Improving nutrition needs for 250 HIV+ children.

Although cases of children malnutrition have been reported among children Uganda for many years, the global outbreak of COVID 19 worsened the situation with children in special groups such those living with HIV and those with disabilities. This is confirmed further by the Ugandan Ministry of Health routine data, which indicated that the proportion of children under five years found malnourished increased to 22.4% in July 2021 from 6.4% in June 2020, with Mityana district ranked one of the six districts presenting high rates of children malnutrition just one year after the first case of COVID 19 was announced in Uganda. 

It is therefore this reason the drives PaCT's efforts towards reduction of malnutrition rates in Mityana District though various approaches such food supplies to HIV positive children and training of mothers in backyard farming to ensure continuous availability of feeding needs. In December 2021 45 families in Kikandwa Sub-county, Mityana District were targeted and supplied with nutritious foods such as silver fish, maize flour and beans. This was a timely care as the same sub-county had unfortunately reported 3 deaths of children related malnutrition in just in 2 months, something that  worries the local authorities a lot. The 45 families added to the 190 children already supported since the start of our campaign in June 2020. 21 out of the 45 families reached in December were supported to start backyard gardening and it's highly expected that this approach will create sustainable approach in ensuring availability of nutritious foods for the children and improve their adherence levels for HIV treatment. 

Leilah is a 76 old grandmother to Janet who lost her mother in 2018 at just the age of 9months. Janet was disorganized HIV positive and recently started on treatment, which initially responded well but due to limited access to food, her health deteriorated, and although she is 4years now, one can think she just made two years. Although Leilah is a bit aged with poor health, she was extremely delighted that she can manage to look after the backyard garden established at home and for the supplies she received.

"Although my granddaughter cannot express herself well, the big smile on her face is a clear indication of her happiness for the food supplies received. This is like a miracle I have prayed for a long time come true, we can only hand you and the donors of this food over to God for the appropriate rewards" lamented Leilah one of the beneficiaries after receiving the food. 

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