Emphasis on Improved Nutrition Helps Woman Reclaim Her Life

In 2007, ACDI/VOCA was awarded a five-year Title II Food for Peace Multi-year Assistance Program (MYAP) in Uganda. One of the objectives of the program is to provide supplemental food rations to 42,000 people living with HIV/AIDS and their families in northern and northeastern Uganda. In addition to providing food, ACDI/VOCA educates clients on ways to prepare their supplemental rations to get the most out of the food that is provided. ACDI/VOCA’s partner in this program is The Aids Support Organization (TASO), the leading Ugandan organization providing medical support and counseling for people and their families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Lucy*, a 33-year-old woman with HIV who has 7 children, was undergoing an anti-retroviral therapy provided by TASO which made her weak due to poor nutrition. She was too weak to even receive the food rations when they were distributed in her village. Her family brought rations from ACDI/VOCA food distribution sites to her home and three months later, after consuming the food supplements distributed by ACDI/VOCA, Lucy gained enough strength and weight that she can now do normal household activities and look after her children.

The anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment provided by TASO helped Lucy control the viral load, but without the correct nutrition, she would have remained weak. Proper nutrition and hygiene are essential for all people living with HIV/AIDS. With or without ARVs, nutritious food and proper hygiene practices can prolong the length and quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients. Thanks to the collaboration between ACDI/VOCA and TASO, Lucy’s health has improved and she has reclaimed her life.

* Lucy's last name is not used to protect her identity.

To learn more about ACDI/VOCA's work in Uganda, click here.

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This story, written by John Jakait of ACDI/VOCA-Uganda, was submitted to ACDI/VOCA's 2008 Success Story Contest.