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.  

As the war in Ukraine continues, the horrible effects of war are being seen not only in Europe, but across the world. One the consesequences of the war has been shortages of grain, much of which is produced in Ukraine and Russia. This is leading to rising prices in food, leaving many to fear for those already suffering from food shortages, and the potential for vast increases in hunger and malnutrition across the globe.

Africa is highly dependent on wheat production from Ukraine and Russia. Between 2018 and 2022, African countries imported 44% of their wheat from Russia and Ukraine. As the war continues to rage in Eastern Europe, Africa has already seen stark increases in food prices, as well as food shortages. For example, an article by AP News documents how the price of wheat in Somalia has already doubled, leaving some unable to feed their families.  

Inflation is also leading to increased prices on many everyday products in Africa. For example, a jar of sorghum in Somalia now costs $45 when it had previously cost only $16. Increases in fertilizer prices by an estimated 300% are also putting food production in Africa at risk. 

As the war continues and the global economy grapples with the effects, the situation is predicted only to get worse. This makes GAIA Vaccine Foundation's Nutrition program more important than ever. Held twice per week, the program provides healthful meaks to those in the Sikoro community. This program is particuarly important for HIV+ and other immunocompromised patients for whom proper nutrition is essential in maintaining their health.

As more in Mali are being put at risk of hunger and malnutrition, the Nutrition program will play a key role in ensuring that those who are facing food insecurity have a place to come for a healthful meal in Sikoro. Please supprt the program today to fight food insecurity in Mali during this difficult time. 

We are grateful for your support to GAIA Vaccine Foundation!