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Healthy Nutrition for People with AIDS in Burkina Faso
by Diane Marshall, SIM International Champion for HIV and AIDS
22 April 2008

The following experience is related by Moise Diabre from the EE/SIM HOPE for AIDS team in Burkina Faso:

“During January our team visited with a support group for HIV positive men and women in the Northeast of Burkina Faso. This group recently formed as a result of the counseling and testing efforts in the area, and includes about 15 people who meet and exchange about their experiences and their needs. They are an encouragement to each other as HIV&AIDS is still strongly stigmatised where they live.

“André, an agriculture teacher at the regional Bible School, came with us to give the group information about the benefits of the Moringa tree. Its leaves are full of vitamins and other beneficial nutrition, and when ground up into a powder, it can be added to any sauce as a supplement. The trees grow easily, and there are benefits for healthy people, but especially for those who are sick.

“The group listened with attention and many asked questions related to the planting of these trees. Before the end of the session, all participants received a small bag of Moringa powder to take home, as well as a young Moringa sapling to take home for planting. Over the meal that followed, comments were made as to how helpful this new information is, and how they were excited to try to use Moringa in their meals.

“Finally, before leaving, each person received some clothing that we received as a donation. It was a very tangible way to support our friends who live with HIV&AIDS, as many have lost their job, have been abandoned by family and friends, or aren’t healthy enough to earn a living. The smiles and the many expressions of gratitude gave all of us renewed joy and purpose for continuing to bring “Hope for AIDS” in Burkina Faso.”

Moringa is a fast growing tree suitable for semi-arid areas. Further information on Moringa can be found in Tearfund’s publication Footsteps 20, 28, 69 and 70 at www.tearfund.org/tilz

Read more about nutritional recommendations for people living with HIV and AIDS and related discussion


Comment on this post: Email international.aids-consultant@sim.org


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