Nutrition and peer support for HIV+ patients

Due to the incredible advances made in America for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, sometimes it's possible to forget about "stigma". Stigmatization and social rejection of people living with HIV is a huge problem in many countries of the world, and that is exactly what we are trying to fight in Mali. When people sit together and eat food prepared by someone who is HIV+, it sends a strong message of inclusion.

In celebration of World AIDS Day in December 2015, the Malian Minister of Health chose our clinic as a model to applaud the community and staff for what they have accomplished over the years. The minister and her delegation shared a meal with the HIV+ community members that they have prepared; a very real gesture that carried a strong symbolic message.

What do we hope to see from this visit?
We want a change in public health policy that will make all the community-run clinics in Bamako the front lines of the fight against HIV. 

As a small token of her appreciation, the health minister sent a donation of mosquito nets and medicine to the HIV+ group at the Hope Center Clinic.

Please join us in showing the health minister everything that can be accomplished when a group of dedicated people focus their attention on improving quality of life for vulnerable populations!

Your support makes us who we are!

Today, on African Food and Nutrition Security day, I would like to share some statistics from our Nutrition and Peer Support program for HIV+ patients:

Our program is constantly growing, and as you can see, over the past few months, kids account for over half of all participants. What do kids do while their mom's cook? Well, like kids everywhere, they get into trouble mostly! Luckily, there are plenty of older siblings and other adults around to keep an eye on them. (Alason, in the photos below, has a special way of constantly making a mess!)

Kids in Sikoro are growing up with GAIA's nutrition program. Last month we received a donation from an NGO called "Vitamin Angels" to provide multivitamins to HIV+ women and their children. This is a great initiative, but the scope of malnutrition in Mali is vast, and there is still lots to be done.

Eating together in Mali is not only crucial for families that suffer from lack of nutrition, but it is also a symbolic gesture that reduces stigma among the HIV+ population.  

On this day of food awareness, please consider supporting our program that provides twice weekly meals to HIV+ women and their children at our clinic in Mali. 

 "Bon appetit!" Your support means the world to us!