Nutritional feeding fights HIV

SOWETO, South Africa - In the impoverished township of Soweto, southwest of Johannesburg, a small boy stands bashfully next to his home - a flimsy shack held together with sheets of rusted tin and old tires. His home is one in a maze of thousands.

Although the young boy's eyes are wide and bright, his hair barely grows due to malnutrition.

His nose is running and a scab darkens the corner of his left eye. A small sore protrudes on his lower lip as his mouth turns upward into a shy grin.

On the inside of his body, this little one is being attacked. The sores are signs that his immune system is weakening and infection is imminent. The HIV virus robs him of healthy blood cells that fight sickness and disease.

He is one of the estimated 25 percent of the population infected with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. OBI field staff and South African medical professionals suspect the percentage could be much higher. The fear of having HIV dissuades residents from getting tested.

To help extend the lives of patients, Operation Blessing implemented a nutritional feeding program that serves more than 600 people daily, 80 percent of them being children.

"The aim of the program is to first address the food security status in the community with correct nutrition," states Ken Pettitt, Operation Blessing's Regional Director for South Africa.

The meals not only fill the stomachs of the hungry but provide nutrition proven effective in helping fight the virus itself.

"The meals combat HIV/AIDS by reintroducing certain proteins, vitamins and ‘good' bacteria (Pro-biotics) into the body which boost the immune system," explains Pettitt, "Zero to six-month-old infants who once tested positive for HIV, later tested negative after receiving the right nutrition."

In addition to feeding centers, volunteers make over 3,120 home food deliveries a month to HIV/AIDS affected families through "Home Based Care" programs.

Dr. James Lindgren, a consulting physician from the Window of Hope organization of Phoenix, AZ, visited diet recipients then returned six months later to evaluate the children.

"I can see a remarked difference in the overall health of the children," stated Dr. Lindgren. "Sores have healed and I can see in their eyes and complexions that they are benefiting from the program."

As needs escalate, OBI continues to work to expand nutritional feeding programs, microenterprise and innovative agricultural projects throughout South Africa.