Nutrition and peer support for HIV+ patients

The spread of COVID-19 across the world has decimated economies and transformed daily life in ways big and small. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the virus  not only threatens livelihoods, but also exasperates hunger and malnutrition on the continent. 

Many Africans, especially in rural areas, do not have access to electricity and subsequently refrigerators or other ways to extend the lifespan of perishable foods like fish, meat, and vegetables. Malian women go to the market frequently (some every day) to buy fresh produce. However, with lockdown restrictions, many are unable to venture out of the house as frequently or store food for long periods of time. With the loss of jobs, many are now unable to afford the necessary food to feed their families. Schools have been closed in Mali since March and students do not receive the afternoon meals they would otherwise. 

Hope Center Clinic continues to run the Nutrition Program weekly which provides an important source of healthy food to the Sikoro community. While the Malian government has banned gatherings larger than 50 people, GAIA and Hope Center Clinic continue to serve the Sikoro community with social distancing measures in place. In April, 265 meals were distributed.

GAIA aims to make meals available “to go” to be delivered to Hope Center Clinic’s HIV+ patients who are particularly susceptible to COVID-19. A donation of just $15, will fund essential “to go” meals to keep HIV+ patients healthy throughout this extremely difficult time.