is our mother away from home,” says Asia (23), who has been with Mama Sweet since the age of 12.
“She cheered me on through exams, gave me textbooks when I couldn’t buy any, and believed in me as a future leader. Now I’m in my final year at university —I owe so much to her support.”
Asia at her christening ceremony with her godmother, Mama Sweet — a touching example of how Mama Sweet’s support goes beyond providing ART services.
Youth-Friendly Club
Every last Saturday of the month, the Mkuranga CTC transforms into a safe, fun hangout spot. All the enrolled young people—even those with different refill days—gather for games, group chats, and simple life lessons about staying healthy on ART.
Thanks to Afya Hatua, we can provide snacks, cover transport costs, and bring in mentors who share tips on academics, building healthy relationships, and developing a strong sense of self-worth.
“Seeing my friends, laughing together, and learning from each other motivates me to keep taking my medication on time,” says the 23-year-old Hassan, one of the young people enrolled for care at the CTC.
Tatu and Her Daughter
Tatu Ramadhan recalls the day she brought her 7-year-old daughter for ART at the CTC. Through gentle, age-appropriate conversations, the clinic team, led by Mama Sweet, gradually helped her daughter understand her HIV status.
Today, at 18, she’s thriving in secondary school.
“She’s never missed a dose,” Tatu says. “I’m confident she’ll go on to do great things in the future.”
These results show what compassionate attention and dedicated, high-quality care can achieve! Together, we are committed to keeping our youth healthy, confident, and ready to realize their dreams.
Henry Mazunda
Mama Sweet’s dedication has not only improved treatment outcomes but also fostered trust between healthcare providers and the community.