By Julia Nemy | GAIA Vaccine Foundation Project Manager
This October, GAIA Vaccine Foundation celebrated World Food Day, a day marked by the United Nations which seeks to bring awareness to issues related to food insecurity. Since 1982, World Food Day has aimed to bring people together across the world in the fight to end global hunger. At present, the Food Aid Foundation estimates 795 million people in the world to have inadequate access to the necessary food that is essential for leading a healthy and active life.
The 2019 World Food Day theme is"Our Actions Are Our Future, Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World".The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) writes, "Achieving Zero Hunger is not only about addressing hunger, but also nourishing people, while nurturing the planet. This year, World Food Day calls for action across sectors to make healthy and sustainable diets affordable and accessible to everyone."
A recent report estimated 600.56 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to be food insecure. Food security does not only relate to having access to enough calories to consume, but also access to food that is nutritious and affordable. The FAO defines a healthy diet as "one that meets the nutritional needs of individuals by providing sufficient, safe, nutritious and diverse foods to lead an active life and reduce the risk of disease".
GAIA Vaccine Foundation understands the importance of a healthy diet, particularly when undergoing medical treatment. This is especially true for our HIV+ patients at Hope Center Clinic in Sikoro, Mali, which is why in 2008 GAIA founded its' "Nutrition and Peer Support for HIV+ Patients" program.
Twice per week, HIV+ staff prepare a nutritious meal for HIV+ members of the community and their families. This program not only provides healthy meals, but also seeks to combat the stigma attached to HIV by bringing members of the community together. In 2019, GAIA and Hope Center Clinic have already served over 3,000 meals!
With your ongoing support, GAIA can continue to serve meals to some of the most vulnerable people in Sikoro. A donation of just $30 provides a weekly meal for 1 mother and 3 children.
Thank you for your generous support to GAIA and our programs!
By Julia Nemy | Project Manager
By Annie De Groot MD | Scientific Director, GAIA Vaccine Foundation
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