What happens when a promise of lifelong healthcare is suddenly cut off? That was the case for Amanda Mei Chu Damian, who was diagnosed with HIV as a baby and her parents were promised that she would always get access to medications and care when they adopted her. But things changed one day, when Amanda’s access to care became more and more limited because she didn’t have the documentation to prove she’s a Malaysian citizen - not by choice, but simply because of the circumstances she was born to. 

We hear Amanda’s story told through her father, Dominic Damian, and also hear from child rights advocate Dato’ Dr Hartini Zainuddin and consultant infectious diseases physician Dr Wong Pui Li about the need to ensure access to healthcare for stateless children. 

Beyond The Diagnosis is a series about people, going beyond the diagnosis to explore their personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones. These stories reveal the importance of understanding the unique struggles and needs of the individuals behind the medical diagnosis.

Image credit: Dominic Damian

Produced by: Lim Sue Ann

Presented by: Lim Sue Ann

This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  Law/Activism,  health policy

Tags:  the bigger picture,  health & living,  beyondthediagnosis,  hiv,  aids,  infectious disease,  stigma,  chronic illness,  statelessness,