Eagle Neema HIV-AIDS Projects Report- Nyeri, Kenya
In most countries, due to the intervention of the Global Fund, anti-retroviral medications are given free. This is necessary in the control of the replication and reproduction of HIV. At the same time, the body needs to regenerate and build cells that have been destroyed by the virus. This can only be done with good and proper nutrition. Many of those with HIV are in the poverty level and are not able to afford the essential food. One of the major programs of AAIM is to empower individuals by providing income generating activities. Goat raising is one of them. As the goat reproduces, some of the flock can be sold for income. Milk from the animal is a good source of nutrition.
The lady dressed in black and white is the Nyeri County Region Officer in charge of the People With Disabilities (PWD) program. She is giving a goat to a person (in dark glasses) with eyesight challenges. At the center of the picture in red is Hellen Mukure the founder and director of Eagle Neema.
Shown is the District Pastor of Thage-in handing over a goat to a physically challenged individual with right leg contracture with an improvised wood crutch to assist in walking.
Even with the COVD-19 pandemic, AAIM programs continue to serve those in need. Without these income generating programs, many would have passed away not from the virus but from hunger.
Handing over another goat to a disabled recipient is the Regional Director for the National AIDS Control Council (NACC). He is the person wearing a red mask.
Ladies most of them are in their teens receiving menstrual sanitary pads. Many cannot afford this feminine necessity. As a result, they are absent from their class for 3-7 days depriving them of the needed education. Some of them while confined at home are raped usually by relatives. One of the projects of AAIM is to provide these monthly disposable pads. In some places, re-usable and washable substitutes made by volunteers have made a big difference in the lives of young women.
You can read more about the projects in the Eagle Neema Community here
Report from Hellen Mukure of Eagle Neema AAIM support group in Nyeri, Kenya