This photo was taken in Zimbabwe sometime in the 80′s – approximately 1985 or so (either my Mom or Dad took this photo). I was in junior high school at the time we visited Africa. Emma, the woman holding the baby, worked as a housekeeper for The Swifts (our family friends). I had no idea at the time this photo was taken, both Emma and her son (whom she named Nomore, because she told us one baby was enough) were HIV+ . Emma was infected by her boyfriend, and Nomore was born HIV+. Since it was the 80′s, there was very little information on AIDS prevention, and there were no drugs available to slow down the progression of the illness.
Although they looked healthy and happy, it wasn’t long after this photo was taken they both died of AIDS.
Here is more information about the virus from the Canada Aids Society. Please be sure to take care of yourselves, and each other.
Thanks to my mom for sending me this photo. I hadn’t thought of these two in a very long time.
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That is sad. I do hope there will come a day when we do not need a World Aids Day.