Online Reporter
Johnsias Mutonhori
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Zimbabwe spread an early Christmas cheer by donating food hampers to 50 HIV patients in Gweru at the Gweru Provincial Hospital on Friday.
Through its food-for-health project, the organisation aims to enhance the nutritional wellbeing of individuals living with HIV.
The hampers comprised mealie meal, beans, cooking oil, rice, peanut butter and salt.
Clever Taderera, the AHF prevention programme manager, said the initiative targets the most vulnerable HIV and AIDS patients; those facing food insecurity.
“This project is designed to provide nutritional support to those most in need,” he said.
“Many of the beneficiaries are experiencing food insecurity, exacerbated by the El Niño-induced drought. Therefore, adequate nutrition not only complements their medication but also aids in adherence to treatment.”
AHF, a leading global AIDS organisation, commenced its operations in Zimbabwe in 2016, focusing on supporting vulnerable communities, especially those affected by HIV.
The organisation collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to establish centres of excellence at Government hospitals. This partnership led to the establishment of the state-of-the-art HIV/AIDS Management Centre of Excellence at the Gweru Provincial Hospital.
Through the food-for-health project, AHF has set up greenhouses at provincial hospitals such as Mpilo in Bulawayo and Sally Mugabe in Harare.
It has also established greenhouses at the Mutare Provincial Hospital and the Glen View Polyclinic.
In these greenhouses, vegetables, legumes, tomatoes, carrots and watermelons are being cultivated, then sold by the garden staff to the Gweru Provincial Hospital at reduced rates to benefit patients.
Excess produce is sold to external vendors, generating additional funds to support the food-for-health project through the purchase food hampers
Mr Taderera emphasised that the organisation’s primary goal is to combat malnutrition among HIV patients, which can lead to health risks.
He stated: “Our objective is to enhance the overall health of individuals living with HIV.
“Recognising the vulnerability and food insecurity among some patients, we are committed to providing ongoing support to help them lead healthier lives within their communities.”
For the Gweru community, the food hamper distribution marked the second such event this year since the programme’s inception.
One of the beneficiaries expressed her gratitude to AHF for the unexpected gesture, describing it as an early Christmas gift that is of great significance to her and her family.
“I am very happy to receive a food hamper from AHF that I was not expecting. It means a lot to me and my family, and I can say I already have my Christmas.
Another beneficiary lauded AHF, saying it is a friend in need, which has consistently supported them during hard times.
“Some of us don’t have means of production, so this kind of donation means a lot to us and our families,” he said.
