At a glance
CDC led an innovative approach known as index testing, which helped improve detection of HIV cases. This story shares how Mpilo, a 9-year-old boy, was diagnosed through index testing and connected to life saving care.
Mpilo's Story
Photo by: Thom Pierce 2018
Mpilo*A is nine, but he looks six years old. He had been ill for months, says his mother—suffering from fever, lack of appetite and a persistent cough. When she took his older sister to a local health clinic to treat a wound on her leg, the doctors discovered the little girl has HIV. At the clinic, the staff immediately asked the entire family to come in for testing as part of a CDC-led effort to improve detection of hidden HIV cases—an innovative approach known as index testing.
That's when they discovered Mpilo was diagnosed with HIV. What's more, he had also contracted tuberculosis (TB)—a potentially deadly combination. He started antiretroviral treatment immediately. A few weeks later, he began TB treatment as well. After several weeks of daily pills, he is a happy little boy, says his mother, with a heart-melting smile and an irresistible laugh. He capers around the backyard and rides his bike up and down the nearby hillside. His mother sticks both thumbs up at his transformation.
- *Not his actual name.