Yonas' Story
When Yonas arrived at the antiretroviral therapy clinic supported by the Clinton Foundation in his native Ethiopia he was notably small for his age and suffered from severe intestinal problems. Like his mother who had died four months earlier, Yonas was HIV-positive.
Shortly after being brought to a clinic, Yonas was started on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Within weeks of starting treatment, however, Yonas exhibited new, alarming symptoms. He was transferred to a hospital where he was treated for severe malnutrition and liver toxicity that had been caused by one of the ART drugs.
After a few weeks, Yonas returned to the ART clinic radically transformed. He had gained weight and was playful and smiling. The nurse at the clinic describes Yonas as having "returned from his death bed." His story showcases the importance of routine monitoring of children receiving ART.
