Project Report
| Jun 19, 2021
Undernutrition in Mali during the Pandemic
By Lucy Tian | GAIA VF Intern
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Combating undernutrition is a major tool in aiding Mali’s fight against COVID-19. With a mere 0.4% of Malians vaccinated, other preventative measures must be boosted to eliminate COVID-19 from the country. UNICEF points out that the immune system in a malnourished body becomes weakened. A weaker immune system leads to a weaker defense against infectious diseases. This increases the chances of death and developing severe illnesses from infections such as COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, and malaria. In order to holistically provide preventative care against infectious diseases, establishing a reliable source of food is important.
The Global Nutrition Report also found that the prevalence of undernourishment in Mali dropped 10% over the past two decades. This is incredibly exciting progress thanks to many partnerships and programs addressing this issue. However, this work could only be completed with the support of generous donors. Join us as we continue to feed and connect with HIV+ patients and their families in Mali! Donations of any amount are highly appreciated. A donation of just $30 provides a meal for 1 mother and 3 children.
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Jun 18, 2021
Combating Isolation Now More Than Ever.
By Katia Ryan | GAIA VF Intern
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As the United States shifts to questions surrounding what vaccinated life
looks like, 99.6% of the Malian population remains unvaccinated. This
makes COVID-19 something to still be of concern. With media coverage
highlighting the feelings of isolation living through a pandemic invokes, we
are called to support those who have felt isolated from reasons beyond the
current pandemic.
The Hope Center Clinic Nutrition Program provides a space where HIV
patients and their families can dine together in an effort to combat those
feelings of isolation the stigma in Mali enforces. This weekly event not only
guarantees a meal, but provides the company and space for all those
affected to be heard and respected in a manner that is often lacking in
other environments. The uncertainty of the pandemic -along with the recent
coup- make this program exceptionally important now more than ever.
The contribution of just $10 provides the stability of a meal to an HIV+
patient that perhaps didn’t have it before. The program has already seen
magnificent attendance. In 2020 alone 1,883 meals were served to adults
plus the 1,792 meals distributed to children. This momentum is something
we hope to only expand on as we move forward.
Let’s continue to support those in the ways we know create community; a
much needed feeling at the moment. Your contributions are the primary
source of funding. Make a real change today!
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Dec 22, 2020
Second Wave of COVID Hits Mali, Drives Hunger
By Julia Nemy | Project Manager
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On December 18, the Malian government announced that schools, restaurants and bars must close for two weeks as COVID-19 cases rise. The closure of these establishments will undoubtedly continue to take a toll on the livelihoods of Malians, driving further concerns on hunger in the country.
The second wave of COVID-19 has decidedly hit the African continent and Mali is experiencing a sharp rise in cases and associated deaths from the virus. Hospitals in Bamako are saturated. To cope with this new outbreak, the Malian government has issued new mandates in an attempt to curb the increase in cases.
As schools close, children remain at home and parents lose their jobs, hunger will undoubtedly increase in Mali. GAIA Vaccine Foundation’s Nutrition Program at Hope Center Clinic, which provides free weekly meals is more important than ever and will be a vital source of sustenance during this difficult time in Mali. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, GAIA VF has served over 2,658 meals to the Sikoro community. We need your help to increase the amount of meals we are able to provide in December and January.
Please consider supporting Hope Center Clinic Nutrition Program to ensure that no one goes without a meal during these trying times.
Thank you for your support to GAIA Vaccine Foundation!
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