Mary Karwirwa: A Beacon of Hope in Isiolo
“I found new strength in Service. Kiunga gave me a second chance — not just to live, but to help others too.”
- Mary Karwirwa
At 65, Mary Karwirwa from Kambi ya Juu Village is more than a grandmother and retired teacher, she’s a symbol of courage and compassion. A mother of five and grandmother to 18, Mary has lived with HIV for over a decade. But instead of letting her diagnosis define her, she has chosen to transform it into a mission of hope.
When Mary first tested positive, fear and stigma could easily have silenced her. Instead, she reached out for support. Through her Kiunga support group, Silanga PSSG, Mary found not only access to treatment but also a renewed sense of purpose.
That second chance became her calling. Today, Mary is one of the most active Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Isiolo. She walks from home to home, checking in on others living with HIV, ensuring they have medication, offering words of comfort, and reminding them that they are not alone.
Her leadership in Silanga PSSG, which has 26 members, has transformed her community. Through her example, stigma has lessened, trust has grown, and more people are seeking care.
Mary’s story is a reminder that when women are empowered, and when support reaches those who need it most, entire communities begin to heal.
Her journey shows that hope is contagious, and that one person’s courage can inspire many to live fully, faithfully, and without fear.