Woman Breaks Down After 2-Year-Old Daughter Tests Positive for HIV
A Nigerian woman has sparked widespread emotional reactions on social media after revealing that her two-year-old daughter tested positive for HIV, despite both parents and the child’s siblings testing negative.
The distressed mother shared her story on X (formerly Twitter), describing the pain, confusion, and fear she has been experiencing since receiving the diagnosis. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
According to her, she has been married for seven years and has three children. She explained that her youngest child had been persistently ill, vomiting and crying uncontrollably, which prompted several hospital visits.
“I’m in pain… my heart is breaking,” she wrote.
“My 2-year-old child has been sick, vomiting, and crying nonstop. When I took her to the hospital, she was given medication, but nothing changed.”
She said doctors later conducted an HIV test during a follow-up hospital visit, which returned positive for the toddler.
“She tested positive. I was tested too and came out negative. My husband is also negative. The other children are negative. She’s only two years old. Why her alone?” she asked.
The heartbreaking revelation triggered intense debate, concern, and sympathy across social media platforms, with users offering emotional support while also raising medical and procedural questions.
A user identified as Fareeda Kiri urged the mother to seek clarity through medical verification, stating:
“You did your HIV test. Respect. Now go get DNA confirmation on those kids. Peace of mind is better than speculation.”
Another user, Edmond, expressed confusion over the situation:
“I am really confused. How is it possible that only one child tested positive while both parents and siblings are negative?”
Offering words of encouragement, Head of State wrote:
“I’m so sorry you’re going through this. HIV can be managed, and with proper care, your daughter can still live a long and healthy life. Stay strong.”
Rhoda described the situation as devastating:
“This is heartbreaking. No parent should ever have to face this kind of confusion and fear.”
Others, including Babaken and Queen Oma, advised the mother to investigate the child’s early medical history and caregivers, noting that HIV transmission in children can occur through non-parental exposure, including medical procedures or blood contact.
Health experts note that while mother-to-child transmission is the most common route for pediatric HIV, rare cases can occur through unsafe medical practices, blood exposure, or caregiver-related incidents, emphasizing the need for thorough medical investigation.
Doctors also stress that early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes, allowing children living with HIV to grow and live healthy lives with proper antiretroviral therapy.
The incident has reignited conversations around child healthcare safety, HIV awareness, and early testing, as Nigerians continue to react with concern, empathy, and calls for stronger health safeguards.