Description

To reinforce the counseling on proper nutrition the clients living with HIV and AIDS receive from community volunteers, IDF distributes food baskets once a year.  This project promotes good feeding habits.

VSO volunteer helping to distribute baskets in 2010

Project Context

HIV and nutrition are intimately linked. HIV infection can lead to malnutrition, while poor diet can in turn speed the disease’s progress. Because HIV and nutrition are so strongly linked, nutritional assistance plays a critical role in comprehensive care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS.  This may take the form of nutritional assessment, counselling, or food provision.  Nutritional interventions can help manage symptoms, promote response to medical treatment, slow progression of the disease, and increase the quality of life by improving daily functioning.

RTG director visiting the 2010 food basket

In recognition of the link between HIV and nutrition, in 2009 IDF started delivering food baskets to people living with HIV and AIDS in Bamenda.

IDF staff speaking at the 2010 Food Basket Distribution

Activities

• Food baskets containing food items such as rice, oil, milk and beans were put together by IDF staff.
• In 2009, 76 people living with HIV and AIDS were identified for the project through the community volunteers and the community relay agents.  In 2010, this number increased to 118 beneficiaries.
• The food baskets were distributed at the British Council Hall and the event was presided over by the Regional Technical Group and the Regional Delegation of Social Affairs.

A Community Volunteer carries out condom demonstrations on Women’s Day 2011

Results and Impacts

The clients who receive the food baskets are always very thankful and appreciative. The Regional Technical Group Director was very supportive of the project and highly commended IDF for its work with people living with HIV and AIDS and its role in the fight against the disease.