Halyna is a woman who is HIV-positive. After giving birth, she approached the district pediatrician asking to be provided with free milk formula to bottle-feed her newborn baby. Even though this situation was covered by a set of mandatory measures intended to prevent vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child, the woman’s request was denied on the grounds that the local budget had no allocated funds for providing prevention supplies.
Halyna turned to the REActor for help. The woman was assisted in accessing psychological support and legal advice. Additionally, the REActor helped her draft a written request to the regional health department. Concerted efforts ensured that the woman was provided with food vouchers and milk formula for her baby, related expenses being covered by a partner organization.