Keep Zambian Mothers & Infants Healthy & HIV Free

It is not enough to get mothers and their infants tested and to keep them on treatment. If anything, that is just the beginning. Mansa NZP+ goes further:

• Mothers become part of support groups. The support group becomes a safe space where they can get emotional support, share their challenges and find solutions with others. The support group is also an important part of helping women to adhere to treatment and to maintain their clinic visits. 
• Families are supported in food production. They are trained in good farming methods and received initial inputs for their home gardens. This improved food security and balanced nutrition that is essential for their health and children's health. Gardens are sustained through a seed bank and seed multiplication program.
• Gardens are complemented by providing women with farm animals, such as goats. Goats are a source of milk, but are also an asset that multiplies rapidly and can be passed on to another vulnerable family. Goats can also be sold in cases of emergency and used to meet the needs of the family.
• The women are also trained in production skils and in entrepreneurial skills building. For example some women were trained in tailoring and received sewing machines. Others were trained in sales and trade. As women increase their income they are able to meet the needs of their families.

The overall result is that women's lives are improved in all areas: social, emotional, and economic, in addition to health. The benefits accrue to their babies, other children and the whole family.

• Mother in Garden (PDF)