Dr Maria Afadapa
Dr. (Mrs) Maria Afadapa is a charming and caring seasoned physician with over 25 years of experience working with children and mothers; and for the past 10 years she has specialized in the field of paediatric HIV care. She holds a degree in MD, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and a master’s degree in public health. She is presently a principal medical officer at the department of Paediatrics and child’s health at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. Working in the HIV unit has been a challenge and a blessing, in the sense that seeing these innocent children infected with the virus oftentimes are plagued by severe illness and sometimes orphaned by the disease.
This often makes their survival questionable; and on the other hand, seeing hopeless cases returning to life with the appropriate treatment and care gives a sense of joy and satisfaction. In her own words, Dr. Afadapa finds that “These children need holistic care, and this is the reason clinicians cannot do without the support of selfless organizations like GHAI.” The paediatric HIV team have been working hand in hand with GHAI to improve the children’ and their caregivers’ life medically and socially. Doctor Afadapa’s passion for children living with HIV is evident in the way she supports GHAI wholeheartedly, giving of her time (which we know for doctors is a valuable commodity) and expertise. Thanks to the support of doctors like Dr. Afadapa (and the other lady, if she has been mentioned before), they have successfully achieved a living standard and prolonged the life of these children to adulthood. Her support has been priceless, and this is why she is a GHAI hero. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Maria Afadapa, 2019 GHAI hero.