ZIMBABWE

 
People Rise Against HIV-AIDS with a lot of Help 
from the Food Aid Program

Text and Photos by Cecil Laguardia

The long line of people, all 200 of them, was palpably weary but patiently organized as they listened to a discussion on HIV-AIDS and health in general. All of them are also waiting for their share of the food aid provided every month. Busy in the midst of it all was Stanley Sibanda, chairman of the community committee assisting the distribution of World Vision’s Food Aid Program in Njube clinic, south of Bulawayo City in Zimbabwe.

Courageously, Stanley admits, “I was tested positive of HIV-AIDS two years ago. It was an agony to know I have this dreaded disease. But since then, I have moved on, thanks to the help of many people and World Vision, I found an ally to rise and be strong, and to lead my embattled fellow villagers”. He said their efforts are paying off, albeit gradually. People’s awareness on HIV-AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) has improved – discrimination has considerably decreased, especially at work.

Stanley is the elected chairman of the community committee composed of eight villagers that assist World Vision Zimbabwe and the Njube clinic officials in the food aid distribution program. “We also take charge in updating the patients, organize the distribution activity and make sure that everyone gets the information on time”, he explained.

He added that the committee has helped unify and support the people in the village. According to Sharon Sibanda, World Vision Zimbabwe’s Food Aid Monitoring Officer, there are 220 patients who enlisted in the food aid program, at least 85 percent of them HIV-AIDS positive while the rest are afflicted with TB. It made the program an effective tool for people to come out for treatment and proactively deal with their diseases. Sharon said, “At first people were afraid, then embarrassed. Their denial was understandable. They do not want to become a pariah in their villages. Before, admitting that you have HIV-AIDS or TB marks you for life of being discriminated against”.

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, World Vision launched its Food Aid Program for the Chronically Ill in Njube and Magwegwe in 2005. The program provides a monthly food ration to individual patients composed of 10 kg cereal, pulses and vegetable oil. The food is estimated to last for a month for one patient but is often shared with the entire family. “Culturally, it is rude for one not to share the available food especially that everyone has none. Having enough food is critical if one is on treatment”, Sharon added.

The program has now been re-planned to cover household ration until the patient’s condition improves. Stanley, however, notes another crucial challenge, “A TB patient could most likely recover in six months to a year of consistent treatment. This cannot be the same with HIV-AIDS when the treatment is for a lifetime. The people need to realize that they have to help themselves”.

Stanley works in a local printing shop, where at least 70 percent are positive of HIV-AIDS. With consistent campaigns, workshops now accept the reality and even support measures that help patients face their predicament. He said it was a big relief to be accepted by society, much more to be understood and supported. They have grouped themselves and set aside meetings to share information and updates with each other.

“World Vision does not only provide food, but shares information on HIV-AIDS and strengthens our knowledge on health”, Stanley said. He has a lofty dream for his eight children ageing 10-15 years, “For them to finish their studies, live a better life and help others”.

In Magwegwe Clinic, the Bickford family has also found refuge. Magwegwe is classified as a high density area with 290 registered HIV-AIDS and TB patients. The 29-year old Bongani Moyo, his wife Sibonokuhle and three children get their monthly food ration from the food aid programme. Moyo found out last year that he and his entire family are afflicted of the disease. He lost his job as a stevedore because of frequent absences due to hospitalization. He was resourceful enough to contact a local bakery, collect their bread rejects and re-sell them in neighboring homes. The food aid, he stressed, was vital to the family. “It gives us the courage and confidence to continue because there are people who support us”, he emphasized.

Stanley underscores the challenges his people, and the food aid program, are faced with. “The number of patients is growing, and people are dying. On the one side, there is a need to keep campaigning so people would come out and get the help they need. On the other side, there is a limit to the food aid program’s capacity”, he stressed.

“Food aid became an effective vehicle for people to come out for testing. By coming out, they get the treatment and support, especially from their fellow patients whom they can talk and discuss their misery with. I think the moral support is a big thing – you become stronger and hopeful because you share your experience and pain together. It is the most important achievement of the program – allowing people to be an anchor for each other”, he concluded.