Good nutrition is an integral part of HIV management. When a child living with HIV is malnourished their body is unable to properly absorb medication and they are likely to experience HIV related infections and potential treatment failure which may lead to death. Unfortunately, funding towards the nutrition program has been limited, but through private donations from individuals like you, we were able to support 25 undernourished children and their families from May 2019 to July 2019. This money was raised through a GoFundMe Campaign launched by our TTF USA Board Members Colleen Lindner and Michelle Meade. Meet one of the beneficiaries of this program - five year old Peter Ngoma. Peter first came to the TTF Clinic in May 2019 and weighed only 12.7kg (28 lbs). |
Peter was ill, malnourished and so weak that he could not walk without support. He tested positive for HIV and was enrolled in the Nutrition Programme right away, which provided a food package every two weeks to his family. The food package consists of mealie meal (a national staple of grounded maize), cooking oil, sugar, eggs and fruits.
After being on the programme for 3 months, Peter gained 1.5kg (3.3 lbs). He continues to receive HIV treatment at the TTF clinic and noticeably happier. He feels happy coming to the clinic and says hi to everyone.
It costs only USD$276 to provide nutritional support to a family for three months, but makes a lifetime difference in ensuring the health and stability of children who need good nutrition to tolerate their HIV medication.