Nutrition and peer support for HIV+ patients

Since 2003, GAIA Vaccine Foundation has partnered with government run community clinics in the suburbs of Bamako, Mali. These partnerships provide support and access to HIV care to those otherwise unable to access it. GAIA VF works to extend care to those most in need. 

On top of providing access to care, GAIA VF's programs also create a supportive environment, for example through our weekly nutrition program. Every week, the Association d’Espoir, a group of HIV+ women, cook meals together, which they serve to clinic patients and thier children. By doing so, the program helps to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV. 

By hosting these large nutritious and inclusive meals with patients, children and doctors alike, the program aims to reduce the strong stigma surrounding HIV in Mali. Additionally, by providing healthy meals, the program provides essential nutrients to HIV affected individuals.  By organizing these shared meals, it relieves mothers for an evening of the duty of cooking for their children, as well as provides a nurturing and supportive group to widows who have lost their husbands.

For just $10, you would be providing one weekly meal to a clinic patient. For $30, you would be giving a mother and three children a weekly meal. For $100, you’d be providing one weekly meal for over 25 HIV + patients. By donating to the program ‘Nutrition and Peer Support for HIV + Patients’, you can support the destigmatization of HIV as well as the supportive nature of togetherness over meals.