Hat Ministry

My mother loves to crochet, and several months ago I asked her to make some hats for me to bring back to Nigeria in August. What a blessing it has been to use her gifts and minister to infants and children living with HIV. One big difference between American and African babies is that mothers dress them so warmly despite the heat. Even at 90 degree temperatures, infants are seen wearing wool hats and sweaters. The hat minstry has been incredible so far, and I am excited to continue giving the adorable hats to these precious ones.

Faith is one day old and and her mother is positive. Infants are given ARV's shortly after birth for prevention of the virus from their mothers. Faith will be given the drugs for the next few weeks and by God's grace will be negative!



Emembe or "rejoice," and her new pink hat. Her mother is HIV positive and it is not yet determined whether she also has the virus. It's too early to tell, but so far she is not showing any signs and has been healthy in her first few months of life. She has been fed infant formula which is a sure way to prevent her from acquiring HIV from her mother since HIV is present in breast milk.


Abigail is infected with HIV and has quite a sad story. Her parents both died of HIV and no-one wanted to take care of her because she too was positive. The stigma and fear associated with this virus is unbelievable. Her grandparents family took her in and now care for her. One day when one of our nurses went on a home visit, they found her sitting on the cement floor in a dark room alone. Can you imagine that? No wonder she never smiles like a normal child. Her prognosis is not very good because she is still so thin and frail. Even though on ARV's now, her body has not responded well. We pray God will sustain her for many more years!!!!