By Francine Black, Staff Reporter

Marieis a six months pregnant HIV-positive mother who is begging for a job to care for her children and unborn child.

The young mother has been finding it difficult to care for herself as her boyfriend had fled her community and recently returned with another woman and moved her out of the house.

She is now seeking a job or some assistance to start a small business so that she can afford the $1,000 it costs to purchase the anti-retrovirals which she receives at a subsidised rate each month.

"I have a daughter who is going to school and she doing well, but my son not going 'cause I can't find the money so mi stop him," she told THE STAR.

She said she has not done an ultrasound since her pregnancy as she cannot afford it. "Di doctor say my blood count low and I have to take the medication all di time. I suppose to take a blood test and ultrasound, but I cannot afford it," she said.

facing eviction

She resides in an inner-city community and now that she is facing eviction from the house by her boyfriend, she now is worrying about where she is going to live. Although her mother assists her from time to time, she says it is not enough as her mother is finding it difficult to do that.

Marie has three more months before she gives birth but she does not even have the basic things for the child. "I have nothing for the baby, no clothes or anything at all," she said.

Living with the disease has made her more worried about the fate of her children and what will happen to them if she dies. "Sometimes mi worry, suppose something happen to mi and mi gone lef di children ... what ago happen to them," she said.

She also says the constant stress has made her feel like death is near. "Some days mi wake up and I feel like mi should just go home (grave)," she said.

However, she says she is not allowing the stress to get her down and just needs some assistance to help her start a business or get a job so she can support her children. Anyone wishing to help Marie can contact The Star.

Name changed on request.