Since 2007, the Daughters of Charity have been serving at the Masanga DREAM campus in Tanzania, providing life-saving care to individuals living with HIV. Thanks to their dedicated efforts, hundreds of patients receive antiretroviral therapy and treatment for opportunistic infections – interventions that have dramatically reduced mortality and slowed the transmission of HIV in the region.

One of the most remarkable outcomes has been the prevention of mother-to-child transmission: no HIV-positive pregnant woman who has followed the DREAM protocol has given birth to an HIV-positive child at this DREAM Center. Without access to these essential medications, the spread of HIV would continue unchecked, and far more lives would be lost to preventable infections.

The Sisters’ unwavering commitment to holistic, dignified care has brought healing and hope to some of the most vulnerable. Through their presence, compassion, and hands-on service, they have not only improved health outcomes but have also restored the dignity and futures of countless patients and their families.

Testimonio:

Tumaini* is a widow and mother of five children. After the death of her husband, she struggled to meet even the most basic needs of her children. Desperate to provide for them, she began working in the mines, hoping to earn enough to buy food. But the income was meager, and she often went without eating so her children could have some food to eat.

Over time, her health began to deteriorate. At first, she thought it was simply due to exhaustion from working under the hot sun or from not eating enough. But her condition worsened until she could no longer perform her duties. With no money for medical care, she became bedridden.

One day, too weak to rise from bed, her daughter told her about the DREAM Center in Masanga and the compassionate care offered by the Sisters and staff to the sick and the poor. Fearing for her children’s future if she died, Tumaini asked to be taken there.

At the DREAM Center, she was tested for HIV and diagnosed positive. She was admitted to the hospital for two weeks, where she received life-saving medicine – entirely free of charge. Her condition steadily improved, and she regained her strength.

Today, Tumaini is back on her feet and caring for her children. She says simply, “Up to now, I am living because of DREAM.”

*Name changed for privacy