We are very sorry to announce that Bwalya Liteta who features in The Lazarus Effect film passed away on Saturday, August 14th at the age of 12. She had been battling complications from AIDS and ultimately died from heart failure.
Bwalya was an HIV positive child who had lost both her parents. (RED) first met her in May 2009 and filmed her recovery from near death to robust health with the help of ARVs. Everyone who met her was inspired by her quiet determination, and delighted in her progress and the way she lit up over the fact that she was now top of her school and back playing her favorite games with her friends.
Nearly half a million children will be born with HIV this year - but with increased investments and the right policies, it’s possible that we could have a world where virtually no child is born with HIV by 2015. Many organizations including (RED), the Global Fund, ONE, and the Gates Foundation are focused on making this promise a reality.
Bwalya’s death is a tragic loss for all those who knew and loved her. We send our deepest sympathy to her family and the medical staff who cared for her.
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13 comments:
I'm deeply sorry, I'll say a preyer for her. Ciao sweetheart, may you find happiness you deserve and remeet your parents! Is it possible immagine a world without AIDS?
Oh, this just breaks my heart! The trials this child has dealt with on a daily basis... I just don't have the words.
When I came to the JoinRed page and seen the picture of her and the date . .I am so heartbroken. I just rewatched the Lazarus Project earlier this morning.
hi this is rafael it brings me to tears and it chocked my hart knowing that this beautiful little girl had to go threw this horrible thing i send my best wishes and my prayers to her and her closest friends and family its hart braking. may the best come to your family and friends.
I am saddened to hear of Bwalya's passing. While ARVs were a blessing that extended her life beyond what was expected, it is so clear that prevention is ever more important. No child should ever have to inherit a disease like this.
Thanks for everyone's condolences regarding Bwalya. And Zoe - you can donate directly to the Global Fund, the organization we work with to put (RED) money on the ground in Africa, and mark it as inspired by (RED). You can make online donations here http://bit.ly/A5CZ8. Thanks so much for your support.
she is in a better place now,she is in no more pain and is with her parents mutch love everyone mutch love G.G
For such a loving, joyful hearted girl to have been robbed of life by a preventable disease is so very wrong. Her story was one of such hope for people living with HIV and those who are supporting the global initiative to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. To the producers of The Lazarus Effect, the family and extended family of Bwalya I express my deepest sympathy. I cannot imagine the pain and disappointment of losing her.
But, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for sharing her story and her gleeful countenance with the World. We are richer for her generosity.
It was extremely difficult for me to hide my tears when I saw the bad news on home page of RED.
I am feeling so deeply touched by the death of young and beautiful Bwalya. It is very very sad to know that she did not succeeded to recover completely.
My condolences to the rest of her family :-(
my condolences go out to her and her family. This is such a terrible disease that is taking people of all ages. My prayers go out to her and her family. And to all those battling this terrible disease.
THANK YOU for my Mom birthed me in this delightful life! Beside I was born ready to get knowing everyone, even PEOPLE WHO LIVE OUT THERE WITH caring HIV or AIDS. You shouldn't be sad by yourself and let me and other people in the world share that sadness with you. Please people help them from the bottom of your heart. every cent counts for their health. My eyes tear when I heard someone is already passed away, except that person never leaved this life.
May Bwalya Liteta's soul rest in perfect peace.
I watched the Lazarus Effect last night and just found out she was already dead. It is so sad but she is at peace now. My condolences to her family and friends.
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